Black History Month is off to a great start, with Leon Thomas, Kehlani, and Shaboozey winning their first Grammys.
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony has just started, but winners in several categories were announced early. Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance were snagged by Thomas, Kehlani, and Shaboozey.
To me, winners were announced a bit earlier than usual this year. Apparently, only nine categories are expected to be televised, including Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Record of the Year.
Leon Thomas’ MUTT and Kehlani’s “Folded” dominates the R&B categories at the Grammys; Shaboozey declared one-half of Best Country Duo
Leon Thomas
From Victorious to Grammy Award-winner, Leon Thomas consistently proves he’s a force to be reckoned with. He’s taking home Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Album awards, with a possibility for more since he’s nominated for Best New Artist and Album of the Year. The first was announced while he was rehearsing, so Leon’s mom accepted on his behalf. He did make it in time to give a speech for the second.
Thomas is known for his songwriting and portraying Andre on Victorious, but this is the first time he’s being honored for his own work.
Kehlani
2025 was the year of “Folded.” R&B singer Kehlani patiently waited years to be recognized by the Grammys, and her hit single earned her two awards: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. “Folded” brought back a much-needed soulful sound to the genre, reminiscent of ’90s music.
Shaboozey
The “Good News” rapper and country artist is one-half of the genre’s top duo, according to the Recording Academy. Shaboozey is taking home an award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Jelly Roll for “Amen.”
Header image credit: Instagram/@leonthomas, @kehlani, @shaboozey
