Kendrick Lamar and SZA Win Record of the Year for “Luther” at 2026 Grammys

Kendrick Lamar and SZA won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for their song "Luther" at the 2026 Grammy Awards. This victory marked Lamar's fifth trophy of the evening and his 27th career win. The song "Luther" serves as a tribute to the late R&B singer Luther Vandross, who passed away in 2005. The announcement of the award was somewhat overshadowed by a confusing introduction from Cher, who mistakenly referred to "Luther Vandross" when announcing the winner. This moment drew comparisons to John Travolta's infamous mispronunciation of Adele's name at a previous awards ceremony. Cher paused before revealing the actual winner, which added to the confusion surrounding the announcement. Kendrick Lamar expressed his admiration for Luther Vandross, stating that he is one of his favorite artists of all time. The win for "Luther" highlights the continued impact of Vandross's legacy in contemporary music, as both Lamar and SZA have drawn inspiration from his work. The recognition at the Grammys underscores the song's significance and the artists' contributions to the music industry. Overall, the 2026 Grammy Awards showcased the achievements of Kendrick Lamar and SZA, while also providing a memorable moment with Cher's introduction, which will likely be remembered alongside other notable award show gaffes.