The Grammy Awards ceremonies always consist of numerous performances that celebrate the music of the past year. This year was no different. On Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, an electrifying group of artists gave standout performances.
To open the show, Bruno Mars and Blackpink singer Rosé jammed out to a rock version of their 2024 smash hit “APT.,” which was nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
While Rosé channeled a pop-punk energy and jumped with the crowd, Mars riffed on his electric guitar. Opening the show comes with a lot of pressure, but Mars and Rosé made sure to set a high bar with their wildly energetic performance.
Although she took home no awards, popstar Sabrina Carpenter gave a win-worthy performance of her song “Manchild.” Dressed in a pilot-inspired look and entering on a baggage carousel, she transformed the Grammys stage into a retro airport terminal. Carpenter proved herself, yet again, as a master of bringing a campy concept to life.
This year, every nominee for Best New Artist performed in a special medley segment. Two standouts were Leon Thomas and Olivia Dean. Taking center stage, Thomas performed his R&B hit “MUTT.” His vocal control and confidence shined, showing how his hard work is paying off after two decades in the industry.
Dean got the arena dancing with a timeless performance of her song “Man I Need.” With a microphone stand and a gold backdrop, she brought a saucy ‘70s vibe to the Grammys stage and took home the award for Best New Artist.
Straying away from elaborate sets or choreography, Justin Bieber gave a subdued performance of his song “YUKON” from his 2025 surprise album “SWAG.”
Under a spotlight, Bieber made his musicianship the main event. His strong, crisp vocals were a standout. Perhaps he will continue this stripped-down performance style in his headlining set at Coachella in April.
Continuing with reimaginations of hit records, Lady Gaga performed a prog-rock take of her 2025 dance track “Abracadabra.” Wearing a black-and-red Alexander McQueen outfit, Gaga belted out her song while playing two keyboards.
A 16-time Grammy winner, she had nothing to prove and gave a powerful, minimalistic performance. Twenty years into her career, Gaga continues to prove herself as an innovative artist who keeps revolutionizing the pop genre.
Nominated for his two albums released in 2025, Tyler, the Creator returned to the Grammys stage for the first time since 2020
This time around, he brought to life “Like Him” and “I Thought I Was Dead” from his album “Chromakopia,” as well as “Sugar on My Tongue” from “Don’t Tap the Glass.”
His performance included a speeding red sports car, a stick of dynamite used to explode a gas station and a cameo by actress Regina King. Tyler combined rap and theatrics to give another memorable Grammys performance.
The in-memoriam segment of the ceremony included Reba McEntire giving a gentle performance of her song “Trailblazer” and Post Malone delivering a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Ms. Lauryn Hill gave a beautiful tribute to R&B icon D’Angelo. Dedicated to Roberta Flack, she also performed an emotional rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” To conclude her set, Hill sang “Killing Me Softly,” bringing the audience to their feet.
Each year, the Grammys continue to bring an eclectic group of performers to the stage. The 2026 show shifted toward more intimate, personal moments instead of focusing on mere spectacle. It felt less like a stiff, traditional awards show and more in tune with current music audiences’ interest in authentic artistry.