SZA & Kendrick Lamar on Cher’s Luther Vandross Grammy Mix-Up

The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered a memorable moment—and a slight stumble—when Cher mistakenly announced Luther Vandross as the winner for Record of the Year. The award ultimately went to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for their collaboration, “luther,” but the incident sparked a gracious response from SZA, who emphasized the enduring influence of the R&B legend.

Cher, presenting the award on February 1st, initially declared, “And the Grammy goes to… Oh! They told me it was going to be on the prompter. Oh, the Grammy goes to Luther Vandross!” She quickly corrected herself, stating, “No! Kendrick Lamar!” The moment, although momentarily confusing, quickly became a talking point, and SZA addressed it with characteristic warmth and perspective.

A Shared Frequency

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight after the win, SZA downplayed any potential awkwardness, suggesting Cher’s initial announcement wasn’t entirely off-base. “We share the frequency of the song,” she explained, referencing the track’s prominent sample of Luther Vandross’s “If This World Were Mine.” This wasn’t merely a sonic choice; SZA believes Vandross’s artistic spirit directly contributed to the song’s success. “That’s his frequency that allowed us to win and that allowed it to be memorable, so she’s not wrong and she’s from that era.”

SZA further elaborated, “She probably really knew Luther Vandross. Of course, her brain and her energy is connecting that energy to the energy that we’re sharing. We’re just mooching off of what Luther already gave us, so we’re grateful.” This sentiment highlights the deep respect and reverence both artists hold for Vandross’s legacy.

Honoring a Legend

The tribute to Luther Vandross wasn’t limited to SZA’s post-win comments. During their acceptance speech, Sounwave, a producer on “luther” alongside Jack Antonoff and others, made a point of acknowledging Vandross’s influence. “let’s give a shout out to the late, great Luther Vandross,” he said. Kendrick Lamar echoed this sentiment, describing the moment they secured clearance to sample Vandross as deeply emotional. “When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn-near all dropped a tear.”

The story behind the song’s title and central sample is itself a testament to Vandross’s impact. As Rap-Up noted in a recent profile of SZA, the song is named after Vandross, and the decision to sample “If This World Were Mine” was a deliberate act of homage. Ab-Soul, a frequent collaborator of Kendrick Lamar, has spoken about the significance of Vandross’s music to the project.

A Grammy Night for the Books

Record of the Year was SZA’s sole win at the 2026 Grammy Awards, though it was a significant one. Kendrick Lamar, however, dominated the rap categories and ultimately left the ceremony as the night’s biggest winner, taking home five trophies. The full list of winners from the 2026 Grammys is available via Revolt.

The incident with Cher, while a brief moment of confusion, ultimately served to amplify the celebration of Luther Vandross’s enduring legacy. SZA’s gracious response and the explicit acknowledgment from both her and Kendrick Lamar during their acceptance speech underscored the profound impact Vandross continues to have on contemporary music.

SZA’s Continued Momentum

This Grammy win caps off a period of significant success for SZA. Her album, SOS, released in late 2022, garnered widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying her position as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B. The album’s success has been fueled by a string of hit singles and a dedicated fanbase. As Rolling Stone reported, the win was met with widespread support, including a defense of Cher from fellow artist SZA.

Looking Ahead

While SZA’s immediate plans following the Grammys haven’t been formally announced, she is expected to continue touring in support of SOS. Given the album’s continued popularity and critical acclaim, further collaborations and projects are likely on the horizon. The success of “luther” also suggests a potential for further exploration of sampling and paying tribute to musical icons in her future work. The Grammy win, and the surrounding conversation, serves as a reminder of the power of music to connect generations and honor the artists who paved the way.