Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande Triumph Over ‘Golden,’ ‘Apt.’ for First Grammy

Riley Calderon

Published: February 1, 2026 9:03 PM ET

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande Triumph Over ‘Golden,’ ‘Apt.’ for First Grammy

The 2026 Grammy Awards featured a surprising twist in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category. Among a strong lineup, the award went to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their rendition of “Defying Gravity” from the film soundtrack of Wicked.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Triumph

The competition included notable acts such as Kendrick Lamar and SZA with “30 for 30,” Rosé and Bruno Mars with “Apt.,” and KPop Demon Hunters with “Golden.” Despite predictions favoring “Apt.” with a 57.9% chance of winning, it was Erivo and Grande who took home the award.

A Surprising Outcome

Winner: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for “Defying Gravity”
Other Nominees:
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA – “30 for 30”
- Rosé and Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
- KPop Demon Hunters – “Golden”

Neither Erivo nor Grande was present to accept the award, which was part of the “Premiere” ceremony—an untelevised segment where many awards are announced.

Background on the Artists

This win marks a significant milestone for both artists. It is Erivo’s second Grammy; she previously won Best Musical Theater Album in 2017 for The Color Purple. For Grande, this victory adds to her accolades, with three Grammy wins total, including Best Pop Vocal Album in 2019 for Sweetener and a prior win for “Rain on Me” with Lady Gaga in 2021.

Recent Events in the Music World

The timing of this award is poignant, coming just ten days after Wicked: For Good received no nominations at the Oscars. This Grammy victory reaffirms the strong impact of “Defying Gravity” and its enduring legacy within the music industry.

Grammy Predictions and Surprises

Prior to the awards, predictions showed “Apt.” as the leading contender, followed by “Golden.” Notably, “Defying Gravity” was considered a longshot with only an 11.9% chance of winning.

This unexpected success is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of awards seasons. As the music landscape evolves, both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande continue to shine, solidifying their status in the industry.