Grammy Awards 2026 Eve: Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Charli xcx Set to Perform as Nominations Spotlight New Categories

As the 68th Annual Grammy Awards approach, the music world is buzzing with anticipation ahead of Sunday’s ceremony in Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Artists from across genres are poised to take the stage, with standout performances from Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX among those expected to highlight one of music’s biggest nights.

Star‑Studded Performer Lineup

Leading the confirmed performers is Bruno Mars, nominated in multiple major categories this year — including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his hit “APT.” alongside ROSÉ. His set is widely expected to be one of the evening’s showpieces.

Grammy favorite Lady Gaga is also slated to perform, adding to her broad slate of nominations — she’s up for awards across categories such as Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Album for MAYHEM. Gaga’s live appearance marks a continuation of her high‑profile Grammy presence following a multi‑nomination year.

While official lines on Charli XCX’s performance have not been fully detailed, she is expected to take the stage in Los Angeles as part of the broader entertainment lineup, reflecting her strong showing at the awards and influence in the current pop and electronic music landscape.

New Categories and Nominations Highlights

The 2026 awards are drawing extra attention not just for performances but also for new Grammy categories and notable shifts in nomination structure. The Recording Academy added Best Album Cover and Best Traditional Country Album, broadening recognition for visual creativity and genre heritage.

These additions complement an already packed slate of nominations that span traditional categories such as Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Album of the Year, while also highlighting emerging music scenes and innovative artistic achievements. Artists like Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter and others figure prominently across major fields this year.

Rising Artists and Buzz

In addition to performances from established stars, the Grammys will feature segments including the Best New Artist nominees — a group that reflects a new wave of breakout talent. These emerging performers will deliver a special showcase segment during the broadcast, giving viewers a glimpse of the industry’s next generation.

The nominee list also showcases a rich tapestry of music from pop and hip‑hop to alternative and global styles, underlining the Grammys’ ongoing effort to embrace diverse sounds and voices.

Ceremony Details

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on February 1, with pre‑show coverage beginning in the early evening. Veteran host Trevor Noah returns for his final year at the helm, guiding viewers through performances, tributes, and the presentation of prizes across dozens of categories.

What to Expect

With marquee performances from Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, spotlight moments from Charli XCX and other nominees, and a nomination list that incorporates new categories and a wide spectrum of artists, the 2026 Grammys promise a night of celebration, surprises, and possibly historic wins — especially as artists jockey for honors in both traditional and newly minted award fields.

The ceremony stands as a reflection of the year in music — one defined by crossover hits, genre‑defining productions, and a blend of established icons with rising stars.