A moment of confusion at the 2026 Grammy Awards quickly turned into a celebration of musical legacy, as Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as the winner for Record of the Year. The award ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their collaboration, “luther.”
A Grammy Mix-Up and a Gracious Response
During the February 1st ceremony, Cher initially declared Luther Vandross the winner before correcting herself and announcing Kendrick Lamar. The error occurred, she explained, because the announcement was not appearing on the prompter. Despite the mishap, SZA responded with grace, stating there were no hard feelings.
SZA explained the connection, noting that she and Kendrick Lamar “share the frequency of the song” and that Vandross’ influence was integral to their win. She added that Cher, “from that era,” likely “really knew Luther Vandross.”
Acknowledging a Musical Foundation
The sentiment was echoed during the acceptance speech by Sounwave, a producer on the track, who gave a shout-out to the late Luther Vandross. Kendrick Lamar also spoke of Vandross’ importance, stating that receiving clearance to sample his work was a deeply emotional moment.
While “luther” secured SZA her only win of the night, Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories and ultimately led all winners with five trophies at the 2026 Grammys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the 2026 Grammys regarding the Record of the Year award?
Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as the winner of Record of the Year before correcting herself and announcing Kendrick Lamar and SZA as the actual recipients for their song “luther.”
How did SZA react to Cher’s mistake?
SZA said there were no hard feelings and explained that Cher was “not wrong” given that “luther” samples a song by Luther Vandross. She also noted Cher’s generation likely had a personal connection to Vandross’ music.
What did Kendrick Lamar and Sounwave say about Luther Vandross during their acceptance speech?
Sounwave gave a shout-out to the late Luther Vandross, and Kendrick Lamar described receiving clearance to sample Vandross’ work as a deeply emotional experience.
As artists continue to draw inspiration from musical predecessors, how might sampling and tribute become increasingly central to contemporary award shows?
