The Internet Reacts to the Golden Globes DJ: Check Out the Most Surprising Song Choices from the 2026 Ceremony

A DJ performs at the Golden Globes on January 11 in Beverly Hills.
Credit:

Chad Salvador/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty

Key Details

• The 2026 Golden Globes took place on Sunday, January 11, in Beverly Hills, California.
• A highlight of the event was the DJ who chose walk-up music for the presenters and winners.
• Some song selections, such as Usher’s “Yeah!” during Stellan Skarsgård’s award acceptance, drew notable attention.

For many celebrities, the 2026 Golden Globes provided an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, accompanied by nostalgic hits from the early 2000s.

As stars such as Timothée Chalamet and Teyana Taylor claimed the event’s major awards, social media buzzed with reactions to the ceremony’s choice of music, featuring tracks that many considered outdated.

When Skarsgård accepted his trophy for Best Supporting Actor for Sentimental Value, Usher’s "Yeah!" from 2004 filled the air at the Beverly Hilton.

Macaulay Culkin’s stage appearance was introduced by another catchy choice, "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison. The cast and crew of One Battle After Another later celebrated their victory for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) with Rihanna’s "We Found Love."

Reactions online were swift, with one user humorously noting, "the Golden Globes hired the best bar mitzvah DJ money could buy." Another quipped about the playlist’s criteria, suggesting every artist had performed at Jingle Ball.

Nikki Glaser during the Golden Globes on January 11.

Kevork Djansezian/CBS/Getty

Many viewers were particularly taken by the unexpected pairing of Skarsgård and Usher’s upbeat track, with one comment expressing disbelief that the 74-year-old actor walked up to accept his award to "Yeah!"

Conversely, others appreciated the DJ’s eclectic choices, with journalist Rachel Leishman stating, "The DJ of the Golden Globes is having FUN."

The audience at the 2026 Golden Globes.

Michael Buckner/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty

Though a listed DJ at the event was identified as "DJ Maxx," the Golden Globes did not immediately comment on the identity of the DJ responsible for the evening’s music selections.

This year’s Golden Globe accolades were awarded to stars such as Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, and Amy Poehler. The ceremony also honored productions like Hamnet and One Battle After Another, while series such as Adolescence and The Pitt received well-deserved recognition.