At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, legendary singer Cher delivered one of the most talked-about moments of the night not for music, but for a light-hearted onstage mishap that quickly went viral. While presenting the prestigious Record of the Year award, the 79-year-old performer accidentally announced the wrong winner, momentarily suggesting that the late R&B legend Luther Vandross had won the honor.
The mix-up occurred late in the live event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Cher had just been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. As she prepared to read the winner for Record of the Year, confusion around the teleprompter, the envelope, and her placement on stage led to an unexpected, humorous moment that had audiences laughing both inside the arena and around the world.
The Moment That Made Everyone Laugh
After her Lifetime Achievement acceptance, Cher appeared ready to exit the stage. Host Trevor Noah had to call her back to announce the nominees for Record of the Year, jokingly urging her to stay. Once she returned to the microphone, Cher admitted she thought the winner information would be on a teleprompter and seemed briefly unsure of the sequence. When she finally opened the envelope, Cher declared: “Oh, the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross!” — a feat that was confusing because Vandross, a towering figure in R&B, passed away more than two decades ago. The audible laughter from the live audience underscored the unexpected nature of the moment. Realizing her mistake, Cher quickly corrected herself, calling out “No, Kendrick Lamar!” before officially announcing Kendrick Lamar and SZA as the true winners for their song “Luther.”
Why the Mix-Up Happened
Part of what made Cher’s error understandable — and funny — was the context of the winning song itself. “Luther,” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, is a track that samples the late Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 duet If This World Were Mine. Because the song honors Vandross’s legacy, his name is deeply tied to the track’s identity and likely contributed to the momentary confusion. In other words, the mix-up wasn’t entirely random: the winning song’s title and inspiration directly referenced Vandross, making it easier for even a seasoned entertainer like Cher — who was juggling multiple responsibilities on a large, live broadcast — to momentarily lose her place.
Winners Take the Stage
Despite the humorous slip, Kendrick Lamar and SZA accepted their Record of the Year award with grace and good humor. Kendrick, who has solidified his place as one of the most celebrated artists of his generation, acknowledged the late Luther Vandross during his speech — noting the emotional weight behind gaining clearance to sample classic vocals and honoring the soul legend’s enduring influence. Lamar’s 2026 Grammy wins helped solidify his status even further. He took home multiple awards that night, including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Melodic Rap Performance, bringing his total career Grammy count to a record-breaking 27.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The mix-up quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow artists responding with a mix of laughter, support, and admiration for Cher’s poise. Many applauded her ability to handle the moment with charm, while others expressed affection for the timeless entertainer who, even at nearly 80, remains a beloved figure capable of creating unforgettable live television moments. SZA herself addressed the situation with grace, saying she understood where Cher was coming from and emphasizing the heartfelt intentions behind the award and the tribute embedded in the song “Luther.”
A Viral Grammy Highlight
Live award shows are known for their unpredictability, and Cher’s memorable mix-up became a defining moment of the 2026 Grammys — blending spontaneity, humor, and heartfelt respect for music history. What could have been an awkward slip instead became one of the most shared, discussed, and iconic moments of the night, proving that even seasoned legends can surprise us in delightful ways.
