Overview
- Cher briefly said 'Luther Vandross' before correcting to Kendrick Lamar and SZA for Record of the Year for 'Luther' at the 2026 Grammys.
- Executive producer Ben Winston says instructions were in the prompter and he would not change the moment, describing it as welcome unpredictability.
- SZA publicly defended Cher, noting their winning track samples Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s 1982 'If This World Were Mine' and framing the slip as an understandable connection.
- Luther Vandross’ official social accounts posted a playful response, splicing Cher’s clip with Vandross’ past acceptance and captioning, 'If only we could turn back time, @Cher.'
- Kendrick Lamar honored Vandross in his speech and said the estate granted clearance with a 'no cursing' request, which the team accepted as part of the tribute.