Wednesday

06-05-2026 Vol 19

Singer rips out earpiece in frustration as major technical issue hits Grammys performance

Singer Alex Warren’s Grammys performance was certainly out of the ordinary after major technical malfunctions effectively marred his big moment.

The Youtuber-turned-Ordinary hitmaker was previously up for the coveted Best New Artist award, and made his grand Grammys debut in turn.

But the performance appeared ill-fated from the offset, plagued by earpiece issues right the way through.

Watch the video above.

Alex Warren performing at the 2026 Grammys
Alex Warren’s performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards was marred by technical difficulties from the offset. (Getty)

The artist looked utterly dejected following the unfortunate mishap, with his first-ever on-stage appearance at the Grammys foiled.

The nature of the technical issues was not initially clear, as Warren began his performance backstage before making his way to the main stage.

The broadcast audio was initially polluted by a faint hissing noise, though it was soon resolved, and unclear whether this noise was audible in Alex’s earpiece.

The singer made a futile attempt to resolve the ongoing issues, reaching behind his jacket to adjust his pack, which controls the volume of the in-ear monitors.

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Alex Warren performs onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Warren’s earpiece appeared to malfunction during his performance of Ordinary. (Getty Images for The Recording A)
Alex Warren performing at the 2026 Grammys
The singer appeared visually frustrated, and at one point fell out of time with his backing track mix. (Getty Images for The Recording A)

Warren was then shown on-camera tapping at his right earpiece, indicating a persistent issue.

The devices in question make it possible for performers to hear their own voices in deafening environments, but Warren unfortunately appeared unable to hear his voice properly in the mix.

In a moment of clear frustration, he pulled one of his in-ear monitors out altogether.

His struggles became clear to the audience after one particularly rocky passage, wherein Warren appeared to fall half a beat astray from his backing track.

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The powerhouse performer’s typically strong voice faltered, appearing weaker than usual as he underwent the task of fixing his equipment and performing simultaneously.

Warren received one nomination this year for best new artist, which eventually went to UK Neo-Soul songstress Olivia Dean.

This was awarded in recognition of a breakout 2025 for the star, which she began with a headlining stint at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Australia and New Zealand, followed by the release of her much-anticipated album The Art of Loving.

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The list of fellow nominees for the hotly-contested award included a positively stacked line-up.

Victorious alum Leon Thomas III, girl group KATSEYE, ex-Tiktoker Addison Rae and Sombr were among those nominated.

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