Powerhouse Performances, Big Wins, and a Cher Surprise — Chris & Will Take You Inside the 2026 GRAMMY Awards
- Chris and Will Press
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Courtesy: CBS/Recording Academy
Written By: Christopher L. Antie & William Antie
Chris and Will deliver exclusive red‑carpet and in-arena coverage of a ceremony packed with powerhouse performances, surprise wins, and headline-making snubs.
LOS ANGELES — The 2026 GRAMMY Awards lit up the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night with a ceremony that blended powerhouse performances, emotional tributes, and a few headline-making surprises. Chris and Will were on the red carpet and inside the ceremony for their special broadcast, capturing the energy, the fashion, and the unforgettable moments that defined music’s biggest night.
From the moment Bruno Mars and ROSÉ opened the telecast with a slick, high-voltage performance of “APT.,” the tone was set: this year’s GRAMMYs were going to be bold, global, and unapologetically theatrical.
Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories, taking home Record of the Year for “luther” with SZA — one of the evening’s most celebrated wins. Bad Bunny continued his global reign, securing Album of the Year for DeBÍ TIRAR Más FOTOS, while Billie Eilish and Finneas added another golden gramophone to their collection with Song of the Year for “WILDFLOWER.”
Olivia Dean earned Best New Artist, a moment that felt both well‑deserved and fiercely competitive given the breakout year across the category.
But the night wasn’t without its snubs. Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the evening with a fiery, camera-ready rendition of “Manchild,” yet walked away empty-handed despite nominations in major categories. Fans inside the arena — and on social media — made their disappointment known.
Lady Gaga, meanwhile, electrified the room with her rock-leaning performance of “Abracadabra (Rock Version),” shortly before winning Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM and Best Dance Pop Recording for the original version of “Abracadabra.”
One of the night’s most unexpected and celebrated moments came when Cher made a surprise appearance, stepping onto the GRAMMY stage with the kind of effortless command only she can deliver. The arena erupted — a standing ovation before she even spoke. Her presence added a sense of legacy and glamour that threaded the night together, reminding everyone why she remains one of entertainment’s most enduring icons.
Chris and Will captured the moment in person, describing the roar of the crowd and the emotional shift in the room as Cher appeared. It was a highlight that instantly became one of the most replayed clips of the night.
The 2026 GRAMMYs delivered a lineup that felt like a curated journey through the year’s most defining sounds.
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild” A sharp, theatrical performance that had the entire arena buzzing.
Justin Bieber — “YUKON” A stripped-back, emotionally charged moment that reminded audiences of his vocal power.
Best New Artist Medley A rapid-fire showcase featuring The Marías, Addison Rae, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, and more — a celebration of the genre‑blurring future of pop.
Tyler, The Creator — “Thought I Was Dead” / “Like Him” / “Sugar On My Tongue” A visually stunning, narrative-driven performance that became one of the night’s artistic standouts.
In Memoriam Tribute Led by Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson, followed by a thunderous Ozzy Osbourne tribute from Post Malone and an all-star band. Ms. Lauryn Hill’s sweeping multi-artist tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack brought the arena to its feet.
Clipse, Pharrell Williams & Voices of Fire — “So Far Ahead” A late‑show jolt of energy that set the stage for the night’s final awards.
On the red carpet, Chris and Will delivered their signature blend of warmth, humor, and sharp industry insight. Their interviews captured candid moments from nominees, first-time attendees, and returning legends — all while giving audiences a front row seat to the fashion, nerves, and excitement that define GRAMMY night.
Inside the ceremony, their live reactions and behind-the-scenes commentary added depth to the broadcast. From the emotional acceptance speeches to the electric performances, they brought viewers into the room with them — the cheers, the gasps, the standing ovations, and the palpable sense of history unfolding.
With major wins for Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Olivia Dean — plus unforgettable performances and a surprise appearance from Cher — the 2026 GRAMMY Awards delivered a ceremony that will be talked about long after the lights dimmed.
And thanks to Chris and Will’s on-the-ground coverage, audiences experienced the night with the immediacy, intimacy, and excitement of being right there in the arena.
To listen to captured interviews from Chris and Will, be sure to listen to their special Grammys episode on What About Our Life? via iHeartRadio.
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Source: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie, of Chris and Will Press, are podcast journalists who cover a wide range of topics across multiple industries. To learn more about Chris and Will, tune in to their podcast What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio, and visit chrisandwill.com.