Cher Causes Confusion at Grammys by Announcing ‘Luther Vandross’ as Winner of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Record of the Year

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar and SZA won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for their song "Luther." This victory marked Kendrick 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. Kendrick Lamar expressed his admiration for Vandross, stating that he is one of his favorite artists of all time. The recognition for "Luther" underscores the song's significance and highlights the ongoing influence of Vandross's legacy in contemporary music, as both Lamar and SZA have drawn inspiration from his work. 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 took a long pause before revealing the actual winner, which added to the confusion surrounding the announcement. The 2026 Grammy Awards showcased the achievements of Kendrick Lamar and SZA, emphasizing their contributions to the music industry. The win for "Luther" highlights the artists' impact on contemporary music and the significance of their work. Cher's introduction will likely be remembered alongside other notable award show gaffes, adding a memorable moment to the event. Overall, the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the artists while also providing a moment of confusion that will be recalled in future discussions of award show history.