Cher Mistakenly Skips Category Presentation After Lifetime Achievement Grammy Win
Cher received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, a significant highlight of the ceremony. The event took place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Celebrated by the audience, Cher was introduced by host Trevor Noah, who praised her influential career.
Grammy Ceremony Highlights
During her acceptance speech, Cher reminisced about her journey in the music industry. She acknowledged both her successes and challenges, emphasizing her dedication to her career. “I knew what I wanted to be when I was 5 years old and I was famous at 19,” she shared.
Unexpected Announcement Mix-Up
Following her tribute, Cher attempted to leave the stage when Noah urged her to announce the nominees for the Record of the Year. She initially misread the winner’s name, confusing it with the late R&B legend Luther Vandross. Cher quickly corrected herself, revealing the award went to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their song titled “Luther,” which samples Vandross’ work.
Tributes to Luther Vandross
- Kendrick Lamar acknowledged Vandross during his acceptance speech.
- Lamar mentioned the emotional connection to Vandross’ 1982 song “If This World Were Mine.”
- He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor Vandross through their music.
Cher’s Important Message
In her speech, Cher advised the audience never to give up on their dreams. “Live it, be it, and if it’s not happening now, it will happen soon,” she stated. This inspiring sentiment resonated with many in attendance, reflecting her resilient spirit throughout her career.
The 2026 Grammys were broadcast live, marking Trevor Noah’s final hosting appearance for the awards. The ceremony ran from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM PT, available on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.