Rosé and Bruno Mars Ignite the 2026 Grammy Awards

Tue Feb 03 2026 17:45:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 2026 Grammy Awards commenced with a high-energy performance by K-Pop star Rosé and pop icon Bruno Mars, presenting their rock rendition of the hit APT, nominated for three awards including Song of the Year.

The Grammy Awards kicked off with a spectacular duet by Rosé and Bruno Mars, who performed a rock version of their nominated track APT. Host Trevor Noah added humor by referencing the song's basis in a South Korean drinking game. The ceremony opened to applause as Olivia Dean took home the Best New Artist award, highlighting the achievements of emerging talents. The event also featured Kendrick Lamar winning Best Rap Album, making Grammy history and addressing the ongoing state of hip-hop culture. This year's ceremony emphasized performances with fewer awards presented live.

Rosé and Bruno Mars Ignite the 2026 Grammy Awards

In a stunning start to the 2026 Grammy Awards, K-Pop sensation Rosé and pop powerhouse Bruno Mars took to the stage to perform their rock-infused version of the hit song APT, which is nominated for three awards, including Song of the Year.

Host Trevor Noah lightened the mood with his playful commentary, referencing the song's ties to a complex South Korean drinking game. In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink, he quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Among the early winners, British artist Olivia Dean secured the Best New Artist award approximately an hour into the ceremony, using her acceptance speech to champion the importance of recognizing immigrants. I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant, she stated, honoring the contributions of immigrant families.

In another highlight, Kendrick Lamar was awarded Best Rap Album for his work GNX, making him the rapper with the most Grammy Awards in history, at a total of 26 wins. Reflecting on his journey, Lamar expressed, I'm not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. Hip-hop is always going to be right here. This marks his fourth win in the rap album category, having previously won for To Pimp A Butterfly in 2016.

Sabrina Carpenter followed with a dazzling performance of her hit Manchild, dressed as a stewardess and delivering an elaborate staging as she danced on luggage carousels.

All nominees for Best New Artist were featured prominently, showcasing their unique talents. Lola Young notably performed her breakout hit Messy, marking her return to the stage after a break for health reasons, while the six-member group Katseye presented their viral hit Gnarly.

In the lead-up to the main show, smaller ceremonies recognized several artists, including Yungblud, FKA Twigs, and several stars who used their platforms to address pressing political issues in the U.S.. Notably, Gloria Estefan, honored for her album Raíces, voiced deep concern for the state of the country and its treatment of immigrants.

This year, only nine awards will be given during the live broadcast, while the majority were distributed at a separate event earlier in the day.