Lady Gaga Casts a Spell with “Abracadabra” at the 2026 Grammy Awards

It was nothing short of “Mayhem.” At the 68th Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga delivered a fierce and theatrical rock rendition of her hit song “Abracadabra” — and the performance instantly became one of the night’s defining moments.

Taking the stage in a dramatic black-and-red feathered ensemble with a cage-like headpiece, Gaga stood behind her keyboard, commanding the crowd with raw intensity. “Grammys, put your paws up!” she shouted, launching into a chilling performance that had fans inside Crypto.com Arena and viewers at home completely spellbound.

A Spellbinding Showstopper

Gaga pulled double duty, singing and playing the keyboard with signature flair. Her performance showcased the energy and emotion that has made her a Grammy favorite for over a decade. The single “Abracadabra” is one of the standout tracks from her seventh studio album, “Mayhem”, which debuted in March 2025.

Following the performance, Gaga went on to win Best Pop Vocal Album for “Mayhem”, marking yet another milestone in her already legendary career. Dressed in her feathered gown, Gaga accepted the award with grace, embodying both showmanship and sincerity.

“Mayhem” Dominates

With seven nominations at the 2026 Grammys, Gaga proved once again why she’s one of the most enduring and innovative artists in pop. Her nods included:

  • Album of the YearMayhem
  • Record of the YearAbracadabra
  • Song of the YearAbracadabra
  • Best Pop Solo PerformanceDisease
  • Best Pop Vocal AlbumMayhem
  • Best Dance Pop RecordingAbracadabra
  • Best Traditional Pop Vocal AlbumHarlequin

“Mayhem” has been a commercial and critical triumph, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spending 20 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Dance Albums chart. The album includes the hit duet “Die With a Smile” with Bruno Mars, further cementing Gaga’s place at the forefront of pop innovation.

A Grammy Legacy

This isn’t Gaga’s first time stealing the spotlight at the Grammys. She previously graced the stage in 2025, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2011, and 2010. Last year, she performed a heartfelt duet of “California Dreamin’” with Bruno Mars in tribute to Los Angeles following the region’s devastating wildfires.

In 2026, she was joined on the performance lineup by Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, Post Malone, Slash, Reba McEntire, and all eight Best New Artist nominees, including Olivia Dean and Addison Rae.

A Night of Finales

This year’s ceremony marked two major farewells: it was the final time the Grammys aired on CBS after a 50-year partnership, and the last time Trevor Noah hosted the show after a six-year run. The event will move to Disney next year.

But on this night, Gaga reigned supreme. With her mesmerizing “Abracadabra” performance and sweeping nominations, she reminded the world that pop can still shock, stir, and inspire — and that Lady Gaga remains music royalty.

 

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