The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026 promises a dazzling showcase of music, blending beloved veterans with emerging talent on one spectacular stage. The Recording Academy recently unveiled the first wave of performers for this year’s ceremony, which includes past winners, first-time nominees, and contenders for the coveted Best New Artist category.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to performances from global superstars such as Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Pharrell Williams, and Justin Bieber, who will light up the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, 1 February.
This year marks the final hosting stint for the celebrated comedian Trevor Noah. At a press conference in January, executive producer Ben Winston admitted that he went to great lengths—describing his efforts as “literally crawling on the ground”—to ensure his favourite host would return for the last time.
Confirmed Performers and Highlights
| Performer | Notable Facts | Performance Highlights | Nominations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Gaga | 14-time Grammy winner | “Abracadabra”, MAYHEM | 7 (Record/Album/Pop Vocal) |
| Justin Bieber | 2-time Grammy winner | Yukon, Daisies | 4 (R&B/Pop/Album) |
| Sabrina Carpenter | 2-time Grammy nominee | Manchild, Man’s Best Friend | 6 (Album/Record/Song) |
| Addison Rae | TikTok viral sensation | Debut album Addison | Best New Artist |
| Alex Warren | Rising TikTok star | “Ordinary” | Best New Artist |
| CLIP$ | Hip-hop duo | Let God Sort Em Out | 4 (Album & Rap Performance) |
TikTok star Addison Rae, who rose to fame with viral dance videos, now steps into the pop arena with her debut album Addison. Her meteoric rise has earned her a nomination for Best New Artist. Similarly, Alex Warren, another social media sensation, celebrates his first-ever Best New Artist nomination following the success of his hit single “Ordinary.”
Hip-hop duo CLIP$, making their Grammy return after nearly two decades, have earned four nominations, including Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out and Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips.” Their last Grammy nod was in 2003, making this comeback particularly notable.
The 2026 Grammys are shaping up to be a vibrant musical festival, combining the star power of iconic artists with fresh, emerging talent. Fans can anticipate a night filled with show-stopping performances, emotional moments, and unforgettable collaborations, underscoring the enduring magic of the music industry’s most prestigious awards.