UPDATE: The 68th annual Grammy Awards kicked off with excitement as Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande claimed the first award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for their rendition of “Defying Gravity.” The award was announced during the Premiere Ceremony at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, which began at 3:30 p.m. Eastern today, February 1, 2026.
The energy was electric from the start, with host Darren Criss setting a vibrant tone for the day. Although Erivo and Grande were not present to accept their award, their victory marks a significant moment in the ceremony. The Premiere Ceremony will award a total of 86 Grammys before the main broadcast.
This year’s Grammy Awards are taking a markedly different approach compared to last year, which focused on relief efforts from the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. The 2026 event returns to celebrating music, featuring a star-studded lineup including Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny vying for top honors during the televised show.
As the curtain rose, the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire delivered a captivating performance of “Shining Star” alongside artists like Israel Houghton and Trombone Shorty. Recording Academy President Harvey Mason jr. remarked, “That’s how you start a show! That’s a statement. That’s joy. That’s resilience.”
The main Grammy ceremony, hosted by comedian Trevor Noah for his final year, will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern. Fans can also stream the event through platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. Subscribers to Paramount+ can watch the show live or on-demand the following day.
In the lead-up to the main event, the Premiere Ceremony can be streamed on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com, while the Associated Press will provide a four-hour red carpet show featuring interviews and fashion highlights.
The nominations for the 2026 Grammys have stirred anticipation, with Kendrick Lamar leading with nine nominations. Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut follow closely with seven nominations each. Other notable nominees include Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Leon Thomas, each boasting six nominations.
The lineup of presenters and performers is equally exciting, featuring stars like Harry Styles, Charli XCX, and Bruno Mars. The in memoriam segment will pay tribute to influential artists, with emotional performances from Ms. Lauryn Hill and others.
As the stage is set for what promises to be a historic night in music, all eyes are on the Grammy Awards for unforgettable moments and groundbreaking achievements.
Stay tuned for further updates as the night unfolds, and don’t miss the chance to catch the excitement live!
