Video game royalty took center stage at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards as The 8-Bit Big Band secured a prestigious win. The jazz ensemble walked away with the award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella, for their high-energy track “Super Mario Praise Break.”
The collective, renowned for transforming digital soundtracks into sophisticated jazz masterpieces, released a four-track tribute to the iconic plumber last summer. Their “Gospel Mario Bros Medley” reimagines several Nintendo classics through a soulful lens, including the foundational Super Mario Bros. theme, Super Mario 64’s “Bob-Omb Battlefield,” the sweeping “Gusty Garden Galaxy” from Super Mario Galaxy, and the frantic “Athletic Theme” from Super Mario World.
Infusing the performance with the fervor of a Sunday service, the band’s YouTube description for the track reads: “The princess might be in another castle, but the lord is in the house today! If HE has brought you to another level, go ahead and bless him!! No blue shell thrown against me shall prosper!!” It is a jubilant, pun-filled celebration of gaming history. Experience the award-winning arrangement below.
This victory marks another milestone in the band’s decorated history. They previously clinched a Grammy in 2022 for their rendition of “Meta Knight’s Revenge” from Kirby Super Star. Their consistent excellence also led to a 2025 nomination for their Persona 5 cover “Last Surprise,” as well as a nomination this year in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album category for Orchestrator Emulator.
The ceremony featured several other highlights for the interactive media industry. Austin Wintory earned the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for his work on Sword of the Sea, while KPop Demon Hunters also left a mark on the evening. Meanwhile, the night’s most coveted honors—Album, Record, and Song of the Year—went to Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish, respectively.
Source: Polygon
