Lady Gaga joined forces with Josh Freese and Andrew Watt for a huge rendition of her song ‘Abracadabra’ at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist teamed up with the record producer – best known for his work with Elton John and The Rolling Stones – and the Nine Inch Nails and former Foo Fighters sticksman for an intense live performance at the awards ceremony.
Taking place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles last night (Sunday February 1), the moment saw Gaga put a new, rock-centred spin on the huge single from her ‘MAYHEM’ album.
Making it noticeably heavier than the studio recording, the live rendition saw Watt play guitar on top of the track, Freese deliver some thunderous drumming throughout, and Gaga take on synth duties.
The singer didn’t go home empty handed on the night either, and later took home the trophy for Best Pop Vocal Album for ‘MAYHEM, as well as Best Dance Pop Recording for ‘Abracadabra’ and Best Remixed Recording for Gesaffelstein’s remix of the same song.
She was also nominated in other categories including Song of the Year, Record Of The Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance (for ‘Disease’), and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (for ‘Harlequin’).
Just days before the ceremony, the singer made headlines when she paused a concert in Tokyo to condemn the actions of ICE.
“We need to get back to a place of safety and peace and accountability,” she said. “Good people shouldn’t have to fight so hard and risk their lives for well-being and respect. And I hope our leaders are listening; I hope you’re listening to us ask you to change your course of action swiftly and have mercy on everyone in our country.”
Her album ‘MAYHEM’ made it to Number 19 on NME’s list of the Best Albums of 2025, and praised as having “a flurry of edgy, theatric synth-pop bangers”. It was also given a glowing four-star review upon its release, and celebrated as both “tapp[ing] into her old sense of excess” and “dial[ing] absolutely everything up to 11”.
Aside from Gaga, other performances on the night came from Sabrina Carpenter – who went for an airline theme – KATSEYE, Lola Young, Lauryn Hill, Olivia Dean, Pharrell Williams, Post Malone, and more.
Justin Bieber also got fans talking with his stripped-back performance, wearing just boxer shorts, and there were also special tribute performances held for D’Angelo, Roberta Flack, and Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne.
Among those winning on the night were Kendrick Lamar – who took home the most wins for the 2026 edition, and Bad Bunny, who delivering an impassioned “ICE out” acceptance speech.
Billie Eilish also hit out at ICE after winning Song Of The Year for ‘Wildflower’, and when Olivia Dean won in the Best New Artist category, she also appeared to subtly hit out at Trump.
Check out a full list of winners here.
