The Grammys are back tonight, and for better or worse, this remains the one awards show where the industry still gathers in one room. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards air live from Los Angeles, with performances, tributes, and a careful balancing act between legacy acts and the next wave of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and rock.
If you only tune into one music awards show all year, this is still the one worth your time. Not because it always gets things right, but because it shows where the industry thinks music is going.
This year’s ceremony leans heavily into star power. Justin Bieber returns to the Grammy stage for the first time in several years, while Sabrina Carpenter continues her rapid climb with another high-profile performance. Lady Gaga is also performing, reinforcing her status as one of the few modern artists who treats awards shows like theatrical events instead of obligations.
The Grammys are also making space for collaboration and discovery. All eight Best New Artist nominees will appear together in a medley, a format designed to introduce audiences to artists they might not yet know. This year’s group includes Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, and The Marias, among others. It is one of the night’s most important moments because it signals who the Recording Academy believes has long-term potential.
Before the main broadcast, the Premiere Ceremony sets the tone. Hosted by Darren Criss, the pre-show features a wide range of genres, from gospel to rock to pop. Opening performances include Grace Potter and Trombone Shorty, reminding viewers that the Grammys are as much about musicianship as mainstream visibility.
Tributes are a major focus this year. Post Malone leads a tribute honoring Ozzy Osbourne, joined by Slash and Duff McKagan. Another tribute sees Lauryn Hill honoring D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, placing emotional weight at the center of the broadcast.
The In Memoriam segment will be led vocally by Reba McEntire, alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson. These moments often define the emotional arc of the night and remind audiences that music history is constantly being written and closed at the same time.
Hosting duties fall once again to Trevor Noah, marking his final turn as emcee. His approach has been steady and conversational, and the Grammys benefit from a host who understands the room is full of musicians first, celebrities second.
Whether you are watching for the awards, the performances, or simply to see where the industry is placing its bets, the Grammys remain a cultural checkpoint. They are imperfect, occasionally frustrating, and still essential if you care about how popular music documents itself.
