Whitney Houston, Cher among music legends set to receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards

Whitney Houston, Cher, and more legends of the music world are part of the latest announcement by the Recording Academy.

Joining a list made up of Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti, and Paul Simon, the music divas will receive the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.

Other honourees for the upcoming awards include Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri, and Sylvia Rhone (Trustee Award), while John Chowning will receive the Technical Grammy Award.

Houston and Kuti are notable for being the two posthumous honourees of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement, “It’s a true honor to recognize this year’s Special Merit Award recipients — an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres and the very foundation of modern music.”

“Each of these honorees has made a profound and lasting impact, and we look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements on the eve of Grammy Sunday,” his statement continued.

The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place on January 31, 2026.