Did music’s biggest night give us the awards show that we need right now?

The best and worst moments from the 2026 Grammy Awards

Did music's biggest night give us the awards show that we need right now?

By Sydney Bucksbaum,

Sydney Bucksbaum

Sydney Bucksbaum is a staff writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2019 and is a published author. Her work has previously appeared in *TV Guide Magazine*, E! News/E! Online, *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mashable, Bustle, IGN, DCComics.com, Inverse, *The Daily Northwestern*, and more.

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Mekishana Pierre,

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on *Entertainment Tonight* and Popsugar.

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and Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

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on February 1, 2026 10:30 p.m. ET

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Olivia Dean performs during the 68th Grammy Awards. Credit:

Kevin Winter/Getty

The 2026 Grammys kicked off with a Bruno Mars and Rosé number, a buzzy compilation of performances from Best New Artist nominees, six-time host Trevor Noah pulling out fresh zingers, and winners speaking out against ICE.

The energizing ceremony wasn't without a few awkward mishaps, though. Check out the best and worst moments from music's biggest night, below.**

BEST: The Best New Artist medley

Lola Young performs at the 68th Grammy Awards.

Kevin Winter/Getty

If you weren’t up on your feet grooving along to the near-perfect Best New Artist medley, were you even watching the Grammys?! The entire class of nominees understood the assignment, performing their breakout hit songs like seasoned veterans. Beginning with Addison Rae backstage, the medley then smoothly transitioned into onstage performances from Katseye, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young (in her triumphant return after a hiatus due to her health), Olivia Dean (who went on to win the award minutes later), and Sombr, with the Marias singing before host Trevor Noah introduced the segment. The only hiccup was Warren having some problems with his in-ear piece and struggling to stay on beat for a few seconds during "Ordinary," but he got back in sync before ascending over the crowd on a rising platform. *—Sydney Bucksbaum*

BEST: Travor Noah as a 6-time host

Trevor Noah speaks onstage at the 68th Grammy Awards.

Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

It's obvious why this was Trevor Noah’s sixth time as the Grammys host — he gets that music is more than just entertainment, it’s about culture and community. While some comedians focus on the jokes, Noah treated his monologue as a moment to remind fans about the people behind the headlines. He's a fan geeking out about Queen Latifah (as everyone should in front of royalty), *and* he's a comedian calling out Nicki Minaj's abrupt heel turn to MAGA Barbie. He also knows not to wear out his welcome, which is why this was his last time hosting. (He respects term limits!) —*Mekishana Pierre*

WORST: Chappell Roan struggling to read the teleprompter

Chappell Roan struggling to read the teleprompter while announcing Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys.

Chappell Roan struggled to read another teleprompter from a big ceremony stage at the Grammys. While gearing up to announce Olivia Dean's name as 2026's Best New Artist, the "Hot to Go" singer repeated the flub she made while inducting Cyndi Lauper into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November by taking a long pause, narrowing her eyes, and appearing to struggle to discern the next words. At least she didn't drop another F-bomb! —*Ryan Coleman*

BEST: Justin Bieber’s naked truth

Justin Bieber performs at the 2026 Grammys.

Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty

Justin Bieber gave new meaning to the term "stripped down" in his triumphant return to the Grammys stage. In his first appearance at the ceremony since 2022, he stunned viewers with a raw, vulnerable, and altogether gorgeous performance of "Yukon." And he did it in only his boxers and socks, proving that this man doesn't need much to deliver powerful art. Give him a guitar, loop pedal, and a microphone, and the 31-year-old will show you exactly why he's been a superstar for more than half his life. Now we're even more excited for his headlining Coachella set this April… bring on #Bieberchella! *—S.B.*

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Original Article on Source

Source: “EW Grammys”