Chris Brown faced a unexpected loss at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The 36-year-old R&B star was nominated for Best R&B Performance for his song “It Depends” featuring Bryson Tiller, but the award went to Kehlani for their breakthrough hit “Folded”. The moment marked a turning point for the rising artist who claimed their first-ever Grammy wins of the night.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winner: Kehlani took home Best R&B Performance for “Folded” at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026
- Competition: Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Leon Thomas, and Summer Walker competed in the category
- Double Win: Kehlani also won Best R&B Song, making it an unforgettable debut Grammy night
- Location: The ceremony took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
Kehlani’s Historic Breakthrough Moment
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Kehlani made history as a first-time Grammy winner, taking the stage twice Sunday evening. The Oakland-based artist, born Kehlani Ashley Parrish, claimed both Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Folded”. In their acceptance speech, Kehlani revealed the emotional weight of the moment, stating they had been nominated for a Grammy 10 years earlier and had waited over a decade for this recognition. The artist used their platform to make a powerful political statement during the acceptance.
Chris Brown’s “It Depends” Falls Short
Chris Brown arrived at the Grammy Awards 2026 with 36-year-old energy and family in tow, bringing his 6-year-old son Aeko Cartori as his date. The collaboration with Bryson Tiller was strong enough to secure a nomination but not the trophy. Brown has Grammy history, having won Best R&B Album at the 2025 ceremony for “11:11 (Deluxe)”. His nomination this year showed he remains a competitive force in R&B music, even as fresh talent rises to prominence.
The Best R&B Performance Category Battle
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Five nominees competed for the Best R&B Performance award at the 68th Grammy Awards:
| Nominee | Song Title |
| Kehlani | Folded (WINNER) |
| Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller | It Depends |
| Justin Bieber | Yukon |
| Leon Thomas | Mutt (Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk) |
| Summer Walker | Heart Of A Woman |
The category featured established names and rising stars, reflecting R&B’s diverse landscape. Kehlani’s “Folded” captured critical and commercial momentum after peaking at number six on Billboard Hot 100. The track showcased soulful arrangement with strings, guitar, and drums, drawing comparisons to influential artists like Brandy, who later collaborated on a remix.
“I’ve never won anything before, this is a really crazy feeling. My first time being nominated for a Grammy was 10 years ago. It’s been a really long time and nobody who has ever come along this journey with me I take for granted.”
— Kehlani, at the 2026 Grammy Awards acceptance speech
The Broader 2026 Grammy Story
The 68th Grammy Awards delivered major surprises across multiple categories. Kendrick Lamar dominated with his collaboration with SZA winning Record of the Year for “Luther”. Bad Bunny claimed Album of the Year, cementing Latin music’s power at the ceremony. Billie Eilish won Song of the Year for “Wildflower”, continuing her trajectory at music’s biggest night. The R&B category saw historic wins with Leon Thomas taking Best R&B Album for “Mutt”.
What Does This Mean for R&B’s Future?
Kehlani’s historic night signals a generational shift in R&B music’s recognition at the Grammy Awards. The artist’s journey from 10-year Grammy drought to double winner showcases patience and artistic evolution. Meanwhile, Chris Brown remains a consistent Grammy competitor with his recent win and continued nominations proving endurance matters in music’s awards landscape. As the R&B category continues expanding, both established legends and breakthrough artists will define the genre’s next chapter. Will Kehlani’s momentum translate to further accolades, or will Chris Brown return stronger with another breakthrough collaboration?
Sources
- BBC News – Grammy Awards 2026 winners and nominees coverage
- Pitchfork – Kehlani wins Best R&B Performance for Folded at 2026 Grammys
- Just Jared – Chris Brown brings son Aeko Cartori to Grammy Awards 2026
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.