@musicbusinessunlocked: And the Grammy for Record of the Year goes to... Luther Vandross? 😂 Cher’s unforgettable slip at the 2026 Grammys, announcing the late legend instead of Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s “Luther,” turned into pure poetry. The track samples Vandross and Cheryl Lynn’s If This World Were Mine, and the estate’s clearance came with one rule: no cursing. Kendrick, SZA, and the team (Sounwave, Jack Antonoff, and more) leaned into it during the acceptance: Shout-outs to the “late, great Luther Vandross,” emotional gratitude for the privilege of the sample, keeping it clean out of respect, and centering the record on love. SZA closed with: “Please don’t fall into despair… We need each other. Trust your heart. We’re governed by God, not the government.” This song is a masterclass in music business fundamentals: respecting estates, clearing samples the right way, protecting legacy, and turning catalog into generational impact. Luther forever. Congrats to Kendrick, SZA, the producers, and everyone behind the record. #musicbusinessunlocked #musicbusiness #musicindustry #grammys #kendricklamar

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Monday 02 February 2026 06:16:41 GMT