Something Wrong With The Podcast – SWWP #53 - The Grammy Episode

Host: Julian Delgado
Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively Grammy-focused episode, Julian Delgado dives deep into the 2026 Grammy Awards, dissecting major wins, powerful performances, artist controversies, and the evolving cultural significance of the Grammys. With his trademark humor, candor, and deep knowledge of the music scene, Julian unpacks cultural trends, hot takes, and personal favorites, spotlighting not just who took home the trophies but what those moments mean for music and society at large.

Main Topics & Key Insights

1. The Enduring Allure of the Grammys

Timestamp: 00:39 – 03:45

• Despite criticism, the Grammys remain a unifying moment for artists and audiences.
  • Julian muses, “There’s still something about the Grammys...there’s something about that level of talent all cramming into a single theater, dressing to the occasion. It’s a unifying event” (01:08).
  • He emphasizes artists’ dual role: "The show is for them, but they are the show" (02:02).
• The tension between artistry, spectacle, and self-promotion is a “fun dichotomy” to Julian.

2. Kendrick Lamar’s Historic Night

Timestamp: 03:45 – 11:20

• Kendrick wins big: 5 Grammys, surpassing Jay Z as the most-decorated rap artist (27 awards to Jay Z’s 25).

• Standout Wins: Including Record of the Year ("Luther"), Best Rap Song ("TV Off" with Lefty Gunplay), Best Melodic Rap Performance, and feature win with Clipse (Best Rap Performance).

• Importance of “Luther” Win:

  • Julian breaks down the difference between Record of the Year and Song of the Year (05:05).
  • Highlights Kendrick’s heartfelt tribute to the Vandross family and the impact of sample clearance:
    • “He led with thanking the Vandross family...these artists aren’t just making history, they’re re-injecting legacies back into the cultural zeitgeist” (05:36).
    • On sample stipulations: “No cursing on my song, which is what they did here, which is very sweet” (05:55).

• Artistic Evolution & Future:

  • Julian speculates on Kendrick's next moves post-Drake feud and after experimental projects like "GNX":
    • “I’m genuinely curious, what is his focus moving forward as an artist?” (10:42).
  • Wonders aloud about the shifting narratives and characters Kendrick might explore.

3. Justin Bieber: Loses the Grammys, Wins the Night

Timestamp: 11:20 – 16:53

• Bieber’s Career and Continued Influence
  • Julian calls himself “a Belieber”—after adolescence, Bieber’s Purpose album “converted” him (12:00).
  • Bieber released “like over 40 records this past summer, none of which won a Grammy” (13:05). Despite 23 nominations, only two wins historically—a “terrible batting percentage...he’s like fucking Shaq from the free throw line” (13:30).
• Performance of “Yukon” Becomes a Viral Moment
  • Bieber performed in underwear (or “just a shorter pair of shorts and socks”) with only a guitar and keys, delivering raw live vocals (15:05).
  • Discusses audience and internet reaction:
    • “His spike [of viewership] is over...everybody’s watching all at once...he still has a gravitational pull and weight no other artist has” (13:54).
    • “He deflated the room...the beauty of this performance is...he did the inverse [of the over-produced norm]...gave people exactly what they wouldn’t expect” (15:48).
• Notable Quote:
  • “Not only stripped down the performance, but he stripped down himself...just leveling everyone...it was a wow moment.” (15:53 – 16:18)
• Shoutout to Hailey Bieber’s crowd moment and Bieber’s continued artistic commitment, even if he looked “physically ill” to some online:
  • “He truly is just a one-of-a-kind generational talent” (16:40).

4. Other Notable Grammy Moments and Wins

Timestamp: 16:53 – 24:21

• Sabrina Carpenter: Impressive performance, but “shut out” of wins; Julian notes the Grammys rarely reward back-to-back years (17:21).
• Olivia Dean: Wins Best New Artist—“so happy for her...talking about her parents being immigrants and she is from the UK” (18:12).
• Kehlani: Scores her first Grammy for “Folded” (18:47).
  • Julian shouts out Dixon (“one of the sweetest guys in the industry”) for work on the record (19:10).
• Lola Young: First Grammy for Best Solo Pop Performance (“Messi”). Recalls her emotional on-stage reaction and past struggles with mental health (20:05 – 21:27).
  • “This is a triumphant story of someone going through some shit and got the recognition she deserves” (21:12).
• Theme of (Partial) Recognition:
  • Many artists delivered great performances but went home empty-handed, reflecting the Grammys' reputation for making artists “wait their turn.”

5. Bad Bunny’s Landmark Night & Social Context

Timestamp: 24:21 – 31:59

• Historic Wins:
  • First Spanish-language artist to win Album of the Year: “He became the first Spanish artist to win Album of the Year, which is incredible. Fitting. Obviously.” (24:40)
• Leveraging Platform for Activism:
  • Bad Bunny and many artists wore ICE OUT pins, using speeches to protest immigration raids and detentions, especially in light of incidents in Minnesota and upstate New York.
  • “I think Bad Bunny is incredible...uses his platform responsibly...it hits harder coming from him” (26:08).
    • “He bagged groceries not that long ago. Now look at where he is...He’s like the perfect story for what it means to be an American.” (26:27)
• Julian’s Cultural Critique:
  • “Not everything has to be built and catered towards you...Sometimes it’s better to learn and just experience new cultures and new things” (29:00).
  • Vehemently criticizes racist backlash against Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl appearance:
    • "If you want to turn off, go fuck yourself...It has to be exhausting to be racist" (31:14).

6. Billie Eilish, Grammy Politics, and Eligibility Drama

Timestamp: 32:36 – 37:30

• The “Wildflower” Technicality:

  • Julian unpacks Billie Eilish’s Grammy win for “Wildflower,” which was strategically re-released as a single to be eligible two years in a row after failing to win previously.
  • “She won on a technicality, honestly...What did Billie do to get this? The win is mad sus. It’s really fucking me up because it should not be allowed” (36:42).

• On Activism from White Artists:

  • Discusses the importance—but also the limitations—of majority allies speaking on social issues:
    • “There’s a pattern that...minority groups start the revolution, but it doesn’t get the legs it needs until those from the majority latch on...they’re never supposed to be the stars...better served behind the scenes a bit in supporting” (32:50).
  • Ultimately, Julian feels Eilish’s activism “doesn’t resonate with me...maybe the pin is enough, maybe support [is enough]” (34:20).

• Notable Quote:

  • “Don’t fuck up the process...You’re so up, like, don’t do this, gamey shit to get an award to then get a platform, to then talk about get your shit off your chest that you’ve been wanting to get off. It was corny to me.” (37:07)

7. Favorite Performances, More Winners, and Cultural Moments

Timestamp: 37:30 – 41:24

• Highlights Tyler, The Creator rapping along in the crowd, and Clipse winning for Chains and Whips.
• Leon Thomas wins Best R&B Album (beats Teyana Taylor), also takes Traditional R&B Performance (Vibes Don’t Lie).
• Tributes:
  • Post Malone and Duff McKagan’s heartfelt “War Pigs” for Ozzy Osbourne (“Post always cooks those tribute performances...puts his fucking foot in those” 39:56).
  • Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean reunited; emotional performance with D’Angelo and Roberta Flack.
• On the Essence of the Grammys’ Impact:
  • “The Grammys are really good at creating those unique one-of-a-kind moments or just becoming the impetus for a reunion” (40:34).

8. Quick Shouts and Closing Thoughts

Timestamp: 41:24 – 46:50

• Trevor Noah wraps up hosting duties for the sixth and final year.
  • “I like when award shows lock in with the host...no learning curve after a show or two” (42:51).
• Personal Notes & Upcoming Music:
  • Excitement for J. Cole’s The Fall Off:
    • “J. Cole’s album comes out this week...super excited” (43:17).
  • Family shoutouts and anticipation for the Super Bowl: “Just give me Wings and a good game, I’ll have a good night" (45:38).
  • Parting advice on kindness and checking out Bieber’s “Yukon” performance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The show is for them, but they are the show.” (02:02)
• “He led with thanking the Vandross family...re-injecting legacies back into the cultural zeitgeist.” (05:36)
• On Bieber’s stripped-down performance: “There’s so much power in silence...this is the vocal equivalent of negative space.” (14:53-16:18)
• “He doesn’t owe us anything...he truly is just like a one-of-a-kind generational talent.” (16:40)
• “He became the first Spanish artist to win Album of the Year, which is incredible. Fitting. Obviously.” (24:40)
• “Not everything needs to be built and catered towards you...Sometimes it’s better to learn and just experience new cultures and new things.” (29:00)
• “Don’t fuck up the process...Don’t do this, like gamey shit to get an award to then get a platform...It was corny to me.” (37:07)
• “The Grammys are really good at creating those unique one-of-a-kind moments or just becoming the impetus for a reunion.” (40:34)

Key Takeaways

• Kendrick Lamar’s dominance both as a recorder and custodian of Black musical history.
• Bieber’s artistic gravitas—he lost every award but delivered the night’s most talked-about performance.
• Bad Bunny’s cultural win is significant not just for music, but for representation and activism.
• The Grammys’ rules and politics can be bent, leading to some controversial wins and lingering debates.
• Increasing focus on using the platform for activism, but also questions around authenticity and performative gestures.
• The event remains a crucible for iconic performances, surprising wins, and uniquely personal moments for artists and fans alike.

For those who missed the episode, Julian’s Grammy rundown provides not just a results recap, but a culture-forward, passionate (and sometimes ruthless) look at what the Grammys mean now—hype, heartbreak, history, and all.