Alex Warren steadies after Grammys debut hiccup, momentum rolls into spring

As of Sunday, February 8, 2026 (ET), Alex Warren’s first week post‑Grammys has been defined by resilience, perspective, and plans. After a high‑profile audio issue during his televised debut on February 1 (ET), the Best New Artist nominee publicly explained what went wrong, fielded a wave of support from peers and fans, and turned attention to the next chapter of a fast‑climbing career.

Grammys debut hits a snag

During the February 1 broadcast (ET), Warren performed his breakout ballad “Ordinary” as part of the Best New Artist showcase. Mid‑song, he appeared to battle in‑ear monitor problems, briefly slipping about half a beat behind while adjusting his pack and removing an earpiece. He recovered quickly, finishing strong as the staging lifted him above the crowd for the climax. The sequence was unmistakably live‑TV: an unfolding technical snag, followed by a visible reset and a composed close.

‘This would only happen to me’: the artist’s response and support

On February 2 (ET), Warren posted a short social video demonstrating the echo‑laden feed he says he heard in his ears and captioned it with a self‑deprecating line — “This would only happen to me.” The post earned encouragement from fellow artists and creatives who applauded his poise in a high‑pressure moment. Offstage, his inner circle also rallied; a spouse’s celebratory note praised his composure and reminded followers that one rough patch on a live stage does not define the larger story.

Best New Artist outcome and what it means

The Best New Artist trophy ultimately went to Olivia Dean on February 1 (ET), capping a tightly watched race that also featured Addison Rae, The Marías, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Sombr, and Lola Young. Warren left without hardware but with the kind of visibility that an award‑show performance can deliver — millions of viewers, a conversation‑starter of a moment, and a chance to showcase how he handles adversity in real time.

Offstage moment: a long‑running Bieber anecdote

Warren also mixed humor with humility on the carpet and during interviews surrounding the show. He recounted sending “like 400” messages years ago to Justin Bieber — a story he shared with a laugh while noting he later wiped those old notes. It was a small but telling snapshot of the leap from fan to peer: a onetime bedroom‑skater boy now seated just tables away from a childhood idol at music’s biggest night.

Why this week still advances the arc

The attention on Warren’s set arrived after a dominant 2025 that put “Ordinary” at the center of pop’s conversation. The single logged a double‑digit run at No. 1 in the United States and an extended reign in the United Kingdom, propelling his debut album and a months‑long tour push. That momentum explains why a split‑second stumble didn’t stall his trajectory; instead, the follow‑through — acknowledging the glitch, showing the evidence, and keeping the tone light — reinforced a growing reputation for transparency and grit.

What’s next: spring arenas on the horizon

With the awards‑week spotlight fading, Warren’s calendar now tilts toward the road. A Europe and U.K. arena swing begins April 4, 2026 (ET) in Düsseldorf, with major stops including Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Belfast, and more, before concluding May 6 in Dublin. The run arrives as “Ordinary” continues to anchor his setlist and as new audiences encounter a performer who has already shown he can navigate the unpredictability of live television and keep moving forward.

Sources consulted: https://people.com/grammys-2026-alex-warren-technical-issues-during-debut-performance-11897183, https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/news/alex-warren-grammys-performance-technical-difficulties-b2912241.html, https://ew.com/why-alex-warren-deleted-like-400-dms-he-sent-justin-bieber-11897072, https://people.com/alex-warren-says-he-used-to-email-justin-bieber-growing-up-at-2026-grammys-exclusive-11897106