2026 Grammy Awards: Everything You Need to Know
LOS ANGELES, January 31, 2026 – Music’s biggest night is upon us. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are set to take place this weekend, returning to Los Angeles with a star-studded lineup of performers, presenters, and nominees. Here is your complete guide to the 2026 Grammys.
When and Where
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The main telecast begins at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT and will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network. The ceremony will also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Ahead of the main show, the Grammy Premiere Ceremony will start at 3:30 PM ET from the Peacock Theater. This pre-show, where the majority of the awards are presented, will be streamed live on the Recording Academy’s website.
Key Facts & Performers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Trevor Noah returns for his sixth consecutive year as host. |
| Lead Nominee | Kendrick Lamar leads all artists with nine nominations, including Record, Song, and Album of the Year. |
| Featured Performers | Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Tyler, The Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, ROSÉ, Clipse with Pharrell Williams, Karol G, and Zara Larsson. |
| Premiere Ceremony Host | First-time nominee Darren Criss will host and perform during the pre-telecast event. Other performers include Grace Potter, Spiritbox, and Trombone Shorty. |
| Notable Presenters | Charli XCX, Teyana Taylor, Carole King, Reba McEntire, and Brandy Clark. |
| New Categories | For the 2026 awards, two new categories have been added: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. |
How to Watch
Viewers in the United States can watch the main ceremony live on CBS or stream it via Paramount+. International audiences should check local listings for broadcast partners. The Grammy Premiere Ceremony will be available for free via live stream on Grammy.com.
Nomination Process & Voting
Nominations for the 2026 Grammys were announced on Friday, November 7, 2025. Final-round voting by Recording Academy members took place from December 12, 2025, through January 5, 2026. The eligibility period for submitted music spanned from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is nominated for Album of the Year?
The full list of nominees is extensive, but leading contender Kendrick Lamar is nominated in the category. For a complete list of nominees in all categories, visit the official Grammy website.
Is there a red carpet show?
Yes, major networks and streaming platforms typically host red carpet coverage beginning in the late afternoon (ET) before the 8:00 PM main show.
What time do the Grammys start in my time zone?
The main show starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). This translates to 7:00 PM Central Time (CT), 5:00 PM Pacific Time (PT), and 1:00 AM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on Monday, February 2.