Kehlani Secures 2026 Grammy for Best R&B Performance with “Folded”
Kehlani celebrated a significant achievement at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning the coveted Best R&B Performance for her track “Folded.” This accolade marks a career milestone for the artist, who triumphed over notable contenders in the category.
Competitive R&B Performance Category
In winning this award, Kehlani outperformed a group of esteemed artists, including:
- Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller for “It Depends”
- Justin Bieber for “Yukon”
- Leon Thomas for “Mutt [Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk]”
- Summer Walker for “Heart of a Woman”
A Night of Triumph
Kehlani did not stop at one win. The singer later secured another Grammy for Best R&B Song, also for “Folded.” This marked Kehlani’s first-ever Grammy victory, a moment she described as surreal during her acceptance speech.
“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling,” Kehlani expressed, reflecting on her decade-long journey to this point. She acknowledged the support she received throughout her career, highlighting the significance of this recognition.
Reflection on the Journey
Kehlani’s first Grammy nomination occurred ten years ago, making this win particularly poignant. In a moment of fierce advocacy, the artist concluded her speech with a passionate remark, making her stance clear on immigration issues.
Highlights from Previous Grammy Awards
Comparatively, the previous year’s Grammy Awards saw Muni Long winning Best R&B Performance for “Made for Me (Live on BET),” while SZA took home Best R&B Song for “Saturn.” Kehlani’s triumph at the 2026 Grammys signals a potential shift in R&B recognition.
As fans and critics celebrate this win, Kehlani stands poised to further impact the R&B genre with her distinctive talent and unwavering determination.
