The Grammys are putting real respect on real legends as the Recording Academy officially names its 2026 Special Merit Award recipients, led by Chaka Khan and the late Whitney Houston. The two icons will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring careers that did more than make hits. They shaped the sound, the standards, and the future of global music.
“It’s a true honor to recognize this year’s Special Merit Award recipients,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “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.”
For Whitney Houston, the honor lands as another chapter in a family legacy rooted in greatness. Years after her cousin Dionne Warwick received the same recognition, Houston’s influence continues to echo across pop, R&B, gospel, and film. A six-time Grammy winner with more than 200 million records sold worldwide, Houston didn’t just dominate charts. She redefined vocal excellence and cracked doors wide open for Black women to thrive on mainstream radio and global stages without compromise.
Chaka Khan’s recognition feels just as overdue as it does undeniable. Known worldwide as the Queen of Funk, Khan has spent over five decades moving freely between R&B, funk, pop, jazz, and gospel while staying true to her voice and vision. With 10 Grammy Awards and timeless records from her solo career and her work with Rufus, she helped normalize genre blending long before it became industry standard.
The 2026 honorees also include Afro Latin guitar legend Carlos Santana, Cher and the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. Together, this year’s class reads like a blueprint of influence that still moves culture forward.
