GRAMMY Awards 2026: Lauryn Hill’s Return Headlines a Night of Legacy and Next-Gen Talent
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The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards promises a compelling blend of music’s history and future, celebrating both established icons and emerging artists. The upcoming ceremony will honor the past while simultaneously spotlighting the next generation, blurring the lines between eras.
The evening, set to take place on Sunday, February 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will air at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
Lauryn Hill’s Long-Awaited Return
After nearly three decades, Lauryn Hill is poised to make a triumphant return to the GRAMMY stage. Her last performance at the awards show was at the 41st Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1999, where she captivated audiences with a solo rendition of “To Zion” and made history by winning five awards for her groundbreaking album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Hill’s appearance will be particularly poignant as she delivers an “In Memoriam” performance honoring the late D’Angelo, the acclaimed R&B artist who passed away on October 14, 2025. The two artists famously collaborated on the hit song “Nothing Even Matters” from Hill’s 1998 album, though they never had the opportunity to perform the duet live. This performance will serve as a bittersweet tribute to a cherished collaborator.
A New Generation Takes Center Stage
The GRAMMYs are also placing a significant bet on the future of music, with a joint performance featuring all eight nominees for Best New Artist. This diverse group includes Olivia Dean, the British singer known for her blend of soul, pop, and R&B, and Leon Thomas, a rising R&B/hip-hop artist with multiple nominations. They will be joined by Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Lola Young, SOMBR, and The Marías in what is described as an acoustic experience designed to showcase the unique sounds and styles of each artist.
Pharrell and Clipse Reunite
A highly anticipated collaboration will see Pharrell and Clipse – comprised of brothers Pusha T and No Malice – take the stage together. They will perform tracks from Let God Sort Em Out, Pusha T’s nominated Best Album. The setlist is expected to include “Chains & Whips” and “The Birds Don’t Sing,” both produced by Pharrell.
Justin Bieber’s Comeback
Justin Bieber is also set to return to the GRAMMY stage, marking his comeback after his performance of “Peaches” with Daniel Caesar and GIVĒON at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2022. Industry observers anticipate this performance will highlight Bieber’s artistic evolution since becoming a father in 2024.
Trevor Noah’s Farewell Hosting Gig
Trevor Noah will host the GRAMMY Awards for the sixth consecutive year, but this time it will also be his last. He has become known for his humor, genuine appreciation for the artistry, and skillful navigation of the show over the past five years. “There’s the very selfish side of me that hosts because I’ll admit it, I’m a fan of many of the artists,” Noah shared in a 2023 interview with EBONY. Organizers expect his final hosting duties to be among his most memorable.
The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards promises to be an unforgettable evening, honoring the legends of music while simultaneously celebrating the artists who will shape its future.
