The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles was a night of high fashion and musical celebration, with British talent Olivia Dean capturing significant attention on the red carpet. The 26-year-old singer, nominated for the prestigious Best New Artist award, embodied sophistication in a custom black and white beaded gown designed by the iconic fashion house Chanel.
A Show-Stopping Entrance
Olivia Dean arrived at the event radiating confidence and style, her ensemble featuring an intricately embellished corset with delicate feathered trim. The dress flowed into a dramatic satin skirt that trailed behind her, creating a memorable silhouette as she posed for photographers. Her beauty look complemented the outfit perfectly, with her long dark hair styled in soft, loose waves and accessorised with sparkling diamond earrings and a matching bracelet.
Ceremony Highlights and Host
This year marked the 68th edition of the Grammy Awards, with comedian and former Daily Show host Trevor Noah returning to present the ceremony for an impressive sixth consecutive year. The three-hour broadcast promised spectacular performances from A-list artists including Sabrina Carpenter, whose 2025 album Man's Best Friend received six nominations, alongside Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and K-pop sensation Rosé.
Significant Category Changes
The Recording Academy introduced two brand new award categories for the 2026 ceremony: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. The decision to split the Best Country Album category into separate contemporary and traditional distinctions followed Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter sweeping success at the 2025 awards. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. explained that these changes reflect the organisation's commitment to evolving with the music industry and properly recognising diverse creative talents.
Eligibility and Voting Details
Only recordings commercially released in the United States between August 31, 2024 and August 30, 2025 qualified for consideration at the 2026 Grammys. The final round of voting that determined all winners took place from December 12, 2025 through to January 5, 2026. Mason Jr. emphasised that the awards celebrate the vibrant musical community and the exceptional talent driving the industry forward.
Notable Absences and Winners
Despite releasing her album The Life of a Showgirl in October 2025, global superstar Taylor Swift was noticeably absent from the nominee list, missing the eligibility window by just two months. The ceremony celebrated numerous winners across diverse genres, with highlights including:
- Lady Gaga winning Best Dance Pop Recording for Abracadabra
- Kendrick Lamar taking Best Rap Album for GNX
- Laufey securing Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for A Matter Of Time
- Nate Bargatze earning Best Comedy Album for Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
- Tyler, The Creator winning Best Album Cover for CHROMAKOPIA
The evening represented both a celebration of established icons and emerging talents like Olivia Dean, whose red carpet moment underscored the glamour and excitement surrounding music's biggest night.
