The Cure Wins 2026 Grammy For Best Alternative Music Performance For ‘Alone’

And the 2026 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Performance goes to… The Cure for “Alone.”

The band could not attend this year’s awards show as they were grieving the loss of their bandmate, The Cure guitarist and keyboard player, Perry Bamonte. Bamonte died at the age of 65 after a short illness at his home over the Christmas holiday.

“Quiet, intensive, intuitive, constant, and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm-hearted and vital part of The Cure story,” the band said in a statement. Bamonte was a part of their touring crew since 1984 and joined the band in 1990.

Meet the Nominees

The Best Alternative Music Performance category this year features a diverse mix of innovation, sonic experimentation, and emotional depth. Bon Iver’s “Everything Is Peaceful Love” showcases Justin Vernon’s signature ethereal production and layered vocals, blending folk, electronic textures, and intimate lyricism. The song explores themes of inner calm, love, and reconciliation amid life’s uncertainties, reinforcing Bon Iver’s continued relevance in alternative music; the band is also nominated this year for Best Alternative Music Album for SABLE, fABLE. The Cure returns with “Alone,” a moody, atmospheric track reflecting on isolation, melancholy, and introspection, with the band’s signature post-punk guitar textures and Robert Smith’s haunting vocals; The Cure is also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album for Songs of a Lost World.

On the more energetic end of the spectrum, Turnstile’s “SEEIN’ STARS” combines punk-infused intensity with melodic hooks, exploring themes of hope, resilience, and communal energy. They are additionally nominated in Best Rock Album (NEVER ENOUGH) and Best Rock Performance for “NEVER ENOUGH,” highlighting their cross-genre impact. Wet Leg’s “mangetout” delivers quirky, playful alt-rock with satirical, tongue-in-cheek lyrics about modern relationships and social awkwardness; the band is also nominated for Best Alternative Music Album (moisturizer). Finally, Hayley Williams’ “Parachute” features soaring vocals and experimental rock arrangements, exploring personal freedom, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability; Williams also receives nominations for Best Alternative Music Album (Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party) and Best Rock Performance (“Mirtazapine”), cementing her dual influence in both alternative and rock spheres. Collectively, these performances highlight the genre-defying creativity, emotional storytelling, and sonic diversity that define the alternative music landscape in 2026.

2026 Grammy Nominees for Best Alternative Music Performance

“Everything Is Peaceful Love,” Bon Iver “

Alone,” The Cure

“SEEIN’ STARS,” Turnstile

“mangetout,” Wet Leg

“Parachute,” Hayley Williams