The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a moment of unexpected levity—and a testament to musical legacy—when Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as the winner for Record of the Year. The award ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their collaboration, “luther,” a track deeply rooted in Vandross’s own discography. Even as the initial announcement caused a ripple of confusion, SZA responded with grace and a thoughtful reflection on the enduring influence of the late R&B icon.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, February 1, as Cher opened the winning envelope. “And the Grammy goes to… Oh! They told me it was going to be on the prompter. Oh, the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross!” she announced, before quickly correcting herself: “No! Kendrick Lamar!” The momentary slip-up quickly became a talking point, but it was the artists’ reaction that resonated most deeply. The story of SZA reacting to Cher’s Grammy mix-up highlights the respect for musical history within the contemporary music landscape.
A Shared “Frequency” and the Legacy of Luther Vandross
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight after the ceremony, SZA expressed no ill will toward Cher, suggesting the legendary singer wasn’t entirely off-base. “She’s not wrong,” SZA said, “and she’s from that era.” The artist explained the profound connection between “luther” and Vandross’s work, specifically referencing the sample from his 1981 hit, “If This World Were Mine.”
“We share the frequency of the song,” SZA elaborated. “That’s his frequency that allowed us to win and that allowed it to be memorable, so she’s not wrong and she’s from that era.” She continued, “She probably really knew Luther Vandross. Of course, her brain and her energy is connecting that energy to the energy that we’re sharing. We’re just mooching off of what Luther already gave us, so we’re grateful.”
Tributes From the Stage and Beyond
The acknowledgment of Vandross wasn’t limited to SZA’s post-ceremony comments. During their acceptance speech, producer Sounwave was quick to honor the late singer. “let’s give a shout out to the late, great Luther Vandross,” he said, as reported by Rap-Up. Sounwave, who collaborated with Jack Antonoff and others on the track, underscored the importance of Vandross’s influence.
Kendrick Lamar echoed this sentiment, sharing his personal connection to Vandross’s music. “This is what music is about,” Lamar stated. “This is special for me. I gotta take my time ‘cause it’s one of my favorite artists of all time. They granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn-near all dropped a tear.” The emotional weight of sampling a legend was palpable, highlighting the respect and reverence the artists held for Vandross’s work.
A Night of Recognition for Kendrick Lamar
While “luther” secured SZA her first Grammy Award of the evening—Record of the Year—Kendrick Lamar dominated the rap categories, ultimately taking home five trophies. Revolt published a complete list of winners, confirming Lamar’s impressive haul. The night underscored Lamar’s continued impact on the music industry and his ability to blend artistry with meaningful tributes to his influences.
The success of “luther” also speaks to a broader trend of artists revisiting and reinterpreting classic sounds. Sampling, when done respectfully and creatively, can introduce novel generations to timeless music while simultaneously adding layers of meaning to contemporary works. In this case, the song served as both a tribute and a continuation of Vandross’s musical legacy.
The Enduring Power of Musical Connection
The incident with Cher, while momentarily jarring, ultimately served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of music across generations. It highlighted how a single artist’s work can continue to inspire and influence creators decades after their passing. SZA’s gracious response and the heartfelt tributes from Lamar and Sounwave demonstrated a deep appreciation for Vandross’s contributions to R&B and soul music.
The 2026 Grammy Awards’ Record of the Year win for “luther” isn’t just a recognition of a well-crafted song; it’s a celebration of musical lineage and the power of artists to honor those who paved the way. The Recording Academy has not yet announced dates for the 2027 Grammy Awards, but information will be available on their official website as it becomes available.
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