It’s a magical year at the Grammys for Halifax-raised Henry Walter, known by his alias Cirkut, who was among the early winners at the awards show’s pre-broadcast ceremony.
Walter won producer of the year after helming hits including Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “Apt.” and The Weeknd’s “Big Sleep.”
He also took home the award for best dance pop recording Grammy alongside Canadian sound mixer Serban Ghenea for Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.”
Walter was up for a total of seven awards across major categories, including album of the year for Lady Gaga’s “Mayhem,” which he co-produced.
While accepting the producer of the year award, he thanked all his collaborators including Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
“You trusted me with your vision. You could have chosen anyone but you chose me.”
Since producing and co-writing The Weeknd’s “High for This” in 2011, Walter has crafted a steady stream of pop hits for the likes of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Charli XCX, Miley Cyrus and more.
“Once upon a time I was a kid from Canada making beats in my bedroom and now I’m here,” he said on Sunday.
Also among the Canadian winners was Toronto’s Justin Gray, who won a Grammy Award for best immersive audio album.
He’s the first Canadian to ever win a Grammy in the category.
Gray, who teaches audio production at Humber Polytechnic, was recognized for his album “Immersed,” which was brought to life with 38 Toronto artists from his own orbit.
“Immersed” places listeners at the centre of a 360-degree orchestra featuring artists including fusion singer Suba Sankaran, saxophone player Jonathan Kay and co-producer and violinist Drew Jurecka.
The Grammy Awards are set to air Sunday night with much-awaited performances from the world’s biggest stars including Stratford, Ont., native Justin Bieber, who is up for several marquee awards including album of the year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2026.
Alex Nino Gheciu, The Canadian Press
