Cher causes confusion with ‘Luther Vandross’ comment at Grammy Awards

February 2, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

🎤 Pop Legend Cher Causes Confusion With “Luther Vandross” Comment at the Grammy Awards

Los Angeles, February 2, 2026 — Legendary singer Cher created one of the most talked‑about moments of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night when she mistakenly announced the late R&B icon Luther Vandross as the winner of Record of the Year.

The 79‑year‑old pop icon — who was being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award — briefly flustered the audience and millions watching worldwide with a humorous onstage slip while presenting one of the night’s biggest prizes.

After receiving her Lifetime Achievement Award from host Trevor Noah, Cher began to leave the stage, apparently thinking she was finished for the evening. Noah called her back to present Record of the Year, and afterwards she admitted she was expecting the winner’s name to appear on a teleprompter.

Once she opened the envelope and saw the name “Luther,” she announced:

“And the Grammy goes to… Luther Vandross!”
before quickly correcting herself to call the actual winners: Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their song Luther.

The moment instantly went viral on social media, sparking a mix of laughter, memes and affectionate reactions from fans, many of whom embraced Cher’s charm.

🏆 A Winning Night for Kendrick Lamar and SZA

Despite the mix‑up, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Luther secured the Record of the Year trophy — Lamar’s second consecutive win in the category — marking another major highlight of the night.

The song Luther pays homage to the late Luther Vandross and R&B vocalist Cheryl Lynn through a sample of their 1982 duet If This World Were Mine, a detail that likely contributed to the confusion.

In his acceptance speech, Lamar graciously acknowledged Vandross’s influence, calling him “one of my favorite artists of all time” and celebrating the legacy behind the tribute.

🎶 A Light‑hearted Grammy Moment

Cher, a two‑time Grammy winner with a career spanning seven decades, handled her funny flub with grace and humour, reminding fans why she remains an enduring figure in music and pop culture.

“It’s live television — anything can happen,” Noah joked later in the ceremony, summarizing the charming chaos that briefly stole the spotlight.