2026 Grammys: History Made as Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar & SZA Win Big

The 68th Grammy Awards, held Sunday night, marked a historic occasion for several artists and signaled a potential shift within the Recording Academy. The evening saw first-time wins in major categories, alongside recognition of established artists who continue to shape the musical landscape.

A Night of Firsts

Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” achieved a milestone, becoming the first Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year. Kendrick Lamar and SZA were recognized for “Luther,” which secured the Record of the Year award. This win makes Lamar the most awarded rapper in Grammy history and marks his second consecutive win in the category. Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas O’Connell, added to their accolades with a win for Song of the Year with “Wildflower,” making them the only songwriters to win the award three times.

Did You Know? Kendrick Lamar is now the winningest rapper in Grammy history, and the fourth artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years.

A Reflection of Change

The awards ceremony appeared to reflect the diversity gains the Recording Academy has publicly acknowledged within its 15,000 voting members. However, the music celebrated still resonated with established Grammy values. The night was a celebration of both groundbreaking achievements and a reverence for musical tradition.

Honoring Musical Lineage

“Luther,” the winning Record of the Year, exemplifies this blend of innovation, and tradition. The song is built upon samples from Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 rendition of a song originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in the late 1960s. This intricate layering of musical history demonstrates a conscious effort to connect generations through sound.

Olivia Dean, named Best New Artist, also demonstrated a connection to the past, with her work drawing inspiration from the pop-soul sounds of Diana Ross and Whitney Houston.

Tradition and Innovation

Even Bad Bunny’s win, while groundbreaking for a Spanish-language album, was achieved through a deliberate embrace of tradition. “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” incorporates elements of Puerto Rican folk styles like bomba and plena, and features more live instrumentation than his previous work, “Un Verano Sin Ti.”

Expert Insight: The success of artists like Bad Bunny and Beyoncé, who won Album of the Year in 2025 for “Cowboy Carter,” suggests a growing appreciation within the Recording Academy for works deeply rooted in musical tradition, even as they push creative boundaries.

Bad Bunny’s Grammy win is expected to further elevate his profile, setting the stage for his upcoming halftime performance at Super Bowl LX. Justin Bieber’s stripped-down performance of “Yukon” also stood out, showcasing a vulnerability and artistic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What album won Album of the Year at the 68th Grammy Awards?

Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” won Album of the Year.

Who won Record of the Year?

Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the Year for “Luther.”

How many times have Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won Song of the Year?

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell have won Song of the Year three times.

As the music industry continues to evolve, will the Grammys continue to balance recognising innovation with honoring the legacies that have shaped the art form?