Music fans around the world are asking one question as awards season approaches: when are the Grammys 2026? The answer is Sunday, February 1, 2026, when the 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Trevor Noah for the fourth consecutive year, Music's Biggest Night returns to its traditional format after the 2025 ceremony focused on wildfire relief efforts. The ceremony will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+, featuring performances from top nominees and presenters from across the music industry.
Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Grammy Awards
The 2026 Grammys mark a significant year for the Recording Academy, with several updates to the awards process and new categories introduced. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with nine total, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Album of the Year. Other top nominees include Bad Bunny, Doechii, Lady Gaga, and Sabrina Carpenter, who has already been announced as the first performer. The ceremony recognizes recordings released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, with the eligibility period closing earlier than in previous years to allow more time for voting members to review submissions.
The Complete Timeline: From Submissions to Celebration
Understanding when the Grammys happen requires looking at the entire awards timeline. The process began with the eligibility period closing on August 30, 2025. On November 7, 2025, the Recording Academy announced all nominees during a livestream event. First-round voting determined these nominations, with Academy members voting only in their areas of expertise. Final round voting takes place from December 12, 2025, to January 5, 2026, where voting members select winners in up to ten categories across three genre fields plus the six general field categories. The awards ceremony on February 1, 2026, will reveal which artists take home the coveted gramophone trophies.
How the Grammy Voting Process Actually Works
The Grammy Awards stand apart from other music awards because winners are determined solely by peers—the creators themselves. The Recording Academy's voting membership consists of music professionals including artists, producers, engineers, and songwriters. The process begins when members and record companies submit entries, which are then screened for eligibility and proper category placement. During first-round voting, members vote in their specific areas of expertise to determine nominees. In the final round, members can vote in up to ten categories across three genre fields plus the general field categories (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance). For 2026, ballots will be presented in randomized order rather than alphabetical order for the first time, aimed at reducing bias.
Current Status: Leading Nominees and Performances
As of now, Kendrick Lamar's nine nominations put him in position to break several records. If he wins Album of the Year, he would become the first solo male rapper to do so. Other notable nominations include Olivia Rodrigo with seven nominations and Taylor Swift with six. The performer lineup already includes Sabrina Carpenter, with more announcements expected as the ceremony approaches. The 2026 Grammys also introduce several new categories and rule amendments, including changes to the Best New Artist eligibility that now allows artists previously featured on nominated albums to qualify. The Recording Academy has emphasized increasing transparency and reducing bias in the voting process for this year's ceremony.
What to Expect on Music's Biggest Night
The 2026 Grammys ceremony will follow a familiar format with red carpet arrivals beginning in the afternoon Pacific Time, followed by the Premiere Ceremony where the majority of awards are presented. The main telecast starts at 5 p.m. Pacific Time (8 p.m. Eastern) and typically runs three to four hours. Viewers can expect performances from top nominees, memorable collaborations, and the emotional acceptance speeches that define the Grammys experience. With the return to normalcy after several years of pandemic-related adjustments and the 2025 ceremony's focus on charity, the 2026 awards promise to be a celebration of musical achievement across 95 categories.
Key Takeaways About the 2026 Grammys
To summarize the essential information: The 68th Annual Grammy Awards take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony airs live on CBS and streams on Paramount+. Nominations were announced on November 7, 2025, with Kendrick Lamar leading with nine nominations. The Grammy voting process is unique as a peer-based system where music professionals vote in their areas of expertise. Key dates to remember include final voting from December 12, 2025, to January 5, 2026, and the eligibility period covering recordings released from August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025. Whether you're a music industry professional or a casual fan, understanding these details enhances appreciation for one of music's most prestigious nights.
