Kehlani Wins First Grammys: “Folded” Triumphs in Best R&B Performance and Song Categories

In a defining moment at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Kehlani secured a pair of victories that marked the artist’s first-ever Grammy wins, elevating both their career and the cultural footprint of contemporary R&B. The Oakland-born singer and songwriter’s song “Folded” took home two of the night’s most prestigious genre honors—Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song—solidifying its impact as one of the most acclaimed R&B releases of the year.

“Folded,” released in June 2025 through Atlantic Records, rapidly emerged as a defining track for Kehlani. The single became their first to crack the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, underlining its broad commercial resonance. Beyond chart success, the song dominated key R&B radio formats and streaming platforms, and its cultural influence was amplified through remix projects honoring R&B greats.

Image source: Kehlani Instagram Account

The Grammys’ Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song categories recognize excellence in vocal execution and songwriting craft, respectively, making Kehlani’s dual triumph particularly significant. In the Best R&B Performance race, “Folded” outpaced strong contenders from high-profile artists, while in the songwriting category, it was celebrated for its composition and emotional depth in a competitive field.

For Kehlani, the wins represent the culmination of more than a decade of artistic evolution. First entering the Grammy conversation with a nomination years earlier, the artist has steadily built a reputation for emotionally candid music and boundary-pushing R&B that bridges traditional soul elements with modern sensibilities. Their work—consistently praised for its expressive range and genre fluidity—has earned critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase.

“Folded” itself stands as a testament to this growth. Created in a collaborative session with a team of producers, the song captured a raw and introspective tone that resonated widely, blending nuanced vocal delivery with introspective themes. It became not just a commercial milestone but an artistic statement, demonstrating Kehlani’s ability to channel personal vulnerability into a universally appealing musical experience.

At the awards ceremony, the recognition of “Folded” in both performance and songwriting categories not only honored the track but also underscored Kehlani’s maturation as an artist capable of commanding both critical and popular acclaim. The Grammy wins closed a chapter of persistent pursuit for formal recognition while opening a new era of heightened visibility and influence.

Industry observers noted that Kehlani’s triumph at the Grammys mirrored broader trends in the music landscape, where R&B continues to evolve and claim its place at the forefront of mainstream attention. In an era marked by genre blending and innovative production, “Folded” stood out for its commitment to emotional honesty and sonic craftsmanship, qualities that resonated with both voters and listeners alike.

With these Grammy wins, Kehlani joins a cohort of artists who have used their platform not only to celebrate musical achievement but to spotlight personal and cultural narratives intrinsic to their artistry. While “Folded” will be remembered as the work that finally brought home the Grammy hardware, it also serves as a milestone that validates years of artistic risk-taking and deepens Kehlani’s legacy within the R&B canon.

Kehlani’s accolades for “Folded” at the 2026 Grammys reflect both a career breakthrough and a broader recognition of R&B’s continued innovation and impact. The dual wins highlight not just the success of a single song, but the arrival of an artist whose voice and vision continue to shape the sound and spirit of contemporary music.