As the sun set over glamorous Los Angeles, the 2026 Grammys lit up the night with red carpet flair and star-studded performances. While the televised event showcased stunning performances and heartfelt speeches, some of the night's most intriguing happenings unfolded away from the limelight. Celebrities mingled and connected during commercial breaks, creating memorable behind-the-scenes moments that added a touch of Hollywood magic to the iconic Crypto.com arena.
A standout moment was the cozy selfie taken by Tate McRae with the ever-iconic Lady Gaga. It's hard to believe it was McRae's first Grammys, considering her confidence as she captured the moment with the seasoned star who first graced music's biggest night back in 2010.
Amid the buzz, the 2026 Grammys also served as the hard launch for Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff's relationship. The musical duo, who had been spotted getting close during the summer of 2025, appeared together, sharing a table with Eilish's brother FINNEAS and his fiancé, Claudia Sulewski. This public appearance was the closest fans have gotten to a relationship confirmation from the couple.
“The Grammys are a melting pot of music legends and rising stars, where unexpected friendships and alliances are born,” remarked a veteran music journalist.
Kesha turned heads by ditching her shoes for a barefoot stroll on the red carpet, perfectly embodying the carefree Los Angeles vibe. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber and Bad Bunny greeted each other with a hug, proving that even award rivals can share warm moments off-stage.
Girl group KATSEYE, full of SoCal energy and new artist buzz, had a pre-performance huddle before hitting the stage. Afterward, they shared a playful backstage moment with Jeff Goldblum, who presumably had just presented alongside Lainey Wilson.
Sabrina Carpenter, switching up her look for a third time that night, caught up with journalist Gayle King during a break, while Joni Mitchell added to her impressive legacy with her 11th Grammy win for Best Historical Album before the main show. Her win for "Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years" marked another milestone in her storied career.
In the world of music awards, where glitz meets genuine connections, these off-camera moments remind us of the magic that happens beyond the spotlight.