Speculation surrounding Taylor Swift's involvement in the upcoming Grammy Awards has been firmly quashed by the ceremony's executive producer, Ben Winston. Contrary to widespread rumours, the global superstar is not expected to perform at the event on February 1st, and her attendance has not yet been confirmed.
Rumours Originate from Fabricated Report
In an interview with HITS Daily Double on January 22nd, Winston addressed and clarified the origins of the speculation. He revealed that the rumour stemmed from a publication by HITS itself, which was subsequently picked up by media outlets globally. 'The only reason people think Taylor might be performing or coming is because HITS decided to print it this week and put it in their HITS List,' Winston stated. 'But HITS just totally made that up. And now I am getting asked about it by you, as if it's a real thing, when it was made up in your office! That really is a full-circle rumor!'
Album Eligibility and Nomination Status
Swift, 36, notably did not receive any nominations for this year's Grammys. This is because her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, was released in October 2025, just outside the eligibility period which had an August 2025 cutoff date. Her absence this year will break her recent streak of attendance, following a major presence at the awards in the past two years.
Despite the lack of nominations, Swift has maintained a prolific output, having released nine albums over the past five years. In her Disney+ docuseries, The End of an Era, she hinted at a forthcoming album intended to eclipse The Life of a Showgirl, which she described as 'the biggest album of her career to date.'
Sabrina Carpenter Confirmed as First Performer
In contrast, Sabrina Carpenter has been announced as the first artist confirmed to perform at the ceremony. Carpenter is nominated for six Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Album of the Year for her latest release, Man's Best Friend.
Winston praised Carpenter's previous performance, noting its impact during a challenging time. 'Sabrina's performance last year was actually the turning point of the show, because we dealt upfront with the fires and there was quite a somber feel to it,' he explained. Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Carpenter's set helped shift the tone. 'We were relying on Sabrina to turn the tide and go, "Okay, now we can have fun." That's a really tough thing to ask that first performer to be able to do, but nothing seems to phase her,' Winston added.
Building Excitement for the Event
Winston likened the announcement of additional performers in the lead-up to the Grammys to a 'Christmas advent calendar,' aiming to build anticipation. 'We think it will build excitement,' he said. He also teased Carpenter's upcoming performance, stating, 'She's got a massive performance planned.'
Swift's last Grammy performance was almost five years ago, with her most recent wins occurring in 2024 when she secured Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Midnights. Over her career, she has performed at seven Grammy ceremonies, including notable collaborations such as with Stevie Nicks in 2010.
The 2026 Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, will air on CBS next weekend, with Carpenter's performance set to be a highlight in Swift's absence.
