Overview
- Cher briefly announced “Luther Vandross” before correcting to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for Record of the Year at the 2026 Grammys in Los Angeles.
- SZA told Entertainment Tonight the reference made sense given the song’s roots in Vandross’ work and said she felt grateful for his influence.
- Luther Vandross’ official accounts shared a playful video of the moment, captioned with a wink to Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time.”
- Onstage, producer Sounwave and Kendrick Lamar saluted Vandross and noted the estate’s sample clearance for “If This World Were Mine,” including a request for no cursing.
- Executive producer Ben Winston said Cher had been briefed and that the live, unscripted moment added memorable spontaneity after she returned to present post–Lifetime Achievement honor.