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Golden Globes Playlist Gone Rogue: Which Song Choices Have the Universe Shaking Their Heads?

Added on January 12, 2026 inMusic News Cards

So, picture this: you’re at the Golden Globes, basking in the glitz and glam, when suddenly—BAM!—“Party Rock Anthem” blasts through the speakers as someone’s name is called. Confused? You’re not alone. This year’s Golden Globes playlist was like a cosmic mix of chaos and celebration, as if Mercury decided to throw a wild party in Aquarius, stirring up some seriously bizarre but oddly captivating vibes. I mean, was this the universe’s way of reminding us that even the stars like to throw a curveball? From Usher’s club bangers greeting Stellan Skarsgård’s heartfelt win to Macaulay Culkin strutting out to “Return of the Mack,” the playlist had everyone scratching their heads and nodding their heads simultaneously. So, did the DJ moonlight as a bar mitzvah legend or channel some celestial mischief? Let’s dive into the madness and unpack the musical mayhem that had viewers both baffled and oddly entertained. LEARN MORE.

Golden Globes Music Playlist Reactions

It’s no secret that the Golden Globes are slightly more ~informal~ than some of the other major award ceremonies on the Hollywood calendar. But this year, the fun vibes reached a whole new level thanks to whoever was on that damn aux.

Yep, if you were tuned in to the live show last night, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d accidentally switched over to MTV, because the soundtrack inside the Beverly Hilton ballroom was giving the same energy as a packed-out party bus.

And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for some old-school Usher to get the vibes flowing on a Sunday night, particularly when Leonardo DiCaprio is in the building. However, some viewers couldn’t help but wonder if some of the song choices were a little…misplaced.

For example, when Stellan Skarsgård took home the win for Best Supporting Actor in Sentimental Value (a complex family drama in which he portrays an estranged father), the DJ played “Yeah!” by Usher, ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!!!

And when Paul Thomas Anderson’s name was announced as the winner for Best Screenplay, the DJ hit play on “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO, which, as far as I remember, has absolutely no connection to One Battle After Another.

The 2010s club-like soundtrack certainly did not go unnoticed by viewers, and the online commentary actually has me questioning what is real anymore.

As someone who treats their Spotify playlist curation like a full-time job, I must say I kind of loved the chaos of it all. And let’s also note that the mystery DJ definitely nailed a few of the music cues throughout the night…

…Like having Macaulay Culkin walk out to “Return of the Mack.” Perfection!

Or playing “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” when Timothée Chalamet was walking up to collect the award for Best Actor for Marty Supreme (IYKYK).

So, whoever you are, mystery Golden Globes DJ, please know that your work was seen, heard, and partly understood. I think we’d all like to have access to your playlists. Readers, LMK in the comments which musical moment was your favorite/least favorite from the night.

If you’re in the mood for more Golden Globes fun, you can find the rest of our coverage here.

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