Irish Grammy nominee Ruairi O’Flaherty celebrated Kendrick Lamar’s major victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday.
O’Flaherty, a master engineer from Killarney, works at the renowned Sterling Sound studio in the United States. He contributed to several top-nominated projects this year.
In particular, he received credits for Lamar’s GNX, which won best rap album. He also worked on the record of the year-winning track, Luther, performed by Kendrick Lamar and SZA.
Additionally, O’Flaherty had involvement in album of the year nominations for GNX and Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend. He also contributed to record of the year nominations for Manchild by Carpenter.
O’Flaherty has enjoyed consistent recognition at the Grammys. In 2025, he was celebrated for his work on Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet and St. Vincent’s All Born Screaming.
This year, Kendrick Lamar made history by winning five awards, including record of the year, best rap album, best melodic rap performance, and best rap song. He became the first male artist to win record of the year consecutively. He also became the first rapper to claim this award twice.
Meanwhile, Cork conductor Elaine Kelly attended the ceremony after her nomination for best opera recording for Emma O’Halloran’s Trade/Mary Motorhead. She did not win, as Heggie: Intelligence by Kwamé Ryan took the award.
Kelly made history last year as the first Irish conductor nominated in the best choral performance category for Akathist. Dublin composer Donnacha Dennehy also earned a nomination this year for best contemporary classical composition.
American songwriter Aoife O’Donovan, whose father was born in West Cork, was nominated for best American roots song for Ancient Light alongside co-writers Sarah Jarosz and Sara Watkins.
The ceremony also recognized global stars. Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny won album of the year for a Spanish-language album for the first time in Grammy history. Olivia Dean took home best new artist, while Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won song of the year for Wildflower.
Irish Grammy nominee Ruairi O’Flaherty shared the excitement of this historic night, highlighting the growing global influence of both Irish professionals and international artists.
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