~ A celebration of music without borders, unforgettable performances and artists who defined one of the most globally resonant GRAMMY nights in recent memory.
There’s something uniquely special about catching the GRAMMYs, no matter when you watch them. The 68th GRAMMY Awards, originally held in the early hours of February 2 (IST) at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, may have slipped past us live, but the excitement was very much intact when we tuned into the reruns at 9 PM IST on Star Movies and JioHotstar. If anything, settling in comfortably and watching our favourite artists finally lift those golden gramophones made the experience even more satisfying.
From the very first moment, the night felt like a celebration of music in its most global, genre-blurring form. This year’s GRAMMYs weren’t just about hits or charts; they were about voices, cultures and stories that listeners across generations have been streaming, looping and loving for years. Watching it all unfold during the rerun felt like catching up with an event that genuinely reflected how music is heard and shared today.
One of the most defining moments of the evening was Bad Bunny’s historic win for Album of the Year with Debí Tirar Más Fotos. A fully Spanish-language album winning the GRAMMY’s biggest honour wasn’t just a career milestone — it was a cultural statement. It reaffirmed that music today doesn’t need to conform to one language or geography to resonate globally.
Kendrick Lamar continued his legendary run, winning Record of the Year for “Luther” featuring SZA, along with Best Rap Album for GNX. These wins officially made him the most-awarded rapper in GRAMMY history, a moment that felt both monumental and inevitable. Kendrick’s artistry has long stood for depth, honesty and impact, and the Academy’s recognition felt like a defining chapter in his journey.
The songwriting brilliance of Billie Eilish and Finneas was once again front and centre as they took home Song of the Year for “Wildflower”, making GRAMMY history with their third win in this category. Their ability to translate quiet vulnerability into globally resonant music continues to set them apart.
Another highlight was Olivia Dean’s win for Best New Artist, a moment that stood out for its emotional honesty. In a competitive field, her recognition felt like a win for soulful storytelling and authenticity. Her presence on the GRAMMY stage was a reminder that meaningful music still finds its way to the spotlight.
Pop excellence was celebrated as Lady Gaga won Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem, while Leon Thomas claimed Best R&B Album for Mutt and Lola Young earned Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy”. Each win reinforced the idea that today’s mainstream music thrives on individuality and emotional depth.
Hosting the evening was Trevor Noah, who opened the show with a remark that perfectly set the tone, calling the GRAMMYs “front-row seats to the world’s biggest live music concert — something money just can’t buy.” His monologue effortlessly moved from pop culture into light political humour when he joked about one noticeable absence in the audience, quipping that Nicki Minaj was still at the White House, a line that drew loud cheers and laughter from the crowd. From there on, the evening flowed smoothly, with Noah officially closing the chapter on his historic run as the longest-serving GRAMMY host.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the night came when Steven Spielberg joined the prestigious EGOT club, winning his first GRAMMY for Music by John Williams. Watching one of cinema’s greatest storytellers receive a music honour was deeply moving, underscoring how inseparable film and music truly are.
A recurring theme throughout the ceremony was the growing global identity of music. Alongside Bad Bunny’s landmark win, the recognition of K-pop with “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters highlighted how international sounds are no longer niche but central to the global music conversation.
Catching the GRAMMYs during the 9 PM IST reruns felt less like watching a delayed broadcast and more like reliving a cultural moment that truly mattered. The 68th GRAMMY Awards didn’t just honour excellence — they reflected the playlists, emotions and shared listening experiences of music lovers everywhere. For anyone who believes music connects us beyond borders, this was a night worth revisiting.
