Many rock acts received accolades at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, although this may not have been clear to viewers at home.

All major rock, metal, and alternative categories were presented during the premiere ceremony, a pre-telecast event that occurs hours before the televised segment.

Joni Mitchell achieved the eleventh Grammy of her illustrious career by winning Best Historical Album for Joni Mitchell Archives – Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976–1980), receiving a standing ovation from the audience who arrived early for the premiere ceremony.

In her speech, Mitchell reflected on the era highlighted in her compilation, describing it as a transitional phase in her career after folk music was “killed by the British Invasion.” She expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating she was “very honored to receive a Grammy for those records.”

The Cure and Nine Inch Nails Take Home Grammys

The Cure earned their first two Grammys in their legendary career by winning both Best Alternative Music Performance (for the song “Alone”) and Best Alternative Music Album for Songs of a Lost World.

Although the band could not attend the Grammys, Robert Smith sent a message expressing his gratitude to their collaborators and fans.

READ MORE: The Cure Win Their First Grammys 50 Years After Forming

Best Rock Song was awarded to Nine Inch Nails for “As Alive as You Need Me to Be,” their hit single from the soundtrack of Tron: Ares. This marks the third Grammy win for Nine Inch Nails and the fifth overall for Trent Reznor, who has also previously won for his film scores.

Rock’s Next Wave of Stars Gets Recognized by the Grammys

Some of rock’s most promising young artists also received their first Grammys. Turnstile, a hardcore punk band that has garnered a passionate global following, won Best Metal Performance for the song “Birds” and Best Rock Album for Never Enough. Meanwhile, Best Rock Performance went to Yungblud for his rendition of “Changes” from the Back to the Beginning concert. He dedicated his win to close friend and mentor Ozzy Osbourne.

“To grow up loving an idol that helps you figure out your identity, not only as a musician but also as a man, is something that I’m truly grateful for,” Yungblud stated during his speech. “But then to get to know them and form a relationship with them, honor them at their final show and receive this because of it, is something that I and I think we’re all finding so strange to comprehend. We f—ing love you Ozzy!”

Rock Stars at the 2026 Grammy Awards