The 2026 Grammy Awards hosted many of music’s biggest artists, celebrating the achievements in the industry over the past year in Los Angeles on Feb.1
Many fashion statements were made on the red carpet prior to the evening’s festivities, with some of my personal favorites being PinkPanthers’ dress, which featured a variety of watercolors that were pleasant to the eye, María Zardoya’s dress, sparkling black with some lace components, and a glass rose that complemented the outfit as well as reflected her music.
Other artists with impressive outfits included Audrey Nuna from HUNTR/X, with a dress that evoked a Picasso painting, Pharrell Williams in a plush pink blazer with silver accents, and Jon Batiste in a royal-armor-inspired jacket designed by the Nigerian-owned fashion brand Eleven Sixteen.
A handful of artists included pins in their outfit choices that read “Ice Out,” including Joni Mitchell, Kehlani, Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, making a political statement on the carpet and during the show. Many had performances during the show, including Sabrina Carpenter, Bruno Mars and Tyler, the Creator.
I think my favorite out of them was The Marías, who played a slimmed-down version of one of their newer songs, “No One Noticed.”
It includes a small solo from guitarist Jesse Perlman and the Spanish lyrics from the extended version, which I believe was a nice touch to the overall performance.
Among the artists who won awards, my favorite was Laufey, who won Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for her release “A Matter Of Time.” The album covered topics of emotional expression, like friendship breakups and personal introspection, which I thought were well deserving of an award.
Other notable awards included Bad Bunny for Album of the Year with “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” and Kendrick Lamar for Record of the Year with his track, “Luther.” Sinners took home Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Best Album Cover went to CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator and Best Rock Song was won by Nine Inch Nails with their track “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.”
Williams won the Dr. Dre’s Global Impact Award, presented by the Recording Academy to Black music creators whose dedication to the art form has greatly influenced the industry. This adds him to the list of recipients, including John Legend, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
I think this year’s ceremony was better than last year’s because in addition to adding on two new categories celebrating album cover artists and traditional country, it also included a “War Pigs” tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne as well as a multitude of songs, such as “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Killing Me Softly” in tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack.
I also thought there were more standout outfits this year than last, with the few standout artists being Jaden Smith wearing a house on his head, producer Mustard wearing a hand-knit cardigan, and Daniel Church in an 8-ball-inspired jacket.
Overall, I would give this year’s show an 8/10. It was substantial fashion-wise and the award winners were well selected.
