Get ready for a musical extravaganza that’s about to unfold—but here’s the twist: it’s not on your TV! The 2026 Grammy Premiere Ceremony is where the magic begins, hours before the main event, and it’s packed with awards, performances, and moments you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial: why isn’t this star-studded event broadcast on national television? Could it be a strategic move, or is there more to the story? Let’s dive in.
Before the glittering Grammy Awards take center stage, the non-televised Premiere Ceremony kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, hosted by the charismatic Darren Criss, a first-time Grammy nominee himself. This is where the bulk of the awards are handed out—dozens of them—live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a celebration of the diverse genres and talents that make up the music industry, from behind-the-scenes craftspeople to breakout artists. You can catch all the action streaming live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel or at live.GRAMMY.com.
The ceremony’s presenters are a who’s who of music legends and rising stars, including Dave Koz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Edgar Barrera, Jesse Welles, Sierra Hull, Trombone Shorty, and the iconic Jimmy Jam—a five-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The opening performance? A powerhouse collaboration featuring Grace Potter, Israel Houghton, Lila Iké, Maggie Rose, and Shorty. And that’s just the beginning. Criss, Helen J Shen, Spiritbox, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Zara Larsson are also set to take the stage, ensuring this event is anything but low-key.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, sums it up perfectly: ‘The Premiere Ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of Grammy weekend. Witnessing the ceremony, you see the wide range of genres and crafts that make up our music community, and all the people who push music forward. I can’t wait to see this year’s lineup of presenters and performers kick off Grammy Sunday and help celebrate as we present the first awards of the day.’
Now, let’s talk nominations. Kendrick Lamar is leading the pack with nine nods, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year for his critically acclaimed album GNX and its hit single ‘Luther.’ But he’s not alone in the spotlight. Bad Bunny (DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS), Justin Bieber (SWAG), Sabrina Carpenter (Man’s Best Friend), Clipse, Pusha T & Malice (Let God Sort Em Out), Lady Gaga (MAYHEM), Leon Thomas (MUTT), and Tyler, The Creator (CHROMAKOPIA) are all vying for Album of the Year. Who do you think deserves the top spot? Let’s debate it in the comments!
Once the Premiere Ceremony wraps up, the main event begins. The 2026 Grammy Awards, hosted by the hilarious Trevor Noah, will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. But don’t wait until then to join the conversation—follow The Hollywood Reporter for real-time updates, winner announcements, and behind-the-scenes highlights throughout the night.
So, here’s the burning question: Is the Premiere Ceremony’s lack of TV coverage a missed opportunity, or does its exclusivity add to its allure? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
