Kendrick Lamar, SZA Take Record of the Year for Luther at Grammys 2026
Kendrick Lamar, SZA Take Record of the Year for Luther at Grammys 2026
Kendrick Lamar and SZA win Record of the Year for 'Luther' at the 2026 Grammys, honoring Vandross-inspired R&B as Cher adds a playful misread moment.
Kendrick Lamar and SZA won Record of the Year at the 2026 Grammys for 'Luther,' their chart-topping R&B ballad from Lamar's GNX album. The track beat out Bad Bunny's 'DtMF,' Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild,' Billie Eilish's 'Wildflower,' Doechii's 'Anxiety,' Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra,' Chappell Roan's 'The Subway,' and Bruno Mars and Rosé's 'APT.' Cher presented the award and momentarily misread her card, joking that she was about to crown the late Luther Vandross, before naming Kendrick and SZA for 'Luther.'
Lamar spoke about Vandross as a major influence, saying, 'Luther Vandross is one of my favorite artists of all time. They granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you we all near dropped to tears… It proved we were somewhat worthy to be just as great as them individuals. They granted us that.' SZA urged the audience to stay hopeful in tough times, reminding them, 'We’re not governed by the government. We’re governed by God.'
The track pays homage to Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 rendition of 'If This World Were Mine,' and producer Sounwave explained that 'Luther' began as a bare interlude with minimal drums. 'There were no drums. It was literally me chopping the sample and Dot just humming melodies,' he recalled. The moment added a poignant layer to a night full of surprises and tribute to musical legacy.
