Honoring Legends: Cher, Chaka Khan, and More Celebrated at the Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards
The Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards paid tribute to a host of music icons, including Cher, Chaka Khan, and the late Whitney Houston, with heartfelt speeches and memorable moments.
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards are known for their intimate atmosphere, a stark contrast to the grand spectacle of the Grammy Awards. This year's ceremony, held at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 31, 2026, continued this tradition, albeit with a touch of melancholy as some honorees were absent.
Cher and Carlos Santana shared their gratitude via video, while Paul Simon's sentiments were conveyed by Warner Music executive Michael Ostin.
The event celebrated Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Fela Kuti, Simon, and Whitney Houston with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri, and Sylvia Rhone received the Trustees Award. John Chowning was recognized with the Technical Grammy Award. Jennifer Jimenez, of South Miami Senior High School, was honored with the Music Educator Award. RAYE, BloodPop (Michael Tucker), and Mike Sabath were awarded the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award for RAYE's “Ice Cream Man.”
BloodPop used his acceptance speech to highlight a pressing issue, reading the names of nine individuals, including Renée Good and Alex Pretti, who tragically lost their lives while protesting ICE this year. His powerful statement, "Nine too many people. Abolish ICE. Please," resonated deeply with the audience.
Palmieri, a luminary in Latin music, was honored posthumously, as were Afrobeats pioneer Kuti, and the iconic Houston.
Simon's recognition as a solo artist adds him to the elite list of individuals honored both individually and as part of a group, joining the ranks of Diana Ross (The Supremes) and Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison (The Beatles).
Houston's honor comes seven years after her cousin, Dionne Warwick, received the same recognition.
Taupin, a 2026 Grammy nominee, is yet to win a competitive Grammy, despite his nomination for best song written for visual media for “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late.
Lifetime Achievement Awards celebrate performers with outstanding artistic contributions. Trustees Awards recognize significant non-performing contributions. Technical Grammy Awards honor individuals or institutions with outstanding technical significance.
Here are eight highlights from this year’s Special Merit Awards ceremony:
Clive Davis Toasts the 3 Honorees He Had Worked Closely With
The event commenced with a video tribute from industry titan Clive Davis, sharing personal anecdotes about Paul Simon, Whitney Houston, and Carlos Santana.
Davis recounted his advocacy for “Bridge Over Troubled Water” as the lead single from Simon & Garfunkel’s final studio album.
He also recalled Houston’s audition at age 18, where she performed “The Greatest Love of All,” unaware of Davis’s involvement in George Benson’s 1977 recording.
Regarding Santana, he spoke of their reunion in the late 1990s and Santana’s desire to regain relevance. "I just got this song, and it’s called ‘Smooth.’ I said, ‘This could be a big, big, big hit.’ And I played it for him, and he said, ‘You know, I take your word. You know what hits are.’"
Artists Pay Tribute to Executives
Michael Ostin read Paul Simon’s words of gratitude for Roy Halee, Phil Ramone, Clive Davis, and Mo Ostin.
Carlos Santana, in his video message, thanked Bill Graham and Clive Davis.
Executives Pay Tribute to Artists
A touched Sylvia Rhone acknowledged the diverse range of artists she's worked with, from Missy Elliott to Metallica, emphasizing the interconnectedness of music genres.
Michael Ostin shared his experience witnessing Paul Simon's creative process, highlighting his meticulous approach and brilliance.
Chaka Khan Gets a Laugh With a Candid Moment
"This journey has never been mine alone,” Khan said. “It has been guided by faith and purpose and by something greater than me. Over 50 years, I’ve been blessed to walk alongside extraordinary artists, musicians, writers, producers, creators and cuckoos.”
Cher Gets a Laugh for Being Typically Cher
Cher reminisced about her childhood dream of being a singer, running around naked and singing into a hairbrush.
Bernie Taupin Salutes 6 Songwriters He Especially Admires
The veteran lyricist saluted Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, and Leonard Cohen, as well as Paul Simon.
Taupin also shared 10 tips for songwriters.
RAYE and Co-Writers Accept Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award
RAYE, BloodPop, and Mike Sabath were honored for “Ice Cream Man,” a song addressing sexual assault.
RAYE expressed gratitude for the recognition and hoped for a more positive industry environment.
BloodPop quoted Harry Belafonte on artists being gatekeepers of truth, calling for accountability and community support.
Family Members Accepted Posthumous Awards to Their Famous Relatives
Pat Houston accepted the award for Whitney Houston, celebrating her enduring music and impact.
Yeni Kuti, daughter of Fela Kuti, and her brother Femi, expressed gratitude for their father's recognition and his lasting influence on music and activism.
Eydie Palmieri, daughter of Eddie Palmieri, lauded her father as a genius and visionary.
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