The 2026 Grammy Awards, set for February 1 in Los Angeles, are poised to be a landmark event with Kendrick Lamar leading the nominations and extensive viewing options available globally.
As music’s biggest night approaches, the 68th Grammy Awards will take place at Crypto.com Arena, broadcasting live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The ceremony celebrates the best in music from August 2024 to August 2025, with 95 awards across various genres. Kendrick Lamar tops the list with nine nominations, primarily for his album ‘GNX’, making him a front-runner for album of the year alongside Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga.
Viewers can watch the awards in two parts: the premiere ceremony at 12:30 PM PST (8:30 PM UK time) on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.grammy.com, followed by the main show at 5:00 PM PST (1:00 AM UK time) on CBS and Paramount+. While UK audiences lack an official broadcast, clips and performances will be quickly available online. The event features host Trevor Noah for the sixth and final time, adding to the anticipation.
In the album of the year category, a tight race is expected between Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language ‘DeBí Tirar Más Fotos’, Kendrick Lamar’s ‘GNX’, and Lady Gaga’s ‘Mayhem’. Bad Bunny could make history as the first winner with a fully Spanish album, while Lamar aims to break the Grammy’s rap drought, last won in 2004. Lady Gaga, with 14 previous wins, is also a strong contender, reflecting her enduring influence.
Other key categories include record of the year, where Rosé and Bruno Mars’s ‘APT’ and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s ‘Luther’ are favorites, and best new artist, with British star Olivia Dean and R&B artist Leon Thomas among the nominees. K-pop representation is significant, with Rosé nominated for three awards and Katseye for best new artist, highlighting the genre’s growing impact.
The performers list is star-studded, including Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and a tribute by Lauryn Hill, though Bad Bunny will be absent due to his Super Bowl halftime show commitment. Political undertones may surface, with artists like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny having spoken out on immigration issues, potentially influencing the ceremony’s tone.
Voting for the Grammys involves about 15,000 Recording Academy members, who are music industry professionals paying an annual fee. They vote in up to 10 categories, with all members eligible for the six major awards. The process ensures peer recognition, upholding the awards’ prestige.
As the event nears, fans can expect a night of memorable performances, potential historic wins, and reflections on current social issues, solidifying the Grammys’ role in shaping musical culture.
