Cher Confuses Categories After Accepting Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Cher was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026. This prestigious honor took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where she surprised fans and attendees. Cher received a warm standing ovation upon her entrance, with host Trevor Noah presenting her with the tribute to her remarkable career.
Cher’s Acceptance Speech and Record of the Year Mix-up
During her acceptance speech, Cher reminisced about her illustrious career. She humorously admitted her unease with public speaking, expressing that she preferred being on stage with music rather than addressing the audience directly. Her speech featured reflections on her journey, including her rise to fame at the age of 19 and the challenges she faced throughout her career.
As Cher prepared to exit the stage, Trevor Noah urged her to stay to announce the Record of the Year nominees. Cher returned to the stage and, amidst the excitement, mistakenly referred to the winner as “Luther,” which caused some confusion. She initially suggested either “Vandross” or “Grandross,” alluding to the late R&B legend Luther Vandross, who passed away over 20 years ago. However, she quickly corrected herself and revealed the true winner: Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their song titled “Luther.”
Significance of the Winning Song
The song “Luther” pays homage to Luther Vandross, incorporating a sample from his 1982 hit, “If This World Were Mine.” During the acceptance speech, Kendrick Lamar highlighted the significance of Vandross’s influence on music. He expressed gratitude for being allowed to reinterpret Vandross’s work and commented on the emotional impact of collaborating on such a meaningful project.
A Glimpse into Cher’s Career
Cher’s acceptance speech included reflections on her career ups and downs, referencing a challenging phase when she had to revive her career in Las Vegas. She recounted recording the iconic song “Believe,” for which she was a pioneer in using auto-tune technology. Cher emphasized perseverance, encouraging the audience to never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
- Event: 2026 Grammy Awards
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Host: Trevor Noah
- Cher’s Key Accomplishment: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Record of the Year Winner: Kendrick Lamar and SZA for “Luther”
- Significant Sample: Luther Vandross’s “If This World Were Mine”
The 2026 Grammy Awards aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ from 5:00 to 8:30 PM PT. Cher’s presence and heartfelt words resonated with many, reinforcing her legacy as a music icon.
