UPDATE: The 68th annual Grammy Awards kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere this Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. In a stunning start, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande won the first award for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance for their rendition of “Defying Gravity.” This award was presented by musician and host Darren Criss during the Premiere Ceremony, which is currently capturing the excitement of fans and artists alike.
The energy at the ceremony is palpable, with an impressive 86 Grammy Awards being handed out before the main broadcast. The mood contrasts sharply with last year’s event, which focused on relief efforts following the Los Angeles wildfires. This year, the spotlight is firmly on the music, with major competitors including Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Bad Bunny gearing up for the televised ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with an unforgettable performance by Earth, Wind & Fire, who energized the crowd with “Shining Star.” “That’s how you start a show!” exclaimed Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., emphasizing the theme of joy and resilience that permeates this year’s awards.
The main event is set to air live at 8 p.m. Eastern today, February 1, 2026, on CBS. Viewers can also catch the show through streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. Subscribers to Paramount+ will enjoy live streaming of the awards, while essential plan users will have on-demand access the following day.
The Premiere Ceremony is currently taking place, having started at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (12:30 p.m. Pacific) at the Peacock Theater. Fans can watch it live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel or on live.GRAMMY.com. Additionally, the Associated Press is streaming a four-hour red carpet show featuring interviews and fashion highlights.
As for nominations, Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with a staggering nine nominations. Following closely are Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and Cirkut, each with seven nominations. Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, Leon Thomas, and Serban Ghenea each boast six nominations, while several artists including Andrew Watt and Tyler, the Creator have five.
Notable presenters at this year’s ceremony include Doechii, Harry Styles, and Carole King, while performers will feature an exciting lineup including Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga. The event will also honor legends in the music industry, with special tributes planned for D’Angelo and Ozzy Osbourne.
As the stage is set, anticipation builds for a night filled with unforgettable performances and historic wins. Stay tuned for live updates as the ceremony unfolds!
