Cher arguably stole the present when she mistakenly introduced that File of the Yr on the 2026 Grammy Awards was gained by the late R&B musician Luther Vandross.
The musical icon, 79, slipped up after Kendrick Lamar and SZA have been the truth is awarded the distinguished title on Sunday, February 1, for his or her collaboration “Luther,” a observe that samples Vandross’ 1982 duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Had been Mine.”
The hilarious mistake occurred when Cher tried to announce Lamar, 38, and SZA, 36, whereas studying the envelope she’d been given by Grammys organizers. Amid her pleasure, Cher introduced Vandross, who died in 2005 on the age of 54 after an illustrious profession within the music enterprise, earlier than correcting herself.
“No! Kendrick Lamar!” Cher yelled as Lamar and SZA awkwardly made their solution to the stage inside Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Area to gather their award.
Lamar gracefully acknowledged the late musician throughout his speech, telling the gang, “That is what music is about: Luther Vandross.” The viewers in flip erupted with laughter.
Lamar spoke additional about Vandross, who gained eight Grammy Awards of his personal all through his musical profession. “That is particular for me. I gotta take my time. It’s considered one of my favourite artists of all time,” Lamar mentioned. “They granted us the privilege to do our model of it. Once we bought that clearance, I promise you, we rattling close to all dropped a tear.”
Preserve scrolling for every part it’s essential to learn about Vandross’ achievements and legacy.
Who Is Luther Vandross?
Luther Vandross Kevin Winter/Getty Photos
Vandross was an R&B and soul singer, famend for his romantic lyricism, who was born in New York Metropolis and bought over 40 million data globally. He was inducted into the Nationwide Rhythm & Blues Corridor of Fame in 2021, and his debut solo album, 1981’s By no means Too A lot, was inducted into the Grammy Corridor of Fame in February 2025.
Amongst his most acclaimed songs embrace “By no means Too A lot,” sharing the identify of his debut album, “Right here and Now,” launched in 1989, and “Dance With My Father,” which was the title observe of his closing album and gained a Grammy for Tune of the Yr in 2004.
How Did Luther Vandross Die?
In response to an obituary posted by Seattle’s Noble & Kelsey Funeral House Inc. in 2005, Vandross had suffered from “poor well being since April 16, 2003, when he suffered a debilitating stroke whereas at dwelling in Manhattan.” The obituary additionally detailed that Vandross had been “battling with weight issues for years” and suffered from diabetes and hypertension.
Who Is Luther Vandross’ Household?
Vandross was by no means recognized to publicly marry anyone, as confirmed by way of the obituary. He’s survived by “his two sisters and brother.” The net tribute additionally identified his “potential to seize and create romantic moments and additional improve them along with his silky voice, [which] made his songs pure decisions for hundreds of thousands of weddings around the globe.”
Who Did Luther Vandross Encourage Via His Musical Contributions?
Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle in 2000 Steve W Grayson/On-line USA
Apart from Lamar and SZA, Vandross was publicly admired by a string of modern-day heavyweights. He collaborated with Beyoncé on the 2003 duet “The Nearer I Get to You”, Mariah Carey on the 1994 tune “Infinite Love” and Janet Jackson on the 1992 observe “The Finest Issues in Life Are Free,” amongst different stars.
He additionally offered backing vocals for musicians together with Roberta Flack, Bette Midler, David Bowie, Carly Simon, Donna Summer time, Ringo Starr and Barbra Streisand.
Throughout a 1987 interview with American Bandstand, Vandross mentioned that his profession was influenced by three singers: “Dionne [Warwick], Aretha [Franklin] and Diana [Ross] have been all the time my favourite singers.”
Vandross finally set to work with Ross, 81, and even carried out on stage together with her in 2000 throughout Ross’ Return to Love Tour.
What Else Was Luther Vandross Identified For?
The late musician’s skills knew no bounds as he additionally offered vocals for industrial jingles all through his profession. His recordings featured in ads for manufacturers together with Mountain Dew, Kentucky Fried Hen, Juicy Fruit, Burger King and NBC.
