Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, from Terceira Island, recognized worldwide for his work with the band Extreme, has been nominated for the 2026 Grammy Awards in the Best Rock Performance category for his performance in “Changes (Live From Villa Park/Back to the Beginning)” alongside Yungblud, Adam Wakeman, Frank Bello, and II.

On social media, regarding the nomination, Nuno Bettencourt wrote: “All in the name of rock and heavy metal.”

British singer-songwriter Yungblud performed his version of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” during the band’s farewell concert last July, accompanied by Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello (bassist for Anthrax), Adam Wakeman (keyboardist for Ozzy Osbourne’s band), and II (drummer for Sleep Token). The performance was turned into a single, with the proceeds going to charity.

In his post, Nuno Bettencourt congratulated Black Sabbath, as well as artists Yungblud, Adam Wakeman, Frank Bello, and II.

The guitarist also paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath’s legendary vocalist, who passed away this year, highlighting the lasting impact of his work: “The power of your music will continue to shine from above forever. Rock and roll cannot be destroyed… it is here to stay.”

Nuno Bettencourt is the first Azorean to be nominated for the Grammy Awards, one of the music industry’s most prestigious awards. The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

In Diáio Insular-José Lourenço-director

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