Cher’s Lifetime Achievement Award Confirmed via Video The Recording Academy presented Cher with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the Grammy eve, but she was absent in person and sent a pre‑recorded message recalling childhood dreams of singing and joking about “singing naked into a hairbrush” [3]. Chaka Khan, Santana and other legends also received the honor, but Cher’s video was the only remote acceptance noted [3]. The award ceremony took place at Los Angeles’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre on February 1, 2026, the night before the main broadcast [3].

Cher Misannounces Record of the Year, Corrects to Kendrick Lamar While presenting the Record of the Year prize on February 2, 2026, Cher mistakenly announced the late Luther Vandross as the winner before glancing at the teleprompter and correcting herself to name Kendrick Lamar [1]. Lamar’s winning track, “Luther,” features SZA and was officially recognized after the brief on‑stage correction [1]. The slip occurred amid applause and was followed by Cher’s smile and a quick clarification.

“Luther” Samples Late Luther Vandross, Linking Slip to Song The Record of the Year winner incorporates a sample of Luther Vandross’s catalog, a detail highlighted by producer Sounwave during his acceptance speech [1]. The sample provided an unintended logical connection to Cher’s initial error, prompting media commentary on the coincidence [1]. The track’s blend of hip‑hop and R&B earned it the top honor over other nominees.

Trevor Noah Hosts, Praises Live Television After Mishaps Host Trevor Noah introduced Cher’s segment, later calling her back to announce nominees and joking that she might be “better off” [1]. After the misannouncement, Noah remarked, “I love live television,” framing the errors as part of the broadcast’s spontaneity [1]. His comments underscored the ceremony’s unpredictable live format.

Rose and Bruno Mars Open Grammys with “APT.” Performance The ceremony’s opening act featured Rose and Bruno Mars delivering the duet “APT.” at the Crypto.com Arena on February 1, 2026, with Rose kneeling during the bridge and the pair sharing a microphone [2]. The performance was witnessed by pop icons Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus and Bad Bunny, emphasizing the event’s star‑studded atmosphere [2]. Hybe’s U.S. girl group Katseye also appeared later, joining Best New Artist nominees for a collaborative number [2].