Grammys 2026 awkward moments: Cher, Darren Criss, Zara Larsson and more suffer stumbles during event

Several unscripted moments at the 2026 Grammys drew laughter, highlighting the unpredictability of live television

The 68th Annual Awards, which took place in LA on Sunday, were marked by a string of awkward on-air moments that drew laughter from audiences and highlighted the unpredictability of a live broadcast.

Cher, 79, created one of the night’s most talked-about scenes while presenting Record of the Year. After delivering a lengthy reflection on her career, she began to leave the stage before announcing the nominees, prompting host Trevor Noah to call her back. She later paused again while announcing the winner and initially named the late Luther Vandross, before correcting herself and awarding Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther.”

“Oh! The Grammy goes to Luther Vandross!” - Cher #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/G9tFB5rBHX

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 2, 2026

Joni Mitchell experienced her own unscripted moment during the Premiere Ceremony. On stage for Best Historical Album, the 82-year-old appeared unsure of her role and asked who had won, only to realise the award was hers. “Oh, I won?!” she said, drawing amused applause from the audience.

Icon Joni Mitchell on stage of the #GRAMMYs

"Who won? Oh I won?"

— Joni Mitchell while accepting her #GRAMMY    award for Best Historical Album. pic.twitter.com/NrlOKgceM3

— Rockstarian (@rockstarian) February 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Zara Larsson gracefully handled an uncomfortable exchange during a backstage interview. When reminded she had previously prepared an acceptance speech and felt nervous about the Best Dance/Pop Recording category, she responded calmly that she was no longer anxious. “I’m chilling because Lady Gaga took it, so I didn’t have to make the speech,” she said, adding she would prepare one for next year.

Sabrina Carpenter commented on the subdued atmosphere along the Grammys red carpet. "You guys are so quiet this year," she told photographers, adding that "Chappell really started a movement" and "She really whipped them into shape". Her remarks followed renewed discussion around photographer behaviour after Chappell Roan previously called out a photographer for being “so disrespectful” at an earlier Grammy event.

sabrina carpenter on the #GRAMMYs red carpet photographers being quiet this year!

“you guys are so quiet this year, chappell really started a movement!” pic.twitter.com/ycZOBfRxDE

— chappell roan daily (@dailyroan) February 1, 2026

Another brief stumble came during the pre-show ceremony when Darren Criss struggled to pronounce the title of FKA twigs’ album EUSEXUA while announcing her win for Best Dance/Electronic Album. "So sorry if I got that wrong", he added, pausing mid-announcement to apologise.

Incredible. pic.twitter.com/eE7HhObPde

— Patrik Sandberg (@PatrikSandberg) February 1, 2026

Together, the moments formed a collection of minor mishaps that became some of the most shared and discussed highlights of the 2026 Grammys.