World News
Dalai Lama wins first Grammy Award, K-pop makes history; Steven Spielberg achieves EGOT status
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards kicked off on Sunday with a series of historic firsts, setting an energetic tone even before the main telecast began.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards kicked off on Sunday with a series of historic firsts, setting an energetic tone even before the main telecast began.
Among the most notable winners was the Dalai Lama, who earned his first-ever Grammy Award in the audiobook, narration and storytelling category, edging out nominees including US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Contributors to the project accepted the award on his behalf.
K-pop also marked a milestone at the Premiere Ceremony, as “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters won Best Song Written for Visual Media, becoming the first K-pop track to claim a Grammy. The songwriters delivered their acceptance speech in both English and Korean, underscoring its global and bilingual appeal.
Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg reached a rare career landmark after Music for John Williams won Best Music Film, earning him his first Grammy. The win completed his EGOT status — an achievement reserved for artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
Early ceremony highlights
The pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theater featured 86 awards across genres.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for Defying Gravity, though neither attended the ceremony.
British rocker Yungblud secured his first Grammy for Best Rock Performance with his live cover of Black Sabbath’s Changes. Hardcore band Turnstile claimed their first Grammy for Best Rock Album, thanking their hometown of Baltimore during their speech.
FKA twigs won Best Dance/Electronic Album for EUSEXUA, becoming only the second Black woman to win in the category. “I didn’t expect to come up here — I was just so happy to be nominated,” she said.
Rapper Lefty Gunplay also celebrated his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance for his contribution to Kendrick Lamar’s TV Off, dedicating the win to young Latino listeners.
In the Latin music categories, Natalia Lafourcade, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, and Carin León emerged as winners, reflecting the growing global influence of Latin artists.
Artists address political climate
Several winners used their platform to speak out on immigration issues.
Country artist Shaboozey, while accepting his first Grammy, paid tribute to his immigrant mother and highlighted the role immigrants play in building the United States. Songwriter Amy Allen and singer Kehlani wore “ICE Out” pins, with Kehlani openly criticizing immigration enforcement policies during her speech.
Looking ahead
This year’s Grammys have returned their focus squarely to music after last year’s ceremony centered on wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
Kendrick Lamar leads nominations with nine, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut with seven each. Artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, SZA, and Tyler, the Creator are also strong contenders.
The main televised ceremony, hosted by Trevor Noah for the sixth consecutive year, promises more standout performances and potentially more history-making moments.
