Cher arguably stole the show when she mistakenly announced that Record of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards was won by the late R&B musician Luther Vandross.
The musical icon, 79, slipped up after Kendrick Lamar and SZA were in fact awarded the prestigious title on Sunday, February 1, for their collaboration “Luther,” a track that samples Vandross’ 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Were Mine.”
The hilarious mistake occurred when Cher attempted to announce Lamar, 38, and SZA, 36, while reading the envelope she’d been given by Grammys organizers. Amid her excitement, Cher announced Vandross, who died in 2005 at the age of 54 after an illustrious career in the music business, before correcting herself.
“No! Kendrick Lamar!” Cher yelled as Lamar and SZA awkwardly made their way to the stage inside Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena to collect their award.
Lamar gracefully acknowledged the late musician during his speech, telling the crowd, “This is what music is about: Luther Vandross.” The audience in turn erupted with laughter.
Lamar spoke further about Vandross, who won eight Grammy Awards of his own throughout his musical career. “This is special for me. I gotta take my time. It’s one of my favorite artists of all time,” Lamar said. “They granted us the privilege to do our version of it. When we got that clearance, I promise you, we damn near all dropped a tear.”
Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Vandross’ achievements and legacy.
Who Is Luther Vandross?
Luther Vandross Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Vandross was an R&B and soul singer, renowned for his romantic lyricism, who was born in New York City and sold over 40 million records globally. He was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021, and his debut solo album, 1981’s Never Too Much, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in February 2025.
Among his most acclaimed songs include “Never Too Much,” sharing the name of his debut album, “Here and Now,” released in 1989, and “Dance With My Father,” which was the title track of his final album and won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2004.
How Did Luther Vandross Die?
According to an obituary posted by Seattle’s Noble & Kelsey Funeral Home Inc. in 2005, Vandross had suffered from “poor health since April 16, 2003, when he suffered a debilitating stroke while at home in Manhattan.” The obituary also detailed that Vandross had been “battling with weight problems for years” and suffered from diabetes and hypertension.
Who Is Luther Vandross’ Family?
Vandross was never known to publicly marry anybody, as confirmed via the obituary. He is survived by “his two sisters and brother.” The online tribute also pointed out his “ability to capture and create romantic moments and further enhance them with his silky voice, [which] made his songs natural choices for millions of weddings around the world.”
Who Did Luther Vandross Inspire Through His Musical Contributions?
Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle in 2000 Steve W Grayson/Online USA
Besides Lamar and SZA, Vandross was publicly admired by a string of modern-day heavyweights. He collaborated with Beyoncé on the 2003 duet “The Closer I Get to You”, Mariah Carey on the 1994 song “Endless Love” and Janet Jackson on the 1992 track “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” among other stars.
He also provided backing vocals for musicians including Roberta Flack, Bette Midler, David Bowie, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, Ringo Starr and Barbra Streisand.
During a 1987 interview with American Bandstand, Vandross said that his career was influenced by three singers: “Dionne [Warwick], Aretha [Franklin] and Diana [Ross] were always my favorite singers.”
Vandross eventually got to work with Ross, 81, and even performed on stage with her in 2000 during Ross’ Return to Love Tour.
What Else Was Luther Vandross Known For?
The late musician’s talents knew no bounds as he also provided vocals for commercial jingles throughout his career. His recordings featured in advertisements for brands including Mountain Dew, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Juicy Fruit, Burger King and NBC.
