Golden Globes DJ’s walk-up song choices leave viewers puzzled

People reports that viewers were puzzled by the DJ's walk-up music choices at the 2026 Golden Globes, held Jan. 11 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

Attendees and social media users noted several unexpected cues: Usher's 2004 hit "Yeah!" played as Stellan Skarsgård accepted the trophy for best supporting actor in a motion picture for Sentimental Value, Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" accompanied Macaulay Culkin's presentation, The Heated Rivalry entered to Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club," Adolescence had a big moment set to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Heads Will Roll," and Rihanna's "We Found Love" played during One Battle After Another's winner's walk for best motion picture (musical or comedy). On X, one user joked the show had "the best bar mitzvah DJ money could buy," another quipped that every musical cue came from Jingle Ball performers, and journalist Rachel Leishman wrote, "The dj of the golden globes is having FUN."

A Getty image showed a DJ computer labelled "DJ Maxx," but the Golden Globes did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the DJ's identity. The ceremony also recognized winners including Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne and Amy Poehler, with films such as Hamnet and One Battle After Another and shows like Adolescence and The Pitt taking top honors.

Key Topics

Culture, Golden Globes, Beverly Hilton, Stellan Skarsgård, Usher, Macaulay Culkin