New Delhi: At 90 years old, the Dalai Lama has just snagged his first-ever Grammy win at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on 1 February 2026 – a moment that’s got everyone from music buffs to mindfulness seekers buzzing online. This isn’t your typical trophy grab; it’s the spiritual leader’s reflections on compassion and peace blending with sarod strings, proving enlightenment can drop a beat too. Who’s ready to dive into how a monk outshone global singers and composers?
Picture this: amid Kendrick Lamar’s record-smashing night and Steven Spielberg’s EGOT crowning, one quiet announcement stole the pre-ceremony spotlight. The Dalai Lama’s entry into Grammy lore feels like a cosmic plot twist, hinting at deeper themes of unity and environmental care that we’ll unpack next. Stay tuned – this win’s more than gold; it’s a global wake-up call.
Grammy Awards and 2026 edition
The Grammys, kicking off in 1959 as music’s top honour from the Recording Academy, celebrate everything from rock to rap across 90+ categories. The 68th edition lit up Crypto.com Arena on 1 February 2026, with Kendrick Lamar dominating rap wins like Best Rap Album for GNX, while performers from Sabrina Carpenter to Lady Gaga owned the stage. Historic firsts abounded, including K-pop’s breakthrough and Spielberg’s EGOT.
Dalai Lama wins first Grammy Awards
In a star-studded Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category, the 90-year-old Dalai Lama triumphed with his project, beating heavyweights like host Trevor Noah, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Fab Morvan. Rufus Wainwright scooped the award on his behalf, quipping, “I am not the Dalai Lama, obviously.” This pre-telecast stunner marked his debut Grammy nod turning into gold.
Dalai Lama’s Grammy Awards winning album
Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, dropped last August, weaves his spoken insights on compassion, peace, oneness, and eco-urgency over Hindustani classical tunes by sarod legend Amjad Ali Khan and sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Tracks like Water lament shrinking Tibetan snows, urging resource protection, while Harmony ditches “my country, their country” for planetary unity. Produced by Kabir Sehgal with cameos from Maggie Rogers and Andra Day, it’s a mindful soundscape blending East-West vibes for global healing.
This Grammy elevates the Dalai Lama’s timeless call for compassion and environmental stewardship to new audiences worldwide. What a legacy booster!