Cher accidentally announces dead artist as Record of the Year winner at Grammys
Cher accidentally announced a dead artist as the winner of Record of the Year in an unfortunate mix-up at last night's Grammys.
Yesterday (1 February) saw the music industry's biggest and brightest talent descend on Los Angeles for the awards ceremony, which saw SuperBowl performer Bad Bunny scoop the prestigious 'Album of the Year' award.
However, the night wasn't without hiccups, as singer Cher accidentally told attendees that one of the awards had been given to a singer who'd passed away over two decades ago.
The 79-year-old was on stage after being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award and went to leave the stage after delivering her speech, forgetting that she was also tasked with revealing the winner of the Record of the Year category.
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After being reminded of her duties by Grammys' host Trevor Noah, the 'Believe' singer was left confused when the winner's name was not displayed on the teleprompter.
"Oh... they told me it was going to be on the [tele]prompter," she said, before opening the envelope to reveal the winner's name.
This is where Cher then finalised her trio of mistakes, telling crowds in attendance that Luther Vandross - an R&B singer who'd passed away in 2005 - had won the award.
Oops.
Anyone familiar with the nominations in the category will have quickly realised the actual winner was Kendrick Lamar and SZA with their track 'Luthor', which samples the late singer.
The Lamar, who appears to be a little bemused by the situation, before Cher quickly corrects herself.
Watch the awkward moment below:
Cher funny moment when announcing the winner of ‘Record of the Year’ at the #GRAMMYs .
— NetVibex (@NetVibex) February 2, 2026
pic.twitter.com/Bolvk3AzdZ
Lamar was able to take the mix-up in his stride, joking to the crowd: "This is what music is about... Luther Vandross."
The 38-year-old then went on to praise Vandross, revealing he'd been left emotional after being approved to sample Vandross and Cheryl Lynn's 1982 rendition of 'If This World Were Mine'.
"This is special for me," he said. "I gotta take my time. It’s 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 damn near all dropped a tear."
The single had appeared on Lamar's 2024 album GNX, which had been up for two nominations - Album of the Year and Best Rap Album - winning the latter category.
Grammys 2026 nominations
Record Of The Year
DtMF - Bad Bunny
Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter
Anxiety - Doechii
WILDFLOWER - Billie Eilish
Abracadabra - Lady Gaga
Luther - Kendrick Lamar With SZA (winner)
The Subway - Chappell Roan
APT. - ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
Album Of The Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS - Bad Bunny (winner)
SWAG - Justin Bieber
Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out - Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
MAYHEM - Lady Gaga
GNX - Kendrick Lamar
MUTT - Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA - Tyler, The Creator
Song Of The Year
Abracadabra - Lady Gaga
Anxiety - Doechii
APT - ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
DtMF - Bad Bunny
Golden — From KPop Demon Hunters
Luther - Kendrick Lamar With SZA
Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter
WILDFLOWER - Billie Eilish (winner)
Best New Artist
Olivia Dean (winner)
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young
Best Pop Solo Performance
DAISIES - Justin Bieber
Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter
Disease - Lady Gaga
The Subway - Chappell Roan
Messy - Lola Young (winner)
Best Rock Performance
U Should Not Be Doing That - Amyl and The Sniffers
The Emptiness Machine - Linkin Park
NEVER ENOUGH - Turnstile
Mirtazapine - Hayley Williams
Changes (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning - YUNGBLUD Ft Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman, II (winner)
Best R&B Performance
YUKON - Justin Bieber
It Depends - Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller
Folded - Kehlani (winner)
MUTT (Live From NPR's Tiny Desk) - Leon Thomas
Heart Of A Woman - Summer Walker
Best Rap Performance
Outside - Cardi B
Chains & Whips - Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams
Anxiety - Doechii
tv off - Kendrick Lamar Ft Lefty Gunplay (winner)
Darling, I - Tyler, The Creator Ft Teezo Touchdown
Best Music Video
Young Lion - Sade
Manchild - Sabrina Carpenter
So Be It - Clipse
Anxiety - Doechii (winner)
Love - OK Go
Topics: Kendrick Lamar, Music, Grammys
Brenna Cooper