Grammy Awards 2026: What's Changing and Who's Making History?

The Grammy Awards are back, and this time, they're bringing some big changes. The 68th annual event will air live from Los Angeles, promising a mix of new and familiar elements. The executive producers are back, but they're planning a show that's different from last year's, which was heavily influenced by the wildfires in the area. One of the most talked-about changes is the return of the best album cover category, which hasn't been seen in over five decades. The country music categories have also been reshuffled, with a new category for traditional country albums. This has sparked some debate, with critics suggesting it's a response to Beyoncé's win last year. However, the Recording Academy insists it's been in the works for years. The Grammys have also been working on diversifying their voters. Last year, all Latin Grammy voters were invited to join the Recording Academy, reflecting the growing influence of Latin music in the industry.As for the performances, viewers can expect a mix of new and established artists. The producers are focusing on maximizing the number of performances, with rehearsals starting just a few days before the live event. Some of the artists confirmed to perform include Clipse, Pharrell Williams, and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as all the best new artist nominees. The 2026 Grammys could also be a night of historic wins. Kendrick Lamar is leading the nominations with nine, including a nod for album of the year. If he wins, it would only be the third time a rap album has taken home the top prize. Bad Bunny is also in the running, and if he wins, his album would be the first all-Spanish-language album to do so. K-pop artists are also making waves, with Rosé and Bruno Mars' collaboration and a K-pop track both nominated for song of the year. Last year's wildfires brought some unique challenges, but the Grammys were able to adapt and even highlight their philanthropic efforts. The Recording Academy's MusiCares program directed over $15 million towards fire relief efforts, showing their commitment to serving the music community.