The 68th Grammy Awards came with their fair share of surprises. The Grammys, a celebration of music and artists, are usually like a movie; there is so much heightened suspense. Our minds run wild asking ourselves who will win and who will return home as just a nominee.
What were the absolute surprises at the Grammys this year?
Highlights From the 2026 Grammy Awards
1. Davido did not win a Grammy
Many Nigerians hoped that Davido would finally win a Grammy after five nominations, his viral hit with Omah Lay, ‘With You,’ and his hints at retirement; but unfortunately for him, he didn’t. 
2. Tyla won!
For Tyla lovers, this may not be shocking, but for many Nigerians rooting for Davido or Ayra Starr, it was. At just 24, she is now a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist: one for ‘Water’ and the other for ‘Push to Start.’
3. Nigerians in the diaspora won big but nothing for Nigerians at Home
We had three Nigerians in the Diaspora who won at the Grammys: Cynthia Erivo for Best Duo Pop Performance, Shaboozey for Best Country Performance, and Tyler, The Creator for Best Album Cover Art. Shaboozey’s acceptance speech was essentially about how immigrants built America.
Meanwhile, people like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Davido went home with nothing.
ALSO READ: Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance at Grammys 2026
4. Kendrick Lamar is the rapper with the most Grammy Awards
He now has 27 Grammy Awards, and that’s the most any rapper has ever had in history, beating the previous record holder, Jay-Z, who has 25. Well, no one was really shocked by his win. His song with SZA, ‘Luther,’ took home the Record of the Year award.
5. A Spanish album won Album of the Year
For the first time in history, a Spanish album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana (or ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’) by Bad Bunny, won the Album of the Year. He was very vocal about immigration agents, ‘ICE’, leaving immigrants alone.
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