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Rosé and Bruno Mars Rock the Grammys with Unexpected Collaboration
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony featured bold statements, raw emotion, and a surprising K-Pop and pop icon duet.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:00pm
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The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony was marked by bold statements, raw authenticity, and a celebration of music's power to bridge divides.NYC TodayThe 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off with a bang, as K-Pop sensation Rosé and global pop icon Bruno Mars delivered a rock-infused rendition of their hit song 'APT,' which was inspired by a South Korean drinking game. The night was packed with highlights, including British star Olivia Dean's powerful acceptance speech honoring her immigrant grandmother, and Kendrick Lamar making history as the most Grammy-awarded rapper. Other notable moments included Sabrina Carpenter's theatrical performance and the Grammys' extended segment celebrating emerging musical talents.
Why it matters
The 2026 Grammys showcased how artists are using their platforms to address pressing social and political issues, blurring the lines between music and activism. As the ceremony leaned more into performances over awards, the political undertones became a central focus, with stars like Gloria Estefan and Kehlani using their voices to champion causes like immigration reform and social justice.
The details
The night's most talked-about moment was the collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, who teamed up to redefine their chart-topping hit 'APT' with a rock-infused performance. The song itself is inspired by a South Korean drinking game, which host Trevor Noah pointed out is 'far more intricate than its American counterparts.' Other highlights included Olivia Dean's acceptance speech honoring her immigrant grandmother, Kendrick Lamar making history as the most Grammy-awarded rapper, and Sabrina Carpenter's theatrical performance featuring dancers in baggage handler uniforms.
- The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony took place on April 12, 2026.
The players
Rosé
A K-Pop sensation who collaborated with Bruno Mars on a rock-infused rendition of their hit song 'APT' at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Bruno Mars
A global pop icon who teamed up with Rosé to redefine their chart-topping hit 'APT' during the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony.
Olivia Dean
A British singer-songwriter who was crowned Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys and used her acceptance speech to champion the cause of immigration, honoring her grandmother who was part of the Windrush generation.
Kendrick Lamar
A rapper who made history at the 2026 Grammys by surpassing Jay-Z as the most Grammy-awarded rapper, with 26 wins in total.
Sabrina Carpenter
A pop artist who delivered a theatrical performance at the 2026 Grammys, dancing across luggage carousels and ending with a dove in her hands.
What they’re saying
“'In America, every time you turn on the news, you drink.'”
— Trevor Noah, Host
“'I'm up here as the granddaughter of an immigrant. I'm a product of bravery, and those people deserve to be celebrated. We're nothing without each other.'”
— Olivia Dean, Best New Artist
“'I'm not good at talking about myself, but I express it through the music. Hip-hop is always going to be right here.'”
— Kendrick Lamar
“'I don't think anyone wants a free-for-all at the border, but what's happening isn't about arresting criminals. These are families, children—hundreds in detention centers. It's inhumane.'”
— Gloria Estefan, Latin Music Icon
“'Ice Out'”
— Kehlani
What’s next
The 2027 Grammy Awards ceremony will be held on February 12, 2027, where music fans will be eager to see if the trend of political activism and bold statements continues.
The takeaway
The 2026 Grammys showcased how artists are using their platforms to address pressing social and political issues, blurring the lines between music and activism. As the ceremony shifted its focus from awards to performances, the political undertones became a central part of the conversation, with stars like Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar, and Gloria Estefan using their voices to champion causes like immigration reform and social justice.
