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Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce's Moms Make Joint Appearance at Sundance Film Festival 2026
If you’re tuning into the 2026 Grammys for Taylor Swift, expect a blank space.
After rumors circulated that the “Fate of Ophelia” singer would be performing at the Trevor Noah-hosted event airing on CBS Feb. 1, Grammy Awards Executive Producer Ben Winston set the record straight—sort of.
“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, and it was picked up globally,” Ben said in an interview with HITS published Jan. 22. “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!”
In addition to cheekily addressing Taylor’s attendance, Ben did call out the irony in being asked by the same publication at the center of the speculation, adding, “That really is a full-circle rumor!”
One star who is confirmed to perform at the event is Sabrina Carpenter, who made her performance debut in 2025 with songs “Please Please Please” and “Espresso.” Indeed, the “Nonsense” singer—who is nominated for six Grammy Awards including Album of the year for Man’s Best Friend—was the first performer announced for music’s biggest night. And that was intentional.
“The plan is to roll out a new artist every day up until the show, like a Christmas advent calendar,” Ben explained. “We think it will build excitement. 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.”
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
And while there was a lot of pressure on the former Disney Channel star to deliver, her pop performance was exactly what was needed after last year’s Los Angeles wildfires.
“We were relying on Sabrina to turn the tide and go, ‘Okay, now we can have fun,’” he continued. “That’s a really tough thing to ask that first performer to be able to do, but nothing seems to phase her.”
“The joy she brought allowed for the rest of the show to be celebratory and not feel like it was a night of fundraising for charity,” Ben added. “So yes, she's back. She's got a massive performance planned.”
For a look at more 2026 Grammy nominees, read on...
Francis Specker/CBS
Chappell Roan
The "Hot to Go" singer was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance and Record of the Year for "The Subway" and kept her reaction short and sweet, writing on her Nov. 7 Instagram Story, "Thank you @recordingacademy."
Eugenia R. Washington/Getty Images
Leon Thomas
"Thank you God, my team, every collaborator, every producer, family, friends and most especially my fans I couldn’t have done it without you," Leon Thomas wrote in a Nov. 7 Instagram post. "I got a show tonight and i’m gonna continue working harder on this next album."
Marilla Sicilia/Archivio Marilla Sicilia/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Timothée Chalamet
After receiving a nod in Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for his work on the A Complete Unknown soundtrack, Timothée reshared the news to his Instagram Story Nov. 7 adding, "Dream Big."
Aeon/GC Images
Sombr
"I am a Grammy nominated artist," Sombr (real name Shane Michael Boose) in a Nov. 6 Instagram post. "I am in shock!! Thank you @recordingacademy and everyone who voted for me. I am so proud to be recognized among so many amazing artists that I love and respect."
The 20-year-old went on to reflect on how the last year changed his life.
"Ever since I was a small kid, I have lived and breathed music. It has changed my life in so many ways," he continued. "This time last year, I was 19, depressed and not knowing where to turn. I wrote all of these songs on my own in my bedroom. Looking back, I am so thankful to everyone who encouraged me to keep going."
To top off his gratitude, the "Back to Friends" singer expressed love for his fanbase.
"You’re the reason I get up in the morning and keep doing this even when I’m at my lowest," he shared. "Seeing how the music impacts you means everything to me. I love you so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Brendon Cook/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami
The K-Pop Demon Hunters singers couldn't contain their joy upon "Golden" receiving a nomination for Song of the Year.
"I’m not able to digest this time," Ejae told Variety in a statement. "I’m still in shock."
Rei Ami added, "This feels out of this world.”
Meanwhile, Audrey Nuna was floored by the representation that came with their nomination.
You’re going to see three Korean faces," she explained. "To think about the kids who are going to see that, and hopefully for that to shape their understanding of what they can do in this world, is the stuff that is giving me chills up my spine."
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Kelsea Ballerini
"Oh my goodness," Kelsea wrote in a Nov. 6 Instagram Story, upon her album receiving a nod in the Best Contemporary Country Album category. "Patterns is nominated for a Grammy!"
Addison Rae/Instagram
Addison Rae
Upon hearing her nomination news, Addison Rae proved a picture is worth a thousand words and posted four selfies of her reacting to her Best New Artist nod.
Doug Peters/PA Images via Getty Images
Rosé
The BlackPink member shared her unfiltered reaction to scoring a Song of the Year and Record of the Year nomination for "APT." alongside Bruno Mars. In a video shared to her Instagram Story, the K-pop star shared her anxiety asking her team, "Are we not gonna get it?" before her song was finally announced, to which she shrieked with joy.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images
Alex Warren
Upon earning his first ever Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, the "Ordinary" singer shared a video of his live reaction, which saw him amazed and then grow teary eyed alongside wife Kouvr Annon as his friends blasted confetti. "Mom and Dad I know you’re watching down," he wrote in the caption. "I miss you."
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Pusha T
After receiving a nomination for Best Rap Album and Album of the Year for alongside brother Malice for their group Clipse’s album Let God Sort Em Out, he shared his reaction on his Instagram Story, reposting several prayer hand emojis.
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