Cher stunned viewers at the Grammys with a chaotic on-stage slip-up that had fans howling with laughter — and worrying about her health — after she accidentally announced Luther Vandross as the Record of the Year winner, despite the singer passing away two decades ago.
The legendary performer, 79, had just stepped offstage from accepting her lifetime achievement award when she was brought back out to present the next trophy. That’s when things went sideways.
Cher appeared flustered as she paused at the mic, muttering, “They told me it was gonna be on the prompter,” before realizing she actually needed to open the envelope in her hand.
She tore it open, glanced down, and triumphantly declared: “Luther Gandross!”
The audience erupted. Kendrick Lamar, who actually won for his song Luther — which samples Vandross’ vocals — laughed in disbelief as he headed to the stage.
Only after a beat did Cher correct herself, blurting out, “Oh, no, Kendrick Lamar!” as the crowd tried to process what just happened.
The moment instantly lit up X, where viewers veered between hysterics and concern.
Kendrick Lamar’s reaction to Cher mistakenly calling him ‘Luther Vandross’ at the #GRAMMYs.pic.twitter.com/KHhhtTl7qe
— The Lowdown On X (@tldonx) February 2, 2026
“Cher needs to be checked for early dementia,” one person posted.
“Somebody please check Cher in for a dementia check… she is stressing me out,” another added.
Others wondered if the mix-up was a sign of something more serious, noting her confusion onstage.
Kendrick, for his part, took it in stride, thanking Vandross in his speech and acknowledging the late singer’s influence on the track.
The awkward slip overshadowed what had been an emotional night for Cher, who wowed in shredded leather and delivered a heartfelt speech about the roller-coaster of her decades-long career.
She reflected on going from teen superstar to struggling actress, recalling being dropped by her label and performing in Las Vegas when it was considered “the elephant’s graveyard.” Her eventual comeback with Believe — the first major hit to use autotune — revived her career and cemented her status as a music legend.
But after her Grammys gaff, many viewers couldn’t help wondering whether the icon was simply rattled… or showing signs of something more concerning.
She’s an old lady……..cut her some slack, she could be YOUR grandma !
Give her a break, that wasn’t the first time that someone has slipped up.
Her daughter chassidy will have to take care of her.
Joe Biden was President and he slipped up and fell down many times and the Hollywood crowd did think he had dementia. They thought he was in perfect health.
It may be dementia, but it certainly wouldn’t be classified as “early”. And WHY is absolutely EVERYONE in show business referred to as an “icon” or a “legend”?! It’s absurd and an insult to our intelligence.
RESPECT THE “ICON”..AN EMOTIONAL NIGHT FOR SUCH A TALENTED PERSON 🔥