Entertainment
41 min read
2026 Grammy Awards: Best New Artist Nominees Take the Stage
Grammy
January 21, 2026•1 day ago
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All eight Best New Artist nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards will perform during the ceremony. Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías are confirmed performers. Sabrina Carpenter will also perform, with more artists to be announced. The event will be hosted by Trevor Noah.
Current Grammy nominees Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías will perform in a special Best New Artist segment at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Music's Biggest Night will be hosted by Trevor Noah and will broadcast live on Sun, Feb. 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.^ Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com.
Sabrina Carpenter has also been confirmed to perform. Additional performers at the 2026 Grammys will be announced in the coming days.
See the full list of performers and hosts at the 2026 Grammys to date (updating in real time).
Learn more about the Best New Artist nominees at the 2026 Grammys below:
Addison Rae is nominated for the first time this year in the Best New Artist category, backed by the success of her debut album Addison.
Alex Warren is also a first-time nominee this year, earning a Best New Artist nomination propelled by the success of his album You'll Be Alright, Kid and record breaking hit "Ordinary."
First-time Grammy nominees KATSEYE are up for two Grammy Awards this year: Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance ("Gabriela").
Grammy winner Leon Thomas is up for six Grammy Awards this year: Album Of The Year (MUTT), Best New Artist, Best R&B Performance ("MUTT (Live From NPR's Tiny Desk)"), Best Traditional R&B Performance ("VIBES DON'T LIE"), Best R&B Song ("YES IT IS"), and Best R&B Album (MUTT).
First-time Grammy nominee Lola Young is up for two Grammy Awards this year: Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance ("Messy").
Olivia Dean is a first-time nominee this year as well, earning a Best New Artist nomination driven by the success of her acclaimed album The Art Of Loving and multiple charting singles, including "Man I Need."
First-time nominee SOMBR is also up for Best New Artist this year, fueled by the success of his debut album I Barely Know Her.
Rounding out the category, The Marías join this year's Best New Artist nominees following the success of their chart-topping single "Back To Me."
^Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episodes airs.
Fulwell Entertainment is producing the 2026 Grammy Awards for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, Jesse Collins, and Trevor Noah are executive producers.
GRAMMY HOUSE EVENT SCHEDULE
Grammy House events are all by Invitation Only, and invitations are non-transferrable.
Land Welcoming Provided by the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians Gabrieleno/Tongva
Date: Wed, Jan. 28, 2026
Programming: 10 a.m.
Best New Artist Spotlight
Date: Wed, Jan. 28, 2026
Programming: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Recording Academy will spotlight the dynamic array of emerging artists that make up the Best New Artist Category for the 2026 Grammy Awards. Hosted and moderated by five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and former Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Jimmy Jam, each of the eight nominees have been invited to share their journey to the Grammy Awards and offer insights into their artistry.
Women In The Mix: In Session®
Participating Sponsors: AFEELA, Dove, Redken, and Sharpie
Gifting Partner: Stanley 1913
Date: Wed, Jan. 28, 2026
Programming: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
A celebratory afternoon honoring and amplifying the voices of women in music. Attendees will celebrate all women in music with keynote remarks and panel participation by Ethiopia Habtemariam, INK, Maggie Rose, and Paula Kaminsky, and a special live performance from Maggie Rose. The event will also feature a performance from violinists from the University of Southern California.
A Celebration of Black Creators
Participating Sponsor: PATRÓN Tequila
Gifting Partner: Coco and Breezy
Date: Wed, Jan. 28, 2026
Programming: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Presented by the Black Music Collective, this celebration brings together the next wave of Black creators, talent and professionals impacting today's music industry. Featuring opening remarks by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and co-chairs of the Black Music Collective, Grammy Award-winning poet J. Ivy and artist and songwriter Torae Carr; a performance by Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Chelsey Green with Jeremy Green; and a Jam Session hosted by Stevie Mackey, featuring Grammy nominee Durand Bernarr and additional performers.
Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today
Date: Thurs, Jan. 29, 2026
Programming: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, the music industry is ever-evolving, as is the role of the artist. Whether you're a performer, songwriter, or studio professional, this multi-artist panel including musician, producer, tech founder and futurist will.i.am, moderated by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., explores how AI is changing the craft of music and how the music community is responding.
Global Mixtape
Date: Thurs, Jan. 29, 2026
Programming: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
This showcase provides a platform for rising worldwide stars to shine and celebrate the sounds, creativity and artistry of the next generation of global talent. Featuring ADÉLA, Hajaj, and Paloma Morphy, and hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Tony Succar.
Grammy U Masterclass
Participating Sponsors: Mastercard, Sony's Pro Audio Div., Vaseline
Date: Fri, Jan. 30, 2026
Programming: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Livestream: 1 p.m. PT
A conversation with Grammy nominee YUNGBLUD offering insight into his career and advice for the next generation. The event will kick off with a welcome mixer where Grammy U members can connect. Grammy U members are invited to attend this event in-person, and programming will be livestreamed for the public on the Grammys YouTube & Twitch channels.
Grammy U Soundstage
Participating Sponsors: Pacsun and Redken
Date: Fri, Jan. 30, 2026
Programming: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
The first-ever Grammy U festival will feature three stages with live music by Grammy U members, emerging talent and special performances by Grammy nominees Durand Bernarr and Los Wizzards. Activations all evening will be geared toward uplifting and celebrating the next generation of music creators and professionals. The Coca-Cola Company will debut an exclusive clip from the company’s Anthem for the FIFA World Cup 26™ released via Real Thing Records.
A2IM Independent Breakfast
Date: Sat, Jan. 31, 2026
Programming: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
A2IM will host its Private Annual Independent Breakfast at Grammy House. This annual breakfast is an opportunity for the independent artist community to connect and celebrate during Grammy Week.
Golden Hour
Presented by: AFEELA
Participating Sponsors: Amazon Music and Gold House
Date: Sat, Jan. 31, 2026
Programming: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
An afternoon amplifying the Gold Music Alliance and celebrating the incredible cultural milestones achieved by AAPI+ (Asian American and Pacific Islander) music creators, featuring performances by ARKAI and Stephanie Poetri, and immersive brand activations.
Academy Proud
Date: Sat, Jan. 31, 2026
Programming: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
A celebration to support and amplify the voices of the Queer community and its allies in music with special performances by drag icon Sasha Colby, Grammy-nominated artist and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community Zara Larsson, singer and songwriter ZEE MACHINE, and hosted by Jus10.
Experiential & Activation Sponsors:
The Coca-Cola Company is providing its classic range of beverages, keeping guests refreshed as they enjoy and celebrate iconic music events.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear, the designer eyewear brand founded by Coco & Breezy, will be providing optical frames and sunglasses for talent and attendees.
Dove, as co-founder of the CROWN Coalition, will be celebrating real beauty at Grammy House through onsite activation and sponsorship of key events.
LAY'S® will be supplying guests with their iconic potato chips, bringing a classic bite to the celebratory atmosphere.
Pacsun will be giving away custom collaborative merchandise designed to celebrate the Recording Academy's Grammy U program.
PATRÓN Tequila will be on hand with dedicated bars serving specialty cocktails, including the official cocktail of this year's Grammy Awards, The Golden Record.
Redken will be creating an immersive experience celebrating their Acidic Bonding Concentrate franchise, its best-selling range to repair damaged hair, starring the NEW! Hair Bandage Balm.
Sharpie® will host a "Mark of Fame" photo activation onsite for attendees to engage with.
Stanley 1913 will be a gifting partner, providing its innovative drinkware for guests and talent.
Sony Honda Mobility will bring a 28-channel audio-visual experiment in partnership with Robert Glasper to unveil Spatial Code Derivation: The five-time GRAMMY winner and 2026 GRAMMY nominee Robert Glasper will bring to life AFEELA's Immersive Audio technology and debut the "Third Flip" of his album showcasing the electric vehicle as the ultimate spatial music experience.
Vaseline will offer a fast‑track Pit Stop powered by our best‑performing lotions yet – packed with Hydration Checks, a Wellness Bar, and a celebratory Winners Circle – giving guests a rapid glow‑up before they hit the next stage.
VOSS Water will keep guests hydrated with custom, complimentary bottles.
WellWithAll Energy will be providing feel-good energy drinks to keep guests refreshed and ready to celebrate music, culture, and community.
Learn More About BloodPop
Kansas City native BloodPop is a world-renowned musician, record producer, and songwriter. He's worked with some of the most celebrated artists in the world and has garnered a range of impressive credits, including executive-producing Lady Gaga's Chromatica, executive-producing for Japanese girl group F5ve, and co-writing and producing songs for Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Madonna, Charlie Puth, and RAYE. His lifelong passion for gaming as well as his prior studies in video game design have played a significant role in his creative process, inspiring the force behind his music. With his determination to bring optimism to the music industry and connect with people, BloodPop continues to grow his reputation as one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers today.
Learn More About Mike Sabath
Fresh off the release of his sophomore solo full-length record, Album II: The Land Of The Twisted Tree, producer/songwriter/musician Mike Sabath blends vulnerability with tender lyricism, masterful production, and danceable beats into a genre-blurring, cinematic experience providing a stellar independent debut. His work with superstars has led to global chart success and has made Sabath one of the most in-demand songwriters and producers today. As a songwriter and producer, Sabath has worked closely with RAYE on her bona fide U.K. No. 1 single "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" and her critically acclaimed debut album, My 21st Century Blues, which earned a record-breaking six BRIT Awards. He has also produced hits for JADE, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Zara Larsson, Lizzo, Empress Of, and Niall Horan. In difficult moments, Sabath looks beyond the visible world for comfort, and this is heavily reflected in his songwriting. Sabath is a creator who leads with his heart, approaching both his work as a producer and as an artist with the intention of bringing more love and light into the world.
The Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards Ceremony celebrating the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical Grammy Award recipients will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, during Grammy Week 2026, on the night before the 2026 Grammys. Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston are the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees; Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri and Sylvia Rhone are the Trustees Award honorees; and John Chowning is the Technical Grammy Award honoree. The official Grammy Week event will celebrate the honorees' outstanding contributions to the recording field.
"It's a true honor to recognize this year's Special Merit Award recipients — an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres and the very foundation of modern music," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "Each of these honorees has made a profound and lasting impact, and we look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements on the eve of Grammy Sunday."
Grammy Week is the Recording Academy's weeklong celebration comprising official Grammy Week events celebrating the music community and current Grammy nominees in the lead-up to the annual Grammy Awards. Grammy Week 2026 culminates with the 2026 Grammys, which take place live Sunday, Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2026 Grammys will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+ at 5-8:30 p.m. PT/8-11:30 p.m. ET. Hours ahead of the live telecast, the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.
Learn more about the 2026 Special Merit Awards honorees below.
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