The 2026 Grammy Awards ended in confusion after Cher mistakenly announced a deceased artist as the winner of Record of the Year. The moment quickly became the most talked-about part of the night.
When presenting the final award, Cher appeared unsure and struggled with the process. After opening the envelope, she announced the name of Luther Vandross, an R&B singer who died in 2005. Viewers were left shocked and confused as the mistake unfolded live on air.
The actual winner was the song Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. The song includes a vocal sample from Vandross, which is why his name appeared on the card. However, the award was meant for the living artists who created the track, not the late singer.
Social media reacted instantly, with many viewers laughing at the error while others expressed sympathy for Cher. Kendrick Lamar handled the situation calmly, took the stage, and later acknowledged Vandross as the inspiration behind the song. The unscripted moment turned a routine award presentation into an unforgettable and chaotic finale.