Kehlani breaks jinx, wins first awards at 2026 Grammys

American singer Kehlani has finally broken her Grammy jinx, winning her first-ever Grammy Awards at the 2026 ceremony held on Sunday, February 1, in Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old star clinched two major awards, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, for her hit single, “Folded.”

The wins marked a major career milestone for Kehlani, who had endured a decade of Grammy nominations without a victory.

During her acceptance speech, an emotional Kehlani paid tribute to her mother, revealing she was adopted and thanking her for choosing to raise her.

“This moment means everything,” she told the audience, drawing loud applause.

Kehlani first received Grammy recognition in 2016, when her project You Should Be Here earned a nomination in the Best Urban Contemporary Album category. She was also nominated in 2018 and 2025, but missed out on the prize each time.

Her 2026 victory finally ended the long wait and was widely celebrated by fans and fellow artists, many of whom praised her resilience and consistency in the R&B space.

Kehlani’s triumph stood out as one of the highlights of the 2026 Grammy Awards, further cementing her place among contemporary R&B’s leading voices.