“…To Luther Vandross” And Other R&B Highlights From The 2026 Grammys
R&B > every other genre.
R&B won.
Tonight (for once), the Grammys didn’t disappoint— at least when it came to R&B. I’m personally immune to the Recording Academy’s “standard” of airing the R&B categories during the Premiere Ceremony.
Is it wrong? Yes.
Should they air at least one R&B category during the live telecast? Hell yes.
Despite R&B being routinely disrespected, seeing Leon Thomas, Kehlani, and Durand Bernarr take home their first* wins was the real reward.
(*Leon won a GRAMMY for SZA’s “Snooze,” but these were his first wins as an artist.)
Kehlani won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for her smash hit, “Folded.” Durand’s BLOOM snagged the crown for Best Progressive R&B Album while Leon won Best R&B Album for MUTT and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “VIBES DON’T LIE.”
As someone who’s never shied away from her activism, the Bay Area songstress used her moment to speak out. “Together, we’re stronger in numbers to speak against all the injustice going on in the world right now […] I hope everybody’s inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on. Ima leave this and say f**k ICE,” Kehlani declared.
Leon’s first win was accepted by his mother, explaining that his absence was because he was rehearsing. However, he did accept his second win in person. “This is such a moment because it’s a miracle of endurance,” he gushed. “Live music, live R&B is worth it.”
Durand’s acceptance moment— because it went beyond the speech— was definitely one of the best parts of the night. He literally sprinted to the stage and stole the show. “Happy Black History Month for the rest of my life,” he began gleefully. “I wanna remind everyone that we are all we got and we know who I’m referring to, so please give yourself some grace and extend your kindness to your neighbor who needs it.”
He sang, “Thank you for the Grammyyyyyy,” in his signature, jovial tone. His parents eventually joined him onstage and his mother nearly caught the Spirit— IYKYK. He closed his speech with a touching sentiment for independent artists and queer folk alike. “To every butch queen who was made to feel like you were too much, I’m proof that you needed and the sign you’ve been waiting for. Be yourself. I wanna thank myself because this was some hard work, y’all. 20+ years.” (Another reminder that “overnight” success often takes 10 years or more.)
R&B continued to win throughout the night.
Ms. Lauryn Hill lead a dynamic, powerful tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. She and the late crooner never performed their duet, “Nothing Even Matters,” together, leading her to say, “Make time for the people you love while you can.”
Performances from Lucky Daye, Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton, Bilal, Leon Thomas, Jon Batiste, Lalah Hathaway, October London, Leon Bridges, John Legend, Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, and Wyclef Jean garnered praise from both the audience and at-home viewers. It ended with a subtle nod to the late, gospel pioneer Richard Smallwood.
To end things on the highest high, Luther Vandross jokingly “won” one of the top accolades. Cher shouted him out while announcing that Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” won Record of the Year, marking its second win of the night. (It also won Best Melodic Rap Performance.)
She wasn’t wrong in namedropping the crooner considering Vandross’s duet with Cheryl Lynn is the song’s foundation, but the mention was so pure and hilarious.
Sounwave, who co-produced the song, explained that it was “very, very, very important to keep the integrity” of the original duet, “If This World Were Mine.”
Kendrick took the mic moments after, calling Vandross one of his favorite artists of all time. “[The estate] granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you we all damn near dropped a tear because we know how much him and Cheryl Lynn poured into that record,” he recalled. He later noted that the main stipulation in using the sample was no vulgarity and they happily honored the request.
“Luther forever,” the rapper said in conclusion.
In case it wasn’t already clear, the true winner of the night was R&B.