The Dalai Lama has won his first Grammy Award at the age of 90, marking a historic moment at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026. The global honour came in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The album stood out among notable nominees, including works by Trevor Noah, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kathy Garver, and Fab Morvan. Blending spiritual reflections with music, the project brings together the Dalai Lama&rsquo;s teachings with Indian classical compositions by sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
The recording focuses on universal themes such as peace, compassion, kindness, environmental responsibility, and the shared oneness of humanity. The Dalai Lama, known formally as Tenzin Gyatso and recognised as the 14th Dalai Lama in the Tibetan spiritual lineage, has long advocated these values through his teachings worldwide.
The Grammy was accepted on his behalf by musician Rufus Wainwright during the ceremony. The album was produced with the involvement of Glassnote Records and features contributions from artists across different cultures and musical traditions, weaving meditative spoken word with Indian classical music.
With this win, the Dalai Lama joined other first-time Grammy winners this year, including K-pop group Demon Hunters and acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The achievement highlights how spiritual and cultural messages can reach new global audiences through contemporary artistic platforms.

Spoken-word album blends wisdom and Indian classical music to win big globally

Dalai Lama Wins First Grammy at 90 Years Old Today

Spoken-word album blends wisdom and Indian classical music to win big globally

February 2, 2026 | 09:47 IST