From Bad Bunny’s selfie takeover to SZA calling the Grammys dystopian, here’s everything viewers didn’t see on TV at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
02.01-02.07 Choice Day (for BR)
What Happened at the 2026 Grammy Awards?
The 2026 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, delivered far more than music. While televised viewers saw dazzling performances and historic wins, backstage and off-camera moments revealed a ceremony deeply shaped by politics, culture, and celebrity power.
From pointed commentary on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to calls for civic engagement, many of music’s biggest stars used their platform to speak directly to the state of the nation — while still offering moments of spectacle and escapism.
Why Were the Grammys So Politically Charged This Year?
Several artists made it clear that silence was not an option in 2026. During speeches and interviews, musicians condemned immigration enforcement practices and encouraged Americans to stay hopeful, mobilized, and engaged.
SZA captured the mood best when she described the ceremony as feeling “dystopian”, reflecting a growing tension between celebration and reality. The contrast was intentional — artists used the Grammys not just to entertain, but to provoke conversation.
When and Where Did It All Happen?
The ceremony took place on Sunday, Feb. 1, at Los Angeles’ iconic Crypto.com Arena. While millions watched from home, USA TODAY reporters captured exclusive moments from the red carpet, inside the arena, and backstage, revealing a very different Grammys experience than what aired live.
How the Night Balanced Escapism and Shock Value
Despite heavy themes, performances delivered unforgettable visuals:
Tyler, the Creator crashed a car onstage and ignited a stick of dynamite
Justin Bieber stunned fans with a stripped-down performance — literally wearing only his boxers
Reba McEntire made her long-awaited Grammys debut
Lauryn Hill led a show-stealing R&B mashup
Cher returned to the Grammys stage for the first time in nearly 20 years
The night culminated with Bad Bunny’s historic Album of the Year win, presented by Harry Styles, solidifying his dominance in American pop culture.
Everyone Wanted a Selfie With Bad Bunny
With Taylor Swift and Beyoncé absent, Bad Bunny became the center of gravity backstage. Celebrities, producers, and presenters alike scrambled for selfies, turning hallways into impromptu photo ops.
His presence underscored a major shift in the U.S. music industry — global artists now command the same cultural power once reserved for legacy American superstars.
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What the 2026 Grammys Really Revealed
Beyond awards and performances, the 2026 Grammys reflected an America wrestling with identity, activism, and hope — all while the biggest stars in music reminded us why culture still moves the nation.