In the weeks leading up to the 2026 Grammy Awards, performers were announced daily, but questions grew around one prominent artist missing from the plans.
As the 68th Annual Grammy Awards took shape ahead of the February 1 ceremony, one of the event's producers began revealing details of the show.
While the first performer announcement helped shape expectations, attention increasingly shifted to which stars were not on the list.
In a HITS Daily Double magazine interview on January 22, Grammy Awards executive producer Ben Winston outlined the strategy behind the ceremony.
He said producers planned to announce one performer each day before the broadcast, comparing the rollout to "a Christmas advent calendar" designed to build excitement.
First Performance Confirmed
The first artist confirmed was Sabrina Carpenter. Winston described her previous Grammy performance as a defining moment for the show, saying it was "actually the turning point" after a somber opening tied to wildfire acknowledgments. "We were relying on Sabrina to turn the tide and go, okay, now we can have fun," he said.
Winston acknowledged the pressure placed on the first performer, calling it "a really tough thing to ask," but added that "nothing seems to phase her." For the 2026 ceremony, he said the artist returned with "a massive performance planned."
As the lineup began to solidify, attention shifted to what was not included.
Other Names in Circulation
Winston also addressed speculation surrounding other high-profile artists. Asked whether Harry Styles would perform, he said, "I do not think Harry is going to be performing this year," while adding that he hoped the "Aperture" singer might attend if he was in town.
Justin Bieber's name also surfaced in pre-show discussion. In the same interview, Winston did not indicate that the "Beauty and the Beat" hitmaker was scheduled to perform or attend, and no plans involving him were confirmed ahead of the ceremony.
As confirmations and denials accumulated, one absence continued to stand apart.
The Unanswered Question
The most persistent speculation centered on Taylor Swift. Winston said reports suggesting the "Opalite" singer would attend or perform were inaccurate, attributing them to an item published by HITS that was later picked up more broadly.
He said there were no plans for Swift's involvement, adding that the situation had become "a full-circle rumor" that continued to circulate despite having no basis in the show's planning.
Beyond producer statements, eligibility rules offered additional context. The Recording Academy's eligibility period for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards ran from August 31, 2024, through August 30, 2025.
Swift's most recent album, "The Life of a Showgirl," was released on October 3 of that same year, after the cutoff, making it ineligible for consideration.
Taken together, those factors meant Swift's absence had been accounted for before the ceremony began. It reflected eligibility timing and pre-show speculation rather than a last-minute decision or change in plans.
While the night's performances and absences shaped the narrative inside the arena, attention outside the ceremony shifted to the red carpet.
As previously reported, several artists used fashion to express their creative identities. From sheer elegance to avant-garde statements, the looks drew attention at the Crypto.com Arena well before the first award was presented.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan made a strong first impression in a deep rust-toned gown that balanced classic glamour with modern design. The floor-length silhouette featured a plunging neckline and soft draping that moved easily as she walked.
Her long red hair, styled in loose waves, echoed the warmth of the gown's color. With minimal accessories, the look stayed focused on shape, tone, and texture.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga followed with a darker, more theatrical statement. She wore a black gown marked by feathered detailing and a sweeping train that commanded the carpet.
The sculptural design added volume and motion, creating a dramatic visual effect. Slicked-back platinum hair and bold makeup sharpened the overall presentation, reinforcing her signature approach to red carpet fashion.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish delivered a restrained, menswear-inspired look built around sharp tailoring and layered contrast. She wore a black suit styled with a white structured shirt panel layered over a black shirt and tie, creating a graphic, monochromatic effect.
The clean lines and fitted elements balanced her relaxed overall silhouette. Knee-high socks and polished shoes completed the ensemble, reinforcing her preference for understated styling with a deliberate edge.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter shifted the mood with a softer, more romantic look. She wore a sheer gown decorated with intricate embellishments that reflected the light subtly. The fitted silhouette highlighted the detailing, while her loose blonde hair and natural makeup kept the styling light and balanced.
Anotherview revealed more of the gown's construction, including a tiered skirt and flowing train. Together, the two moments highlighted the craftsmanship and fluidity of the design.
The look quickly drew attention online. On Instagram, many praised the look, with one writing, "The most beautiful dress i've seen on a red carpet, i think, ever 😍 [sic]," while another summed up the reaction simply by calling it "Best dressed."
Reactions on Facebook ranged from admiration to broader discussion. Someone else wrote, "I cant believe Taylor Swift isn't there! She should be there for her fans, but especially to support her colleagues. Its not a good look [sic]."
Another said, "The most gorgeous dress I've ever seen in my life. 😻" A different viewer added, "Now that's a classy dress." A separate commenter drew a stylistic comparison: "So she really has adopted Taylor's entire style. That's ok tho. Taylor is her mentor. 😊"
Yung Blud and Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne and Yungblud arrived together, offering a study in contrast through coordinated yet distinct styling. Osbourne opted for a sleek black gown defined by clean lines and a floor-length silhouette, keeping the look polished and understated.
Beside her, Yungblud leaned into a more rebellious aesthetic, wearing black leather trousers and an open jacket trimmed with leopard print. Layered jewelry and dark eye makeup completed his look, creating a sharp visual balance between elegance and edge.
On Instagram, reactions ranged from surprise to curiosity. One said, "So great to see her getting back out there and enjoying herself 🧡." Another remarked, "this [sic] makes me so happy." Someone else drew a comparison to the late rockstar, "Welp he looks like Ozzy i mean 😯 [sic]."
More Instagrammers reacted. A separate observation added, "Those lips though 😯." Another questioned, "Is he hitting on Ozzie's widow?" while a different user expressed concern, "omg [sic] this is worrying."
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne continued the monochromatic theme with a fitted black halter-style gown embellished with fine detailing that subtly reflected the light.
The streamlined silhouette emphasized structure, while her platinum blonde hair, styled with blunt bangs and soft volume, added a retro touch. A metallic clutch provided a restrained accent, keeping the overall look focused and refined.
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor made a bold entrance in a metallic gown marked by a deep plunge and sculpted cutouts. The design hugged her frame before extending into a short train, combining strong structure with fluid movement.
Minimal accessories and sleek styling allowed the gown's dramatic shape and texture to command attention on their own.
Rosé
Rosé appeared in a look that blended classic styling with modern contrast. She wore a strapless black mini dress paired with an oversized pale skirt overlay that added volume.
The high-low design revealed sheer black tights and heels, adding a modern edge to the silhouette. Softly curled blonde hair and restrained accessories kept the focus on the gown's unique construction.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum stepped onto the carpet in a form-fitting nude-toned gown with a glossy finish that emphasized clean lines and a sculpted silhouette. The minimalist design placed focus on shape and texture, while her loose blonde hair and neutral heels kept the styling streamlined and confident.
Benson Boone
Benson Boone opted for a dark, tailored look that blended classic and modern elements. He wore a black velvet jacket layered over a sheer shirt, paired with wide-leg trousers. The look balanced structure with softness, creating a refined yet relaxed red carpet presence.
Leon Thomas III
Leon Thomas III arrived in an all-black ensemble that leaned into sharp tailoring and subtle detail. The layered suit featured clean lines and understated accessories, while dark sunglasses and textured styling added a composed, contemporary edge.
Doechii
Doechii delivered a high-impact moment in a dramatic purple gown anchored by a burnt orange corset with lace-up detailing. The warm-toned bodice contrasted sharply with the layered skirt, which extended into a sweeping train.
As she waved to photographers, the structured top and voluminous bottom created movement, making the look one of the most expressive arrivals of the night.
Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando
Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando appeared together in coordinated black looks. Cyrus wore a structured outfit with layered textures and statement accessories, while Morando kept his look minimal and streamlined. Their styling worked in contrast, creating a cohesive yet individual pairing.
Jamie Foxx With Daughters Corinne and Annalise
Jamie Foxx arrived with his daughters Corinne and Annalise, posing together on the red carpet. Foxx wore a patterned suit that blended tailored structure with playful color, paired with a wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
Corinne opted for a sleek white gown with textured detailing, while Annalise appeared in a muted, utilitarian-style look. Together, the trio presented a coordinated yet individual presence that stood out during arrivals.
As the night continued, the arrivals offered a clear sense of the range of styles on display. Each appearance added to the overall mood, showing how fashion remains an important part of the Grammys experience beyond the awards themselves.
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