Music enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. This year's ceremony promises thrilling performances, surprising wins, and celebrations of top artists. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nominations, while Lady Gaga and producers like Jack Antonoff follow closely. Viewers tune in to see who takes home the gold. The event broadcasts from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, hosted by Trevor Noah for the sixth time.
When Do the 2026 Grammy Awards Start?
The main ceremony kicks off on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (5 p.m. Pacific Time). For international audiences, that translates to 2 a.m. West Africa Time on Monday, February 2. The show runs approximately three and a half hours, ending around 11:30 p.m. ET.
The day begins earlier with the Premiere Ceremony at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT). This pre-show hands out awards in over 80 categories, focusing on genres like rock, jazz, and classical. Darren Criss hosts this segment, which streams live for free.
Red carpet coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET. Fans catch celebrity arrivals and fashion highlights through various streams.
How to Watch the Grammy Awards 2026 Live
CBS airs the live broadcast in the United States. Viewers access it via cable, satellite, or over-the-air antennas. For cord-cutters, Paramount+ offers a live stream. Premium subscribers watch in real time, including through local CBS affiliates. Essential plan users stream on-demand the next day.
Several live TV services include CBS: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. These platforms provide free trials for new users, perfect for one-night viewing.
International fans check local broadcasters or use VPNs for U.S. streams. The Grammy website and YouTube channel host free highlights and the Premiere Ceremony.
Mobile apps from CBS and Paramount+ enable on-the-go watching. Download them for seamless access.
Top Performers at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Excitement builds around the lineup. Lady Gaga delivers a high-energy set from her album Mayhem. Sabrina Carpenter performs hits like her nominated track Manchild. Tyler, the Creator showcases material from Chromakopia.
Clipse reunites with Pharrell Williams for a special performance. Justin Bieber returns to the stage with songs from Swag. Reba McEntire adds country flair, while Lauryn Hill pays tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack.
All Best New Artist nominees—Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías—perform in a group showcase. These acts highlight diverse talents.
Full List of 2026 Grammy Nominations
Nominations reflect a vibrant year in music. Artists span genres, from hip-hop to pop and Latin. The Recording Academy announced them on November 7, 2025.
Record of the Year Nominations
Artists compete for this top honor:- DTMF by Bad Bunny
- Manchild by Sabrina Carpenter
- Anxiety by Doechii
- Wildflower by Billie Eilish
- Abracadabra by Lady Gaga
- Luther by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
- The Subway by Chappell Roan
- APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars
Album of the Year Nominations
Contenders include:- Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny
- Swag by Justin Bieber
- Man's Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter
- Let God Sort Em Out by Clipse, Pusha T, and Malice
- Mayhem by Lady Gaga
- GNX by Kendrick Lamar
- Mutt by Leon Thomas
- Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator
Song of the Year Nominations
- Abracadabra (Lady Gaga)
- Anxiety (Doechii)
- APT. (Rosé and Bruno Mars)
- DTMF (Bad Bunny)
- Golden [From 'KPop Demon Hunters'] (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)
- Luther (Kendrick Lamar and SZA)
- Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter)
- Wildflower (Billie Eilish)
Best New Artist Nominations
- Addison Rae
- Alex Warren
- KATSEYE
- Leon Thomas
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- sombr
- The Marías
Other Key Categories
Best Pop Vocal Album features Man's Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter and Mayhem by Lady Gaga. In rap, GNX by Kendrick Lamar battles Chromakopia by Tyler, the Creator for Best Rap Album.
Latin categories highlight Bad Bunny's dominance. Rock nods go to Turnstile and others. Full details appear on the official Grammy site.
What to Expect from the 2026 Grammy Awards
Kendrick Lamar eyes multiple wins after his strong year. Lady Gaga could add to her trophy case with electronic-infused tracks. Bad Bunny represents global sounds, potentially making history.
The show includes tributes and surprises. Viewers vote for fan favorites via social media. Post-show analysis floods platforms like X and YouTube.
This year's additions include Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover, expanding recognition.
Who votes for the Grammys?
The Grammy Awards are voted on by approximately 15,000 voting members of the Recording Academy, consisting of vetted music professionals like recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers, and engineers. These peers must be in good dues standing, qualify through credits or endorsements, and vote only in their expertise areas across two rounds: nominations and final winners.
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