Grammys 2026 Red Carpet Sees Daring Fashion Statements from Chappell Roan and Justin Bieber
The 2026 Grammy Awards witnessed two of the most talked-about fashion moments of the night, as singer Chappell Roan and pop star Justin Bieber both opted for strikingly minimal outfits that left audiences divided. While Roan turned heads with a gown seemingly held up by nipple piercings, Bieber took to the stage in just his boxer shorts, sparking widespread discussion on social media and beyond.
Chappell Roan's Sheer Mugler Gown Attached to Nipple Piercings
American singer Chappell Roan, the reigning best new artist winner who received two nominations this year, made a bold entrance at the ceremony in a custom sheer Mugler gown. The dress featured an invisible bodice with maroon fabric draping down from faux nipples and nipple rings, flowing into a train behind the 27-year-old and revealing black underwear underneath. This daring look comes after Bianca Censori's controversial 'naked Grammys dress' in 2025, but Roan's outfit has garnered a generally warmer response, with many praising her artistic statement.
Social media reactions were mixed but largely supportive. One user on X commented, 'No wonder everyone’s talking about Chappell Roan tonight. Her dress is literally hooked onto her nipple piercings. I guess that’s one way to make an entrance.' Others appreciated the creativity, with Sarah writing, 'People so bothered by a ti**y. Love this, love the art of it, the storytelling, it’s fantastic.' However, some critics questioned the boundaries of fashion, with Lindsey asking, 'When does public indecency come into play? Or does it not because they are celebs calling this “fashion”?'
To complete her medieval-inspired look, Roan's back was adorned with an intricate fake tattoo, a nod to her Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things Tour. This ensemble has positioned her as a frontrunner in the ongoing conversation about red carpet fashion and self-expression.
Justin Bieber's Stripped-Down Performance in Boxer Shorts
Justin Bieber, 31, also embraced a minimalist approach during his performance at the Grammys, taking to the stage shirtless and wearing only boxer shorts. This marked his first appearance at the awards ceremony in four years, as he delivered an emotional rendition of his song Yukon, which he previously revealed was written about his wife Hailey Bieber. Cameras repeatedly cut to Hailey during the performance, showing her smiling proudly and cheering him on.
The outfit choice, however, drew mixed reactions from fans and viewers. Some expressed confusion or disappointment, with Darren questioning on X, 'Why is Justin Bieber in his boxers on stage what is this?' and Kristi adding, 'I have been a Justin Bieber fan forever. I am very confused by the fact that he is performing in boxers.' Others pointed out a clever marketing tactic, noting that Bieber was wearing boxers from his own brand, Skylrk, turning the performance into a promotional opportunity.
Bieber's performance was notably stripped down, featuring no background graphics or stage decor aside from musical instruments. After finishing, he simply walked off stage. Earlier in the evening, he had walked the red carpet with his wife in an oversized black suit, both wearing matching 'ICE OUT' pins. Bieber entered the Grammys with four nominations for his album SWAG, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Performance.
Broader Context and Grammy Winners Highlights
These fashion moments occurred against the backdrop of the 2026 Grammy Awards, which celebrated achievements across various music genres. Key winners included Bad Bunny for Album of the Year with Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Kendrick Lamar with SZA for Record of the Year, and Billie Eilish for Song of the Year with Wildflower. Other notable winners were Olivia Dean for Best New Artist, Lady Gaga for Best Pop Vocal Album with Mayhem, and Kendrick Lamar again for Best Rap Album with GNX.
The Grammys have long been a platform for artistic expression, and this year's event continued that tradition with Roan and Bieber pushing boundaries. Their outfits have ignited debates about fashion, celebrity culture, and the line between artistry and indecency, ensuring that the 2026 ceremony will be remembered for more than just the music awards.
