“It’s beautiful to relive the memories attached to this project that is so, so precious to me,” Jackson said. “Though I don’t see Rhythm Nation as a phenomenon that lived in the past. I believe it’s alive and well in 2026,” she said, taking the stage after an extended standing ovation and introduction by Jimmy Jam – who with partner Terry Lewis produced and co-wrote most of the album that earned seven nominations and won for Best Long Form Music Video at the 32nd Grammys.
Noting the album “still resonates on a deep and profound level,” Jackson said, “It’s an ongoing force that fights bigotry and promotes understanding. It cannot be stopped. It’s simply too strong and too positive. Rhythm Nation is a movement of people of all reaches and backgrounds seeking to give and receive love free of judgment. As we celebrate tonight let’s remember that it transcends all borders, nationalities and faiths.”
“When you hear the music of Rhythm Nation, I hope you hear my heart’s desire when we first created this suite of songs,” she said. “More than ever, my hope is that we might live in a world free of fear and despair. The prayer driving this Rhythm Nation remains exactly the same—that peace prevails. Peace the world over, peace among our nations, peace in our neighborhoods, peace in our homes. May the music of Rhythm Nation continue to bring us together in peace. And may that peace allow us to celebrate this precious gift of life that God has given us. All praise to God.”
While Jackson didn’t perform, the Grammy Gala featured several high-octane performances, notably Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson performing a trio of hits—“Magic Man,” “Dreamboat Annie” and “Crazy On You”—to mark the induction of their powerhouse 1976 album Dreamboat Annie. Norah Jones, who was honored with the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award, took to the piano with beautful renditions of two Charles classics—“Seven Spanish Angels,” which Charles performed with Willie Nelson, and “Hallelujah, I Love You So.”
Lucinda Williams delivered “Can’t Let Go” and the title track from her 2026 inductee album Car Wheels On A Gravel Road. She also delivered some inspiration to rising songwriters. Williams thanked “the people who supported me when my music fell in the cracks between country and rock… which later became known as Americana. Don’t worry if your music falls into the cracks, that’s where it’s supposed to be.”
Isabel Marie performed Selena’s “No Me Queda Mas,” in tribute to Selena’s Amor Prohibido being inducted this year, and George Clinton was joined onstage by Erykah Badu and Blackbyrd McKnight to perform “Maggot Brain/Can You Get To That,” in celebration of the album Maggot Brain. Teddy Swims delivered a moving performance of “Mister Know It All” and “Lose Control” as part of the Warner Records tribute that concluded the evening, which also included Josh Groban and Take 6 vibing on “Stand By Me.”
