UPDATE: The 68th annual Grammy Awards have officially kicked off, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande taking home the first Grammy Award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for their rendition of “Defying Gravity.” This exciting announcement was made during the Premiere Ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles earlier today.
The energy was palpable as the ceremony began at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the music industry. Host Darren Criss set an uplifting tone, declaring, “That’s how you start a show!” as the crowd buzzed with excitement. The pre-telecast event will see a total of 86 Grammy Awards handed out, marking a stark contrast to last year’s focus on relief efforts following devastating wildfires in the area.
As the night progresses, the main ceremony will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for his sixth and final year. His appearance promises to bring star-studded entertainment as music legends like Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny compete for top honors. The televised ceremony will air live on CBS beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on February 1, 2026.
The Premiere Ceremony showcased a stunning performance by Earth, Wind & Fire, who delivered a groovy rendition of “Shining Star,” joined by artists such as Israel Houghton and Trombone Shorty. The atmosphere was electric, filled with joy and resilience as emphasized by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. in his opening remarks.
Fans eager to catch the festivities can stream the Premiere Ceremony on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com. For those wanting more, the Associated Press will provide a four-hour red carpet show with interviews and fashion highlights, streaming on YouTube and APNews.com.
In addition to the thrilling performances, the nominations have set the stage for fierce competition. Kendrick Lamar leads with an impressive nine nominations, while Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut follow closely with seven nominations each. Notable nominees such as Sabrina Carpenter and Bad Bunny each have six, promising a night of unforgettable moments.
As the awards unfold, expect a lineup of presenters that includes stars like Harry Styles, Carole King, and Queen Latifah. Performances will feature big names including Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga, alongside this year’s best new artist nominees.
The excitement is building as the Grammy Awards continue to celebrate the music industry’s finest. With each award presented, history is being made, ensuring that this year’s ceremony is one for the books. Stay tuned for more updates as the night progresses!
