Lady Gaga dominated the 2026 Grammy Awards on Feb. 1 in Los Angeles, taking home two trophies and delivering one of the night’s most talked‑about performances — a win that capped a star‑studded evening of fashion, tributes and memorable sets.
What happened: winners and moments
The ceremony at Crypto.com Arena saw Gaga add two Grammys to her collection, increasing her total to 16. She won in two of the seven categories where she had been nominated and used her acceptance speech to reflect on a long career: “I’ve been making music since I was a little girl, and every time I’m here, I still feel like I need to pinch myself,” she said, adding, “I respect everybody in this room so much.” She also thanked her fiancé Michael Polansky.
Major prizes around the room went to a mix of established stars and breakout acts: Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” won Record of the Year, Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” took Song of the Year, and Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos was named Album of the Year.
Gaga’s performance
Gaga returned to the stage with a high‑energy, rock‑tinged take on “Abracadabra,” balancing an oversized, lampshade‑style headpiece and delivering jolting choreography and big vocals. The set reaffirmed her theatrical instincts while reminding viewers why she remains a force on awards night.
Performance highlights: Sabrina Carpenter and the rest
Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the night’s standout performances with a rousing, campy take on “Manchild.” Carpenter transformed the stage into a vintage baggage‑claim tableau and led tightly choreographed routines with backup dancers in pilot‑style costumes, leaning into showmanship even when some live moments faltered.
The telecast also featured Bruno Mars and Rosé opening with “APT.,” powerful tributes led by Ms. Lauryn Hill, and an eclectic best‑new‑artist medley showcasing names such as Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Alex Warren. Cher received a surprise lifetime achievement honor, and several other winners used their moments to make political and personal statements.
Red carpet and reactions
The red carpet was a mood unto itself, with stars including Chappell Roan and Olivia Dean turning heads in Los Angeles. Social feeds quickly lit up over Gaga’s bold headpiece and Carpenter’s showmanship; fans and industry figures praised the production values and several performances trended online in the hours after the broadcast.
Why this matters now
Beyond trophies, the Grammys remain a streaming and visibility engine. Winners like Gaga, Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish are likely to see short‑term streaming bumps and renewed media attention. For performers such as Sabrina Carpenter, a high‑profile Grammy set can translate into tour momentum and wider mainstream exposure.
Expect more reaction and analysis in the days after Feb. 1 as artists and labels measure commercial impact and as viewers revisit standout moments from a night that blended spectacle, politics and artistry.