The 68th Annual Grammy Awards concluded with historic moments and significant global representation, though Nigerian artists did not secure any wins this year. The ceremony, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026, saw Bad Bunny make history with his Album of the Year victory, while Kendrick Lamar surpassed Jay Z as the rapper with the most Grammy wins ever.
Nigerian Presence and Global Impact
Despite no Nigerian artists taking home awards, their nominations across key categories kept the country firmly in the global music conversation. Davido, nominated for Best African Music Performance with "With You" featuring Omah Lay, brought significant attention to the category. Ayra Starr, with her second consecutive nomination for "Gimme Dat" featuring Wizkid, continued her remarkable rise in international recognition.
Burna Boy maintained his status as Nigeria's most-nominated artist with his 13th career nomination, though he did not secure a win in the Best Global Music Album category. The visibility of these artists throughout the eligibility period demonstrated the sustained influence of Nigerian music beyond award night.
Historic Wins and Record Breakers
Bad Bunny's Monumental Achievement
Bad Bunny created Grammy history by winning Album of the Year for "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS," becoming the first all-Spanish language album to claim the ceremony's top prize. The Puerto Rican superstar dedicated his award to "all the people who had to leave their homeland to follow their dreams," delivering an emotional acceptance speech that resonated globally.
This victory marked Bad Bunny's sixth career Grammy and solidified his position as one of music's most influential figures. His album's success represents a significant milestone for Spanish-language music in the Recording Academy's highest category.
Kendrick Lamar's Record-Shattering Night
Kendrick Lamar made Grammy history by surpassing Jay Z as the rapper with the most Grammy wins, securing his 27th award. His collaboration with SZA on "luther" won Record of the Year, with both artists dedicating their victory to music legends Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn.
Lamar also won Best Rap Album for "GNX," Best Rap Song for "tv off," and Best Melodic Rap Performance for "luther." His dominance across multiple categories demonstrated his continued artistic excellence and influence in contemporary music.
Other Notable Winners and Performances
Billie Eilish set a new Grammy record by winning her third Song of the Year award for "WILDFLOWER," becoming the artist with the most wins in that category's history. She now holds ten career Grammys total.
Olivia Dean won Best New Artist, delivering a powerful acceptance speech where she identified as "the granddaughter of an immigrant" and celebrated "bravery" in pursuing dreams. Her victory broke a nine-year streak where no male artist had won the category since Chance The Rapper in 2017.
Lady Gaga added to her impressive Grammy collection, winning Best Pop Vocal Album for "MAYHEM" and bringing her career total to sixteen awards. She also delivered a memorable rock performance of "Abracadabra" during the ceremony.
African Representation and Category Results
South Africa's Tyla won Best African Music Performance for "PUSH 2 START," continuing her successful Grammy trajectory. The category, established in 2024, has seen Nigerian artists nominated each year but has yet to yield a Nigerian winner.
Bad Bunny also won Best Global Music Performance for "EeO," while Israel & New Breed took Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for "Coritos Vol. 1." These results highlighted the diverse global representation at this year's ceremony.
Memorable Performances and Moments
The 68th Grammy Awards featured several standout performances that captivated audiences worldwide. Bruno Mars debuted "I Just Might" from his upcoming album "The Romantic," marking his return to the Grammy stage after several years.
Rosé and Bruno Mars opened the show with a collaborative performance of "APT.," setting a high-energy tone for the evening. Justin Bieber delivered an emotional performance of "YUKON," marking his highly anticipated return to the Grammy stage.
Pharrell Williams received the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, using his acceptance speech to advocate for social justice, stating: "Nobody is illegal on stolen land. We need to keep fighting and speaking up. Our voices do matter."
Looking Forward
While Nigerian artists did not secure Grammy wins this year, their continued presence in major categories demonstrates the growing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. The nominations themselves represent significant recognition from the Recording Academy and maintain Nigeria's position in international music conversations.
The 68th Grammy Awards will be remembered for historic firsts, record-breaking achievements, and powerful artistic statements. As the music industry looks ahead, the sustained impact of Nigerian artists suggests that Grammy recognition may be closer than ever for the country's talented musicians.
