Grammy Awards 2026: How to Watch and Who Will Win
The Grammy Awards continue to hold the crown as music’s biggest night, now celebrating its 67th year. This prestigious ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Harry Styles, Chaka Khan, and more. With Kendrick Lamar leading the nominations with nine nods, most of which are for his sixth album, GNX, the evening promises riveting moments. Last year’s ceremony saw Lamar claim victory for both Record and Song of the Year with his powerful track, Not Like Us. Other formidable nominees include Lady Gaga with seven nominations, while Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas each have six.
In total, the Grammy Awards will present 95 awards over an exciting eight-hour marathon, celebrating everything from Album of the Year to top honors in categories like Best Ambient, New Age, or Chant Album. Here’s your go-to guide for everything you need to know before tuning in.
Who’s Going to Win Album of the Year?
Insiders suggest a thrilling three-way race is unfolding for the coveted Album of the Year award, featuring Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, and Lady Gaga as frontrunners. Despite multiple nominations, none of them have captured this prestigious title before.
– Lady Gaga: With 14 wins from 45 nominations, Gaga’s seventh album, Mayhem, marks her triumphant return to maximalist pop. Given her rich history with the Grammys, voters may feel it’s time for her to take the top prize.
– Kendrick Lamar: As the only artist with Album of the Year nods for five consecutive releases, his album GNX is a crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances artistry and appeal, making him a strong contender.
– Bad Bunny: As the first artist to be nominated for an album sung entirely in Spanish with Debí Tirar Más Fotos, a win would mark a historic moment for Spanish language music at the Grammys.
Despite these frontrunners, expect surprises—the Grammys are known for their unpredictable outcomes.
Will There Be Justice for Milli Vanilli?
In a remarkable twist, Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan, infamous for their 1990 Best New Artist win, were stripped of the honor after it was revealed they lip-synced. Now, Morvan is back in contention with a nomination for Best Audiobook for his memoir, You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli. A victory could symbolize a meaningful redemption arc for the artist.
Can Olivia Dean Win Best New Artist?
Among this year’s Best New Artist contenders, Olivia Dean has captured significant attention for her old-school pop vibes. Her album, The Art Of Loving, resonated powerfully, especially in December as ballots were cast. However, she faces stiff competition from:
– Lola Young, whose provocative hit Messy made waves last year.
– Leon Thomas, a former writer for Ariana Grande, offers a strong contender with his Album of the Year nomination.
This year, all eight nominees will perform during a special segment on Sunday, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
What About the Other Big Prizes?
The Record of the Year category brims with competition. Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild will contend against Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s duet Luther. Notably, Rosé and Bruno Mars’s APT is a massive favorite, celebrated for its cross-generational appeal.
– Song of the Year will closely mirror the Record of the Year shortlist, making for a competitive field where Bad Bunny’s gorgeous DTMF (I should have taken more photos) could emerge as a dark horse.
Who Will Perform at the Grammy Awards?
Excitement abounds for the performances slated for the night, featuring artists such as:
– Justin Bieber
– Sabrina Carpenter
– Lady Gaga
– Bruno Mars
– Lauryn Hill (in a tribute performance)
– Tyler, The Creator
Will Taylor Swift Be Performing?
Unfortunately for fans, Taylor Swift won’t be taking the stage this year. Grammy producer Ben Winston confirmed that rumors suggesting her performance were unfounded. The same applies to Bad Bunny, who will be unable to perform due to commitments at the Super Bowl halftime show next month.
Is It Finally Time for a K-pop Grammy?
K-pop is poised for potential history at the Grammys this year. Rosé is among the frontrunners, thanks to her collaboration with Bruno Mars on APT. Additionally, the growing recognition of K-pop in pop culture may indicate an impending Grammy category dedicated to this genre.
Notable Nominees and Surprises
This year’s nominations also present unique surprises:
– Barbra Streisand seeks her first win in the Best Traditional Pop Album category after 13 previous nominations.
– All-female band Haim could make history by being the first to win the Best Rock Album award.
Will Artists Address the Political Situation in the US?
With escalating political tensions in the U.S., it’s likely that music and performances will reflect these realities. Billie Eilish has openly called on fellow musicians to address current events, making it clear that the Grammys will be a platform for both celebration and commentary.
Who Votes for the Grammys?
Approximately 15,000 eligible voters, including musicians, producers, and lyricists, will determine the winners this year. They are encouraged to contribute expertise in their respective genres while also voting in major categories such as Album of the Year and Best New Artist.
How Can I Watch the Grammy Awards in the UK?
Comedian Trevor Noah will host the Grammys for the sixth and final time.
– The premiere ceremony kicks off at 12:30 PT (20:30 BST) on Sunday, celebrating the initial 80 awards.
– To follow the event, you can tune into the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel or live.grammy.com.
– The main event starts at 17:00 PT (01:00 BST) and will be available for viewing on CBS and Paramount Plus in the U.S.
While UK viewers may face geographic restrictions, highlights and performances often surface swiftly on social media the following day.
As the Grammy Awards 2026 approaches, anticipation builds not only for the winners but for memorable performances, unique nominations, and powerful political statements. This is shaping up to be an extraordinary night in music history.