What's happened
At the 2026 Grammys, U.K. singer-songwriter Olivia Dean won best new artist, beating rising stars like Lola Young. The event featured major wins for Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and a tribute to late icons Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack, and D’Angelo, highlighting both emerging talent and historic performances.
What's behind the headline?
The 2026 Grammy Awards reflect a deliberate focus on bridging generations in music. Olivia Dean’s victory as best new artist signals the ongoing importance of UK talent in global music, echoing past winners like Adele and Dua Lipa. Lamar’s wins reinforce his status as a defining voice in contemporary hip-hop, with his potential first album of the year win cementing his legacy. The tribute performances, especially Lauryn Hill’s anticipated appearance, serve as a reminder of the enduring influence of past icons. The political overtones, notably Bad Bunny’s protest against U.S. immigration policies, highlight how the Grammys remain a platform for cultural commentary. Overall, the ceremony underscores a shift towards celebrating diversity, activism, and the blending of old and new in music’s evolving landscape.
What the papers say
The coverage from Reuters highlights Kendrick Lamar’s historic wins and Bad Bunny’s political stance, emphasizing the ceremony’s cultural significance. The Independent notes Olivia Dean’s emotional acceptance and her rise within the UK scene, linking her victory to a lineage of influential artists. The New York Times discusses Lauryn Hill’s potential tribute performance, framing it as a pivotal moment that could resonate deeply with audiences. These perspectives collectively illustrate the Grammy’s role as both a celebration of musical achievement and a reflection of broader social issues, with each source offering insights into the event’s multifaceted significance.
How we got here
The Grammys continue to recognize both new and established artists, with recent ceremonies emphasizing diversity and cultural impact. Olivia Dean's win marks her rise within the UK’s vibrant music scene, while Kendrick Lamar’s multiple nominations and wins underscore his influence in hip-hop. The event also paid homage to legendary artists who passed away last year, including Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, and Roberta Flack, with Hill performing a tribute that could be a highlight of the night.
Go deeper
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Olivia Lauryn Dean is an English singer. She began her career in collaboration with Rudimental. She was named Amazon Music's 2021 breakthrough artist of the year and recorded an exclusive version of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" for the company's 2
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Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and actress. She is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, as well as being one of the most influential singers of her generation.