Emmy Award-winning comedian Trevor Noah is set to return as host of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, marking his sixth consecutive year in the role—and his final time emceeing music's biggest night. The announcement, made on January 13, 2026, by the Recording Academy and broadcaster CBS, highlights Noah's significant impact on the ceremony since he first took the stage in 2021.
The event will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing live from 8 to 11:30 p.m. ET (5 to 8:30 p.m. PT) on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. This will be the last Grammy telecast on CBS after a partnership spanning since 1973; starting in 2027, the show moves to ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ under a 10-year deal announced in October 2024.
Ben Winston, executive producer of the Grammys through Fulwell Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm mixed with sentiment in his statement: “I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time. He’s been the most phenomenal host of the show. He’s so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.” This praise underscores Noah's ability to blend sharp wit, genuine enthusiasm for music, and smooth navigation of the live format, which has helped revitalize viewer engagement in recent years.
Noah debuted as host for the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021 (held March 14 due to pandemic delays), stepping in during a challenging period when the ceremony adapted with limited audiences and hybrid elements. He succeeded Alicia Keys, who hosted in 2019 and 2020. Since then, Noah has emceed every edition: the 64th in 2022 (Las Vegas), 65th in 2023, 66th in 2024, and 67th in 2025. His tenure represents one of the longest consecutive hosting streaks in Grammy history. While Andy Williams hosted seven times in the 1970s (the first seven live telecasts from 1971-1977), and John Denver hosted six non-consecutive times (1978-1979 and 1982-1985), Noah's six straight years make him the first to achieve such consistency in the modern era.
Beyond hosting, Noah serves as an executive producer for the 2026 show alongside Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins. This dual role reflects his deeper involvement in shaping the ceremony's tone and content. The official Grammy social media announcement captured the excitement: "It’s music’s BIGGEST night, and he’s on a generational run. Say hello to our #GRAMMYS host (for the 6th time in a row), Trevor Noah."
Noah's connection to the Grammys extends beyond the stage. He is a four-time Grammy nominee himself. His earlier nods came in the Best Comedy Album category for Son of Patricia (2020), I Wish You Would (2024), and Where Was I (2025). For 2026, he earned a nomination in the Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording category for his children's book Into the Uncut Grass. Though he has yet to win, his nominations add a personal stake to his hosting duties.
The 2026 ceremony arrives amid a strong field of nominees. Kendrick Lamar leads with nine nods, including in major categories like Album of the Year and Record of the Year. Close behind are Lady Gaga and producers Jack Antonoff and Cirkut with seven each, followed by artists and producers such as Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Leon Thomas, Serban Ghenea, Clipse, Doechii, SZA, Turnstile, Tyler, the Creator, Souwave, and Andrew Watt with five or more. These nominations reflect the diverse landscape of contemporary music, spanning hip-hop, pop, R&B, and beyond.
Noah has often described his hosting experience as a fan's ultimate privilege. In past interviews, he emphasized his genuine love for discovering new artists through the process, noting that the Grammys serve as a "backstage pass" to music's evolving world. His monologues have become memorable highlights, blending humor with timely commentary—whether addressing pandemic protocols in 2021, Las Vegas energy in 2022, or resilience amid events like the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires during the previous show.
This final hosting appearance is anticipated to deliver a grand send-off, combining Noah's signature comedic style with heartfelt tributes to music creators. As the ceremony closes one chapter on CBS and Noah's era, it promises an evening full of performances, surprises, and celebrations of artistic achievement.
The announcement signals a transitional moment for the Grammys, coinciding with both Noah's departure and the broadcast network change. Fans and industry observers alike expect the 2026 show to be a memorable capstone, honoring not only the year's best music but also Noah's contributions to elevating the event's accessibility and entertainment value.
