The 68th Annual Grammy Awards turned Los Angeles into the center of the music universe on Sunday, February 1, as the industry’s biggest names gathered inside the Crypto.com Arena.
From jaw-dropping fashion moments to career-defining nominations and long-awaited performances, the 2026 Grammys delivered spectacle from the very first red carpet step to the final award of the night.
Red Carpet Drama Sets the Mood
Before a single trophy was handed out, the red carpet had already become its own headline-worthy event.
Sabrina Carpenter instantly stole attention in a beaded, vintage-inspired white Valentino gown that felt equal parts classic Hollywood and modern pop star.
The delicate floral embroidery and sheer cape gave her look a soft, romantic edge, while her polished glam nodded to a contemporary pin-up aesthetic.
Lady Gaga, never one to blend into the background, made a dramatic entrance in a black feathered gown with a striking architectural collar, reminding everyone why she’s a red-carpet risk-taker.
Zara Larsson opted for bold and playful, flashing her toned abs in a bright yellow bralette paired with a metallic skirt, while Kelsea Ballerini shimmered in gold, embodying country elegance with a modern twist.
Style Statements That Got Everyone Talking
Elsewhere on the carpet, Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber coordinated effortlessly in black, keeping things sleek and understated.
South African star Tyla brought soft glamour in a champagne-toned gown accented with dramatic feathers, while Paris Hilton sparkled in black alongside husband Carter Reum.
Lainey Wilson stayed true to her country roots in a black gown topped with her signature western hat, and Miley Cyrus leaned fully into her rock ‘n’ roll era in a Celine look featuring a leather jacket and oversized trousers.
Michelle Williams, Ali Wong, Rita Wilson, Heidi Klum, and Zuri Hall also turned heads, each offering their own take on glamour, edge, or high-fashion experimentation.
The Ceremony Everyone Calls Music’s Biggest Night
Broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, the Grammys once again lived up to their reputation as the industry’s most prestigious event.
Trevor Noah returned as host for the sixth year in a row, bringing familiarity and humor to the three-hour show.
This year’s ceremony also marked an evolution for the Recording Academy, with the introduction of two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
The changes came after ongoing conversations about properly recognizing the growing diversity within genres, especially country music.
A Competitive Year for Nominations
When nominations were announced back in November, Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s most-nominated artist with nine nods.
Lady Gaga followed closely with seven, alongside producer powerhouses Jack Antonoff and Cirkut.
Sabrina Carpenter also had a standout year, earning six nominations for her 2025 album Man’s Best Friend.
Eligibility covered music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, with final voting closing in early January.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized that the goal was simple: reflect today’s music landscape as accurately and fairly as possible.
Album of the Year Becomes the Ultimate Showdown
The Album of the Year category felt especially stacked, bringing together Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend, Justin Bieber’s SWAG, Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos, Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA, Leon Thomas’s MUTT, and Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out.
Lamar made history with GNX, marking his fifth consecutive studio album nominated in the category, a feat no other artist has achieved.
Meanwhile, Gaga landed nominations in all three major categories—Album, Record, and Song of the Year—for the first time in her career.
Performances Fans Had Been Waiting For
The stage lineup was just as exciting as the nominations.
Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and K-pop star Rosé were among the night’s performers, while Justin Bieber made his long-awaited Grammys return after four years away.
His appearance marked a full-circle moment following health struggles and a musical hiatus, with SWAG signaling his comeback.
Adding a layer of intrigue, Bieber’s ex Selena Gomez was also expected to attend, nominated alongside husband Benny Blanco for their collaboration, putting past and present under the same roof on one of music’s biggest nights.
Big Wins and Historic Moments
As the night unfolded, awards were spread across genres, from pop and rap to jazz, classical, gospel, and global music.
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny were among the artists who dominated major categories, while first-time nominees like Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress enjoyed breakthrough recognition.
Several wins reflected broader shifts in the industry, including the growing global presence of non-English-language albums and increased acknowledgment of producers, songwriters, and visual artists behind the scenes.
Noticeable Absences and Industry Buzz
One surprise that didn’t go unnoticed was Taylor Swift’s absence from the nominee list.
Her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, missed the eligibility window by just two months, despite massive anticipation following her previous Album of the Year win.
A Night That Reflected Music’s Future
By the time the final award was announced, the 2026 Grammys had done more than celebrate chart-toppers.
The ceremony highlighted how diverse, global, and collaborative modern music has become, blending legacy artists with emerging voices and honoring creativity across nearly 100 categories.
What’s Next?
As the lights dimmed at the Crypto.com Arena, one thing was clear: the Grammys aren’t just about trophies anymore.
They’re about evolution, conversation, and spotlighting where music is headed next.
With new categories, bold fashion statements, and unforgettable performances, the countdown to the 2027 ceremony has already begun.
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