When and Where
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards aired live on Sunday, February 1st. The ceremony unfolded at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, known previously as the Staples
Center. For music enthusiasts in India, the live telecast began at 6:30 a.m. IST on February 2nd. The event was available for streaming on JioHotstar, ensuring Indian fans didn't miss a beat of the musical extravaganza. The main show commenced at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. This timing allowed viewers across different time zones to join in the celebration of the year's top musical accomplishments. The Grammys are a cornerstone event, honoring artists and recognizing the diverse and impactful contributions to the music industry.
Streaming Options Galore
Viewers had a multitude of ways to experience the Grammys. For those with cable subscriptions, CBS and Paramount+ offered live broadcasts. Additionally, cbs.com and the CBS app, along with the Recording Academy’s social media channels, provided streaming options. For cord-cutters in various regions, streaming services were also readily available. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, and FuboTV offered options to tune in, with some providers even extending free trial periods. This widespread availability ensured that fans could watch their favorite artists and support their favorite music.
A Stellar Lineup
The performers included a mix of established stars and rising talents. Sabrina Carpenter, nominated for six awards, delivered a captivating performance, alongside artists such as Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. The event also featured the Best New Artist nominees. Collaborators from 'Let God Sort ‘Em Out', including Clipse and Pharrell Williams, also graced the stage, bringing their unique musical styles to the forefront. The performances were expected to be a highlight of the night, offering a diverse array of musical genres and styles. The Grammys always showcases a stunning array of talent, cementing its reputation as a premier event in the music calendar.
Who Were Nominated?
Kendrick Lamar led the nominations with a remarkable nine nods, closely followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and producer Cirkut, each earning seven nominations. Several other artists garnered multiple nominations, including Bad Bunny, Serban Ghenea, and Sabrina Carpenter with six nominations each. Furthermore, artists such as SZA, Tyler, the Creator, Doechii, and Turnstile received five nominations each, showcasing their significant contributions to the music landscape. These nominations reflect the diverse talent and creativity present in the music industry. The Grammys recognize the achievements of a broad range of musical genres and artists, from established icons to emerging talents.
Presenters and Special Guests
The presenter lineup was equally impressive, with Doechii and Harry Styles confirmed to present awards. They were joined by a host of legendary musicians, actors, and entertainers, including Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Jeff Goldblum, Karol G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, and Teyana Taylor. Their presence added to the event’s star power. With such an array of talent, the Grammy Awards showcased both established names and emerging stars, creating a memorable experience for both performers and viewers. The selection of presenters typically reflects the diverse influence of the music industry and provides a platform for both established and rising talent.
Grammy Premiere Ceremony
Hours before the main event, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony took place. This pre-show streamed live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.grammy.com. Darren Criss hosted the ceremony and performed alongside Broadway co-star Helen J. Shen. Zara Larsson and the nominated artist Grace Potter also delivered performances. This ceremony allowed recognition of even more outstanding artists and the awarding of Grammy Awards in a wide variety of categories. The Premiere Ceremony sets the stage for the main show, with performances and awards that capture the diversity and vibrancy of the music industry.
Fresh Faces at the Grammys
The 2026 Grammy Awards welcomed several first-time nominees, adding an element of excitement and anticipation. Tate McRae, Zara Larsson, PinkPantheress, and JID all made their Grammy debuts, joining the ranks of celebrated musicians. Even actor Timothée Chalamet earned his first Grammy nomination, showing the broadening range of the entertainment world. These newcomers brought fresh perspectives and sounds to the ceremony. These new nominees represent a diverse collection of talent, heralding an exciting new era for the music industry and infusing the event with a fresh wave of creativity.
