The 68th annual grammy awards return on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for an unforgettable evening that honors the top musical achievements of the past year. Music lovers across the United States are preparing for a dazzling ceremony live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where performers, nominees, presenters, and fans will come together for a celebration of creativity, culture, and chart‑topping talent. This year’s show promises not only electrifying live performances but also historic moments as artists from every genre compete for the industry’s highest honors.
Beyond the broadcast itself, Grammy week includes pre‑show events, red carpet moments, and an afternoon Premiere Ceremony that recognizes excellence across a wide range of musical categories. With Kendrick Lamar leading nominations and an expansive lineup of performances planned, the 68th edition is shaping up to be one of the most talked‑about nights in entertainment.
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Date, Time, and Location for the Ceremony
This year’s ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans can expect the televised main event to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with earlier activities throughout the day that feed growing anticipation in the hours before the first award is handed out.
The venue’s vibrant energy and history of hosting major entertainment events make it a fitting location for music’s most prestigious night. With thousands of attendees gathering in person and millions more tuning in from home, the Grammys continue to stand out as one of the premier awards shows in American culture.
Premiere Ceremony Kicks Off Grammy Day
Long before the primetime broadcast begins, Grammy day starts with the Premiere Ceremony in the early afternoon. This segment, streamed live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, honors many Grammy categories not included in the main show. Hosted by Darren Criss, the Premiere Ceremony brings artists and industry professionals to the stage for celebrations and acceptance speeches that reflect the depth of talent recognized by the Recording Academy.
Performances during the Premiere Ceremony include a mix of genres and styles, featuring artists like Helen J. Shen, Spiritbox, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Zara Larsson delivering memorable performances that set the tone for the evening ahead.
Red Carpet Rolls Out in the Early Evening
As the afternoon transitions into evening, the Grammy red carpet becomes a central focus for fans and fashion watchers alike. Starting around 6 p.m. Eastern Time, stars arrive in dazzling attire, offering glimpses into the personalities and style statements of nominees, performers, and special guests. Red carpet coverage builds excitement with interviews, first impressions, and commentary ahead of the main telecast.
This portion of the day has evolved into an event of its own, drawing fans into the celebration hours before the show begins and creating social buzz that carries momentum into the live broadcast.
Who’s Hosting and What to Expect from Presenters
For the sixth consecutive year, Trevor Noah returns as host of the Grammy Awards. His mix of humor, insight, and charismatic presence has become a signature part of Grammy night, guiding viewers through the performances, award presentations, and memorable moments that unfold throughout the evening.
A star‑studded group of presenters is also slated to appear, including icons from across music and entertainment. Artists and celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Harry Styles, Carole King, Charli XCX, Jeff Goldblum, Karol G, Lainey Wilson, and Teyana Taylor bring their personalities to the stage as they introduce awards and performances, adding flair and variety to the broadcast.
Nominations Spotlight the Year’s Top Artists
This year’s ceremony shines a spotlight on a broad range of artists spanning genres and global influences. Leading the nominations is Kendrick Lamar, earning nine nods across major categories—a testament to his impact over the eligibility period. Close behind with multiple nominations are Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and producer Cirkut, all recognized for their creative contributions to standout albums and songs from the past year.
Other leading nominees include Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, and Tyler, the Creator, each representing different corners of contemporary music. Their nominations reflect the increasingly inclusive and diverse nature of the music industry, where artists from various backgrounds and styles are celebrated for their artistic achievements.
Performances Promise High Energy and Variety
The lineup of performers for the main ceremony promises a night of unforgettable musical moments. Headlining the stage are some of the most acclaimed and popular artists working today. Justin Bieber returns to the Grammy stage, bringing his powerful vocal presence and chart‑topping material. Lady Gaga, known for her theatrical and emotionally charged performances, is also on the roster, delivering a highlight performance many fans are anticipating.
Joining them are Bruno Mars, Tyler, The Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and Rosé of BLACKPINK, whose appearance marks a historic moment as a solo K‑pop artist on the Grammy stage. These performances showcase a mix of musical styles and artistic expression that reflect the dynamic range of contemporary music.
Adding to the excitement is a special Best New Artist medley featuring all eight nominees in that category. This segment celebrates emerging voices and serves as a powerful reminder of the next generation of influential musicians.
Tributes Add Emotional Depth to the Night
In addition to performances and awards, the evening includes tribute segments honoring musical legends and influential figures. Ms. Lauryn Hill is set to lead meaningful tributes to icons like D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, celebrating their enduring contributions to music history. A tribute to Ozzy Osbourne features a lineup of celebrated rock musicians, including Post Malone, Slash, and other notable collaborators, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds in homage to a genre‑shaping figure.
These moments provide emotional resonance amidst the competitive energy of awards and live performances, connecting the past legacy of music to its present and future evolution.
New Grammy Categories Expand Recognition
This year’s awards also introduce new Grammy categories that broaden the scope of musical recognition. One such newly added category is Best Traditional Country Album, which honors excellence in traditional country music recordings. Another addition is Best Album Cover, acknowledging the creative and visual artistry that contributes to the overall impact of an album.
These expanded categories reflect the Recording Academy’s efforts to honor more aspects of music creation and presentation, celebrating both audio and visual artistry within the broader music community.
How to Watch and Stream the Event
Fans can watch the Grammy Awards ceremony as it airs live in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on the CBS Television Network. The broadcast is also available for streaming live and on demand through platforms like Paramount+ and other TV streaming services that carry CBS content.
Earlier in the afternoon, viewers can stream the Premiere Ceremony online via official Grammy platforms. Red carpet coverage may also be accessible through social media channels and entertainment broadcasters, providing multiple ways for fans to connect with the event as it unfolds.
Global Viewing and International Access
While the primary broadcast focuses on U.S. air times, the ceremony also resonates with international audiences. In some regions, local streaming platforms and partners adjust schedules to make live access available to viewers around the world. Fans in countries like India and beyond can tune in during corresponding morning hours to experience the Grammy Awards live, expanding the reach of music’s biggest night far beyond the United States.
This global participation highlights the Grammy Awards’ status as a worldwide cultural event that unites fans through shared appreciation of artistic excellence.
Behind the Scenes: Moments Fans Anticipate
Beyond performances and awards, part of what makes Grammy night compelling is the spontaneous moments that happen behind the scenes. Interactions between artists, heartfelt speeches, surprise collaborations, and unscripted highlights often become viral moments remembered long after the show ends. Fans eagerly watch not just for winners and performances, but for the unexpected moments that define pop culture conversations.
Fashion, celebrity interactions, and red carpet commentary all contribute to the overall tapestry of the night, creating a broader narrative that extends beyond the broadcast itself.
Why This Ceremony Matters
The Grammy Awards are more than just trophies and live music. They represent a celebration of artistic achievement, innovation, and cultural influence. Each year’s ceremony captures a snapshot of the musical landscape, honoring both commercial success and artistic integrity. The 68th edition continues this tradition while embracing new voices, evolving genres, and expanding categories that reflect the diversity of music today.
For artists, winning a Grammy can be a career‑defining achievement. For fans, the ceremony serves as a unifying event that celebrates the soundtrack of the year. And for the broader cultural conversation, the Grammy Awards remain a touchstone that highlights the power of music to resonate across time, place, and community.
Looking Ahead to the Night
As the countdown to Sunday evening continues, anticipation grows for every announcement, performance, and reveal that the show will bring. The 68th annual Grammy Awards promises to deliver an unforgettable night of celebration, competition, and shared musical passion. Whether fans are watching from their living rooms, following online, or attending in person, the event marks a high point in the cultural calendar and a collective tribute to music’s lasting impact.
What moments are you most excited to see at this year’s ceremony? Share your thoughts and stay connected as music’s biggest night unfolds!
