Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Win First Grammy of 2026!

BREAKING: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have just won the first Grammy Award of 2026 for Best Pop/Duo Group Performance with their hit “Defying Gravity.” This thrilling moment kicked off the 68th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where excitement surged from the very beginning.

The Premiere Ceremony, hosted by musician Darren Criss, set the tone for the day as the first award was announced. Although Erivo and Grande were not present to accept their award, their victory marks a significant start to an event that promises to celebrate musical excellence. A total of 86 Grammys will be awarded during the pre-telecast show, a stark contrast to last year’s focus on relief efforts following devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

The energy was palpable as the ceremony opened with a lively performance by Earth, Wind & Fire, who delivered a groovy rendition of “Shining Star,” featuring guest artists like Israel Houghton and Trombone Shorty. The Recording Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., declared, “That’s how you start a show! That’s a statement. That’s joy. That’s resilience.”

As the festivities continue, comedian Trevor Noah is set to host the main event for the sixth and final time, promising a night filled with music and potential history-making moments. The main show will air live on CBS starting at 8 p.m. Eastern on February 1, 2026. It will also be available for streaming through platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV.

Before the main event, the Premiere Ceremony is currently underway, streaming live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and at live.GRAMMY.com, starting at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (12:30 p.m. Pacific).

This year’s Grammy nominations are led by Kendrick Lamar with an impressive nine nominations, followed closely by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff, and producer Cirkut, each with seven nominations. Other nominees include Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Leon Thomas, all of whom are vying for recognition in a competitive field.

Anticipation is building as A-list presenters such as Harry Styles, Carole King, and Queen Latifah are set to grace the stage. Performances will include chart-toppers like Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga, with a special tribute segment featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill honoring D’Angelo and Roberta Flack.

The excitement surrounding the Grammy Awards is palpable, and music fans worldwide are eager to see the winners and standout performances unfold. Stay tuned for more updates as the ceremony progresses, and prepare to join the celebration of music’s brightest stars!

This moment is not just about awards; it’s about the celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of music to bring people together. Share this story now to spread the excitement of the 2026 Grammy Awards!