Bad Bunny Makes Grammy History with First Spanish-Language Album of the Year Win

In a historic moment at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, Bad Bunny sat alone rubbing his eyes in disbelief after his album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” became the first Spanish-language release to win the prestigious album of the year award.

The Puerto Rican superstar’s emotional victory highlighted a night filled with memorable performances and milestone achievements during the 3½-hour telecast. The win comes as Bad Bunny prepares for an even bigger spotlight at the upcoming Super Bowl.

The ceremony kicked off with high-energy performances from Bruno Mars and Rosé of K-pop group Blackpink, who delivered their hit “APT.,” a song inspired by a South Korean drinking game. The duo matched in a black and white color scheme, with plenty of jumping and guitar shredding amid theatrical smoke effects.

Lady Gaga later brought a theatrical flair to her performance of “Abracadabra,” appearing in a feather-festooned costume complete with a basket-like headpiece. Her eccentric set featured a gnarly cane, synthesizers, and twitching movements as she delivered a rock-funk version of her song. Gaga would later claim the trophy for best pop vocal album.

Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the night’s most creative performances, transforming the Grammy stage into an airport for her hit “Manchild.” Dressed in white hot pants, a white neckerchief, and a captain’s hat emblazoned with “SCA” (Sabrina Carpenter Airlines), she strutted across a stage featuring baggage carousels and dancers in various uniforms, including an astronaut, UPS worker, firefighter, and ER doctor. “Hey Grammys, how ya doing? It’s your captain Sabrina speaking,” she addressed the audience before concluding her performance on a baggage cart and entering a plane fuselage holding a live dove.

The ceremony also featured a showcase of best new artist nominees performing in succession. Los Angeles-based band the Marías delivered bilingual dream-pop with “No One Noticed Me,” followed by Addison Rae arriving on a moving truck to perform a sultry “Fame Is a Gun.” Six-piece girl group Katseye brought gymnastics and high energy to “Gnarly,” while Leon Thomas offered the guitar-driven “Mutt.” Alex Warren walked through the audience with “Ordinary,” British singer Lola Young performed “Messy” from a piano, and Olivia Dean delivered an exuberant version of “Man I Need.” The block concluded with sombr’s moody performance of “12 to 12” before last year’s winner Chappell Roan announced Dean as this year’s best new artist.

Justin Bieber delivered one of the night’s most stripped-down performances, appearing shirtless in just shimmering gray boxer shorts and socks to sing “Yukon.” With a guitar slung across his back, Bieber programmed his backing track before singing along opposite a full-size mirror, often with his eyes closed. The performance demonstrated the minimalist approach popularized by artists like Ed Sheeran, using looped instruments and vocals to create a complete sound. Host Trevor Noah later joked, “One wrong move, and we would have had to put the show on OnlyFans.”

The In Memoriam section took an unconventional approach, featuring Post Malone, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Slash, and Andrew Watt delivering a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” to honor Ozzy Osbourne, complete with fire effects. Osbourne’s wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack were visibly moved by the tribute.

Ms. Lauryn Hill led a medley honoring D’Angelo that included “Nothing Even Matters,” “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” “Devils Pie,” “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” and “Africa,” joined by Raphael Saadiq, Jon Batiste, and Anthony Hamilton. She then pivoted to honor Roberta Flack with performances of “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Compared to What,” “Closer I Get To You,” “Where Is the Love,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” featuring John Legend, Chaka Khan, Leon Bridges, and Wyclef Jean.

The ceremony also featured Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson performing “Trailblazer,” as well as pre-recorded tributes to Brian Wilson from Bruce Springsteen and to Bob Weir from John Mayer, creating a comprehensive celebration of musical legends.