Kendrick Lamar Becomes Grammys' Heavyweight Champ, Polka Fans Condemn
KEY POINTS
- •The Grammy Awards have been recognizing musicians since 1959, crowning legends from Paul McCartney to Tony Bennett.
- •In 2026, Kendrick Lamar became the most-awarded rapper, beating long-established artists with numerous wins and nominations.
- •Alongside contemporary stars, historical figures like Jimmy Sturr in polka and Yo-Yo Ma in classical also have significant Grammy histories.
Since Google's ancestors were still figuring out dial-up, the Grammys have been handing out phonograph-shaped trophies since 1959, crowning everyone from Paul McCartney to Tony Bennett, who's had more nominations (41) than my own New Year's resolutions. This year, Kendrick Lamar wrestled the crown to claim the title of most-awarded rapper, joining a list with folks like Jimmy Sturr, whose 18 polka Grammys basically say 'I Remember Warsaw' better than anyone else remembers anything. Meanwhile, legends like Aretha Franklin scored 18 wins with 'Respect' (because everyone needs it), and Yo-Yo Ma slapped strings on a Bach recording back in '85 to win one too. Throw in 20 wins apiece for Kirk Franklin inside the gospel cubicle and Bruce Springsteen rocking out with 'Dancing in the Dark,' and you've got a musical Hall of Fame that reads like a who's-who cast from a very eclectic party. The Cure and Billie Eilish got their golden gramophones in 2026, too, proving that if you're still alive or semi-relevant, the Recording Academy is eager to surprise you with shiny trinkets. If only the Grammy nominating stretch was as long as the wait for these guys to stop racking up trophies.
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Congrats to Kendrick Lamar for finally dragging the Grammy record like a mule while polka legend Jimmy Sturr quietly wins for 'I Remember Warsaw'—because nothing says music’s biggest night like accordion enthusiasts crashing rap history.
Apparently, if you want a Grammy, just stick with the polka, BBQ sauce of music genres nobody actively requested but the Recording Academy still cherishes.
The Grammy Awards: where you can go from 'Cut Me Some Slack' with Paul McCartney to 'Whatcha Lookin' 4' with Kirk Franklin and win just the same prize.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 2/2/2026 | Author: Callie Ahlgrim,Gabbi Shaw
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