The music industry is buzzing with anticipation as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards approaches. Set for Sunday, February 1st, this year’s ceremony promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the year’s most exceptional artists with unforgettable live performances and well-deserved recognitions. From historic nominations to a beloved host’s final bow, here is your comprehensive preview of everything to expect from the 2026 Grammys.
When and Where to Tune In
The main event will be held at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. For viewers at home, the ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, Feb. 1, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
Streaming options are available for Paramount+ subscribers. Those with a Paramount+ Premium subscription can stream the show live through their local CBS channel. Paramount+ Essential tier users will have access to the ceremony on demand starting the following day.
The live event will be available for Indian audiences starting 6:30 am IST on February 2, with broadcasts on Star Movies and streaming on JioHotstar.
The festivities begin earlier with the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony. This pre-show event, where the majority of the golden gramophones are awarded, kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.Grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s official YouTube channel.
A Fond Farewell to a Stellar Host
Adding a note of sentimental significance to the evening, comedian and commentator Trevor Noah will return to helm the Grammys for the sixth and final time. Executive producer Ben Winston recently revealed that securing Noah for this last run required a heartfelt plea.
After initially believing his five-year tenure was complete, Winston sent a persuasive video message to the former Daily Show host. “I was literally on my knees in this video,” Winston recounted at a press conference. “I said, ‘Please look at this incredible lineup… the only thing that’s missing is you. Come back and do one final year.’”
Winston praises Noah’s genuine passion for music, noting that his excitement and reverence for the artists in the room make him the “perfect host” for music’s most prestigious night.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Performers
The 2026 stage will be packed with talent, featuring a dynamic mix of legendary icons, current chart-toppers, and exciting newcomers.
The roster of confirmed performers is a who’s who of the music world, including top nominees like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Pharrell Williams, Justin Bieber, and the reunited duo Clipse.
In a special collaborative moment, all eight artists nominated for Best New Artist—Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Sombr, and The Marías—will share the stage for a unique performance.
The annual In Memoriam segment will feature poignant tributes performed by an all-star group including Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, Lukas Nelson, Lauryn Hill, Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Slash.
Top Nominees and Historic Milestones
This year’s nominations are led by hip-hop titan Kendrick Lamar, who dominates with an impressive nine nominations, including the coveted “Big Three”: Album, Record, and Song of the Year.
He is closely followed by Lady Gaga with seven nods, while Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, and Bad Bunny each secured six nominations. Bad Bunny’s inclusion is particularly historic, as he becomes the first Spanish-language artist ever to be nominated for Album, Record, and Song of the Year in the same ceremony.
Introducing Brand New Grammy Categories
The 2026 awards introduce two new categories, expanding the scope of recognition. For the first time, the visual art that accompanies music will be honored with the Best Album Cover award. The nominees are:
- Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator
- Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny
- The Crux by Djo
- Glory by Perfume Genius
- Moisturizer by Wet Leg
Furthermore, the rich sounds of classic country are getting their own dedicated space with the new Best Traditional Country Album category. Its inaugural nominees are:
- Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day
- Lukas Nelson – American Romance
- Willie Nelson – Oh What a Beautiful World
- Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman
- Zach Top – Ain’t in It for My Health
Mark your calendars for February 1st. With a stellar lineup of performers, emotional milestones, and the charming guidance of Trevor Noah one last time, the 2026 Grammy Awards are poised to be an unforgettable celebration of musical excellence.
