Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan and more up for top honors at the Grammys

Several stars have been seen walking the red carpet side by side with American Sign Language interpreters: Victoria Monet, Paris Hilton, Ceelo Green and Cynthia Erivo.

This is also the first year ASL interpreters are featured at the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, as previously announced by host Justin Tranter.

The NBC News team live blogging has a few guesses as to who might win the coveted album of the year category tonight. Below, our thoughts:

Saba Hamedy, Culture & Trends Editor: My money’s on “The Tortured Poets Department” winning album of the year, because the Recording Academy loves Taylor Swift. But it would be great to see Beyoncé finally win in this category. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Charli XCX or Sabrina Carpenter ended up winning in the category, as both picked up a few during the Premiere Ceremony already.

Nicole Acevedo, Reporter: I have a feeling this is Beyoncé’s year for AOTY.

Rebecca Cohen, Reporter: I’m a Swiftie through and through, but I think this year’s gotta go to Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter.” It’s such a unique project that really resonated with listeners, and Beyoncé has somehow never won in this category. I won’t be mad to see pretty much any of the nominees win, though.

Randi Richardson, Reporter: I WANT Beyoncé to win. I THINK Billie Eilish will actually win.

Sophia Pargas, Reporter: While I’d selfishly love Charlie XCX to win AOTY and shake things up, I think Beyoncé will take home the category!

Angela Yang, Reporter: I could see Chappell Roan or Charli XCX taking album of the year — their albums seemed to dominate 2024. But I am personally rooting for Beyoncé.

Loving her Grammys dress was red.

The lights refract(ed) sequined stars off her dazzling red ballgown as Taylor Swift strolled onto the Grammys carpet less than 30 minutes before the show kicked off.

She’s up for album, record and song of the year tonight and will present at some point during the broadcast.

Artist J Balvin is using his time on the red carpet to advocate for Latinos and share his experience as an immigrant.

“Right now I’m really really concerned about our people in the immigrant situation,” he said on the carpet. “Not every immigrant is a bad person — they’re not. It doesn’t mean that they’re doing a felony or something like that.”

“I used to be illegal… and I know how it feels,” he added.

Beyoncé came into the night with 11 nominations — the most of anyone. Before we head into the main show, let’s check in on her award count.

Six of her categories have already been announced. Queen Bey took home one of those Grammys: Best country duo performance for “II MOST WANTED” with Miley Cyrus.

She lost out in five other categories:

—Best pop solo performance

—Best country solo performance

—Best country song

—Best melodic rap performance

—Best Americana performance

And she still has five more chances to win during the main broadcast:

—Album of the year

—Record of the year

—Song of the year

—Best pop duo performance

—Best country album

Victoria Monet, a three-time Grammy winner who won best new artist last year, is presenting the category this year and said it’s a “really stiff” crowd to choose from. 

“There’s so many talented people and all of them equally deserve that award,” she said. “How can anyone decided between all these great acts?”

But to whoever does win, Monet advised them to keep creating music how they want to and things will keep falling into place.

“Don’t let the pressure of winning best new artist take the reigns. Just do what you’ve always done,” she said. 

Well, almost four hours later and the Premiere Ceremony has finally come to an end.

That’s 85 categories down, nine to go during the actual Grammys ceremony, which kicks off in about 35 minutes.

Sorry, reader, I have no idea. It look’s like a house or castle hat that surrounds his entire head with a cut out for his face, but it remains entirely unclear why.

“Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina” — Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Shaboozey, a nominee for best new artist, didn’t say whether he’ll be on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter Tour that she announced overnight. The two share songs “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’” on the album.

When asked whether he’s hitting the road with Beyonce, Shaboozey took a couple of coy steps away from the Grammys’ red carpet hosts. When called out on it, Shaboozey said with a smile: “If you see her, let her know.”

Shaboozey has five nods on the night, one of which is for “Spaghettii” with Beyonce.

“Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina” — Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer

Cynthia Erivo, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii and Benson Boone are among the more than two dozen stars slated to perform tonight.

Other performers in the lineup include: Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, John Legend, Janelle Monáe, Brad Paisley, Chris Martin, Brittany Howard, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Lainey Wilson, RAYE, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent and Teddy Swims.

Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and Shaboozey were also added to the roster in the days before the show.

Paris Hilton, who lost her home in the L.A. wildfires, said it’s a “beautiful thing” to see the community come together “during a heartbreaking and devastating time.”

She also called L.A. “such a resilient town” and said she is doing “everything I can to support people, families, rebuilding and the pets.”

Hilton is “grateful to everyone who has done the same,” and thanked firefighters, who she called “angels” and “heroes.”

“Alma” — Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johanye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje feat. Regina Carter)

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” — Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly & John Legend, arrangers (Jacob Collier feat. John Legend & Tori Kelly)

Pop music girls have dominated the music scene in the last few years, and tonight’s slated nominations and performers don’t stray far from that trend.

Beyoncé is leading the pack this year with 11 nominations. She, along with Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are all nominated in the night’s three biggest categories — album, record and song of the year.

The Grammys are also coming fresh off Brat summer, in which Charli XCX had everyone seeing lime green with the explosion of her latest album. She’s up for album and record of the year.

Eilish, Roan, Charli XCX and Carpenter are all set to perform tonight, too, along with Cynthia Erivo, RAYE and Shakira, in addition to plenty of other feministic features throughout the night.

Cynthia Erivo is one of many performers tonight. When asked what she’s performing, she said: “I’m wearing a clue.”

She is wearing a floor-length navy-blue gown with a silver center piece. When asked to see her nails, Erivo and the Grammys’ red carpet hosts called out items like diamonds and stones that were on her nails.

“And that’s also a clue,” she said.

Erivo did a flying motion with her hands, and she and the hosts said altogether, “Fly Me To The Moon.” They then talked “Defying Gravity,” her hit song from film “Wicked.”

“The Heart, The Mind, The Soul” by Tank And The Bangas

“We’re not done just yet, but I expect more energy because there’s not that many of you,” host Justin Tranter said, before introducing the final categories.

After over a month of battling the deadly California wildfires, L.A. County Fire Chief Tony Marrone is honored as a special red carpet guest. He says the fires are now at 100% containment but emphasizes that the county will continue helping residents rebuild and recover.

“My thanks go out to the music industry for including so many of my men and women from my fire department — 5,000 strong — to come and recognize us and give us a moment of healing is just absolutely amazing,” Marrone said.

Charli XCX reportedly asked if she could have a “plus ten” for tonight because she had so many friends she wanted to bring, according to the hosts of the E! News red carpet.

The musician famous for creating “Brat summer” has already snagged some awards tonight, but she wasn’t at the pre-show to accept them. She’s up for more at the main event and will perform later tonight.

“Beyond The Years — Unpublished Songs Of Florence Price” – Karen Slack, soloist; Michelle Cann, pianist

“Bach: Goldberg Variations” by Víkingur Ólafsson

Just days ago, some Grammy nominees performed at the star-studded FireAid benefit concert in L.A. to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts.

Many who took the stage paid homage to L.A., thanking first responders and highlighting the city’s resilience in the aftermath of the fires.

“Rectangles And Circumstance” by Caroline Shaw & Sō Percussion

“Ochre” — Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)

Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori showed up to the Grammys red carpet in a sheer nude dress that made it look like she forgot to get dressed.

She lowered a big black fur coat as the couple arrived on the carpet to reveal the shocking look.

Happy birthday to Shakira — who’s not only nominated for a Grammy tonight, but will be performing during the awards show as well.

“I’m coming back to the GRAMMYs stage and on my birthday!” the three-time Grammy Award winner shared on social media. “See you tomorrow night. 🎶✨”

After artist Dua Lipa received zero nods for her third studio album, “Radical Optimism,” many fans expressed their disappointment at the Recording Academy, calling it a snub.

But the three-time Grammy winner isn’t letting the lack of nods get her down. In a recent interview with Billboard U.K., published in December, the singer said she’s proud of the project.

“I’m so proud of ‘Radical Optimism’ and where it’s brought me. I love that album and I’m having the time of my life performing it live, and I’ve been able to do things that I thought I could only dream of this year, so I’m really grateful,” she told the publication.

“Although it would have been nice to be recognized by your industry, especially as a woman, I’m so proud seeing so many incredible female artists nominated at the Grammys this year.”

“Saariaho: Adriana Mater” — Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan & Christopher Purves; Jason O’Connell, producer (San Francisco Symphony; San Francisco Symphony Chorus; Timo Kurkikangas)

“Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina” — Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Brittany Howard, a five-time Grammy winner, says her parents have her trophies.

“I give them to my parents. They just love to show them off. My dad has his own little shrine to me. It’s kind of become a museum,” she said.

Howard said had she won Best Alternative Music Album tonight, she would have kept that award. St. Vincent won with “All Born Screaming.”

Howard is attending the show with her father, who is soaking in the grandiose.

“We’re from Athens, Alabama,” she said. “This is still a big deal to my town.”

“Strands” – Pascal Le Boeuf, composer (Akropolis Reed Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf & Christian Euman)

Julia Michaels, Grammy winning singer-songwriter, is proud to see women widely represented across categories this year. In a red carpet interview, she expressed excitement for Amy Allen, the first woman to win songwriter of the year, citing a shift in the industry and an increase in female representation.

“As a woman, I’ve always tried to dim myself for other people or maybe not spoken up for myself when I feel like I should have,” she said. “I think that’s why a lot of women are here — they’re realizing how powerful they truly are.”

“i/o (In-Side Mix)” — Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel & Richard Russell, immersive producers (Peter Gabriel)

“Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Resurrexit — Mark Donahue & John Newton, engineers; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Ahead of the last premiere show performance by Kevin Puts’ opera The Hours, host Justin Tranter once again asked the audience to “please move down” closer to the front of the room.

“There are people all over the world that would do anything to see what you’re about to see. So please move down,” he repeated, as some attendees appear to have left to gear up for the main ceremony later this evening.

It’s no secret comedian Nikki Glaser is a huge Swiftie. So, although she’s here for her No. 1 tonight, she also said she’s rooting for Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and SZA, who is joining Kendrick Lamar in the Super Bowl Halftime Show next weekend.

The recent wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles are one of the main topics of discussion thus far.

Singer-songwriter Muni Long said, “It’s a bit bittersweet because of the craziness in the world, the craziness earlier this month. Los Angeles is the place where I found my dream. It just sucks.”

Songwriter Jimmy Jam: “Music is the thing that’s going to raise awareness, raise spirits, raise money.”

Singer-songwriter Teddy Swims: “The inherent goodness comes out. I hate that it takes a tragedy sometime…. Prayers are working baby. They always will.”

Singer and musician Scott Hoying: “People love music. Music is an escape. Music is healing and it’s an opportunity to raise money. It’s keeping people’s careers going.”

“Triveni” by Wouter Kellerman, Éru Matsumoto & Chandrika Tandon

“Bob Marley: One Love — Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe)” – Various Artists

Latin music percussionist Sheila E. accepted a Grammy for best global music performance for her collaboration with singer Gloria Estefan for reimagining salsa icon Celia Cruz’s hit “Bemba Colorá.”

“This kind of music can’t exist without diversity. People from Venezuela, Peru, Japan, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the flavor, the sauce from New Orleans to Oakland… We thank you so much.”

“Alkebulan II” by Matt B feat. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Troye Sivan was nominated in a tough category, up against big names in the pop industry including Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Madison Beer.

Although he didn’t win for best dance pop recording, being in their company is a dream come true.

“I’m living every gay man’s dream,” he said on the E! News carpet.

When asked what is the craziest memory he has from headlining the Sweat Tour with Carli XCX, he offered a city: “Miami.”

Going forward, Sivan said he’d love to collab with Lady Gaga or Doechii in his career.

In a red carpet interview with Associated Press, Alberto Montenegro of the Grammy-winning Venezuelan band Rawayana shared his feelings on celebrating while deportations are happening across the U.S.

“Now in the U.S. we have this crazy situation happening, not only for Venezuelans but for all Latin Americans,” he said. “We are good people. We are the best people.”

The band said celebrations like the Grammys remind them of the good in the world, and offered advice for those watching.

“The only thing that I can say is that in our experience, the polarization doesn’t get you anywhere…,” he continued. “In some way, we have to understand each other.”

“Love Me JeJe” by Tems

“Bemba Colorá” by Sheila E. feat. Gloria Estefan & Mimy Succar

“Plot Armor” by Taylor Eigsti

“No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin” by Meshell Ndegeocello

The pop princess teased her performance tonight on her Instagram story by sharing a photo of herself as a little girl wearing a pink track suit and cowboy hat while she holds a microphone to her mouth.

Literally. Her light blue and mustard tulle skirt features a print of impressionist painter Edgar Degas’ “Dancer With a Bouquet.”

Harper’s Bazaar reported the dress is from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2003 couture collection.

“Cubop Lives!” by Zaccai Curtis

Singer-songwriter Joy Villa has stayed true to her signature blend of fashion and politics on this year’s carpet, donning a gold dress, a red “The Hat Stays On” cap, and a necklace with an oversized picture of a dog that appears to be a nod to Doge, the meme-turned-government agnecy that has sparked controversy.

“Gold dress, crypto finesse, making bold moves—nothing less!” she wrote on X.

Villa has made political statements at the Grammys before, wearing a “Make America Great Again” dress in 2017, and a red, white, and blue “Trump 2020” gown in 2020.

There are still over 20 awards that have not yet been announced at the Grammys Premiere Ceremony. The pre-show is supposed to wrap up in about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, the red carpet is in full force, with artists serving looks and show-stopping outfits.

“Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws And Persistence” by Dan Pugach Big Band

“Remembrance” by Chick Corea & Béla Fleck

“A Joyful Holiday” by Samara Joy

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” by Samara Joy feat. Sullivan Fortner

“i/o” – Tchad Blake, Oli Jacobs, Katie May & Dom Shaw, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Peter Gabriel)

More than two and a half hours in, the premiere ceremony is still going — with nearly 30 more categories to go.

“It Never Went Away” [from “American Symphony”] — Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)

Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord — Winifred Phillips, composer

“Dune: Part Two” — Hans Zimmer, composer

“Maestro: Music by Leonard Bernstein” –London Symphony Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bradley Cooper

“All Born Screaming” by St. Vincent

“Hackney Diamonds” by The Rolling Stones

“The Beatles have done so much incredible work, and they’re still in the culture, and people still listen to the music,” Sean Ono Lennon, son of The Beatles’ John Lennon, said while accepting the award for best rock performance on behalf of the band

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s the greatest band of all time.”

He went on to encourage people to not forget about the group.

“I feel like the world can’t afford to forget about people like The Beatles,” he added. “Like we need this music in the world. We need peace and love, and we need the magic of the 60s to stay alive.”

“Broken Man” — Annie Clark, songwriter (St. Vincent)

“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” by Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne

“Now And Then” by The Beatles

Before presenting the next round of awards, Bob Clearmountain, two-time Grammy Award winner, told the audience he feels “fortunate” that he had another place to go after losing his home and studio in the L.A. fires. 

“Yet so many fellow artists weren’t so lucky,” Clearmountain said. “Many lost everything, their homes, their instruments, their studios, the very spaces where they their creativity thrived.”

Béla Fleck, a 17-time Grammy Award winner, is now performing with his banjo onstage to break up the awards announcements during the 3-hour pre-show.

There’s now less than an hour left but still many categories to go. Meanwhile, the red carpet live streams are expected to begin around 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.

During his acceptance speech, Sean Ono Lennon said it “was a great honor to work in the music of my father,” referring to The Beatles legend John Lennon.

“I’m going to work my hardest to keep The Beatles and John Lennon’s there for the world,” his son added.

“Centennial” – Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band And Various Artists)

“Centennial” — Ricky Riccardi, album notes writer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band & Various Artists)

When Grammy winners Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band went up to accept their award for best children’s music album for their record “Brillo, Brillo!,” the Premiere Ceremony band welcomed them to the sound of “Footloose.”

What does “Footloose” have to do with children’s music? We don’t know. But Diaz used his time on stage to deliver a moving message.

“In this time of great division, we must come together,” he said. “This city is built on dreams, dreamers and immigrants. and I am so proud to be a first generation mexicano and I’m so proud of this record.”

“Mind Games” – Simon Hilton & Sean Ono Lennon, art directors (John Lennon)

Jimmy Carter just won a posthumous award at the Grammys. It’s the late former president’s fourth Grammy win.

Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said he has seen “this enormous outpouring of love from all around the world for many of the people in this room.”

“I just want to say that having [Jimmy Carter’s] words captured in this way for my family and for the world is truly remarkable, and I think really means so much at this moment in our history as a country, as a world, to bring people together to preach that love and kindness,” Jason Carter said.

“BRAT” – Brent David Freaney & Imogene Strauss, art directors (Charli xcx)

Covering the Grammys isn’t new for us, but every single year, we are shocked by the sheer number of awards handed out to the best of the best musicians.

There are 85 awards being handed out at the pre-show alone, and the total number of Grammys being awarded tonight will total 94, meaning only nine awards will be handed out at the main event, which will likely feel more focused on performances.

Those will include some of the biggest accolades of the night, including song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist.

The large swath of awards allows the spotlight to shine on a wide array of genres and artists, honoring the wide variety of music we all know and love.

“Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration” – Jimmy Carter

“The Dreamer” by Dave Chappelle

“Brillo, Brillo!” by Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band

February could be Kendrick Lamar’s month.

Lamar is up for seven awards at the Grammys tonight, including for song of the year and record of the year for his hit single “Not Like Us.” He’s already won three.

The song, which dropped this summer, is a diss track that was created amid a rap feud with Drake. The song’s overwhelming popularity has led Drake to file a lawsuit against his own record label, Universal Music Group, alleging the label defamed him by spreading a “false and malicious narrative” when it promoted the song.

Next weekend, Lamar will take on the Super Bowl as the headliner for the halftime show.

“American Symphony” (Jon Batiste) — Matthew Heineman, video director; Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman & Joedan Okun, video producers

“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar; Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jack Begert, Sam Canter & Jamie Rabineau, video producers

“Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)

“3:AM” by Rapsody feat. Erykah Badu

“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

“11:11 (Deluxe)” by Chris Brown

Amy Allen just won a Grammy for songwriter of the year.

The now Grammy-winner is behind three of Sabrina Carpenter’s biggest hits:

1. “Espresso”
2. “Please Please Please”
3. “Taste”

She was honored today for her work on these songs as well as other ones including “run for the hills” by Tate McRae and “Selfish” by Justin Timberlake.

“Saturn” — Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Solána Rowe, Jared Solomon & Scott Zhang, songwriters (SZA)

Winning her first award of the night, for best R&B performance, Muni Long told the audience: “If you want a different future, you don’t wait for a miracle. You start planting seeds today.”

“If you want to change your life, you have to choose yourself. Selfishness is actually the highest form of self respect,” Long, who had just performed minutes ago, said. “So if you’re stuck in yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s fears, put all your attention on what you can do in this moment, one tiny thing.”

“That’s You” by Lucky Daye

“Made For Me (Live On BET)” by Muni Long

The Venezuelan rock band Rawayana won a Grammy for best Latin rock or alternative album for their record “¿Quién trae las cornetas?.”

In their acceptance speech, the band read a poem in Spanish paying tribute to their homeland and the people, who are standing their own amid international turmoil.

At the end of their speech, they celebrated “winning an American Grammy. Long live Venezuela.”

“Los Rawa se acaban de ganar un Grammy americano,” they said when closing their speech. “Que viva Venezuela.”

Another slew of categories has been announced so that means it’s time for a performance to break it all up!

Up now: Muni Long.

Host Justin Tranter asked attendees of the pre-show to move up to fill the seats, as it seems some people are leaving early to head over to the actual ceremony (which begins at 5 p.m. PT).

“Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional)” by Tony Succar, Mimy Succar

“Boca Chueca, Vol”. 1 by Carín León

“¿Quién trae las cornetas?” by Rawayana

“LAS LETRAS YA NO IMPORTAN” by Residente

“Mileage” by Ruthie Foster

“Swingin’ Live At The Church In Tulsa” by The Taj Mahal Sextet

Accepting the award for best country song, Kacey Musgraves said she has the “absolute best team in the world.”

“There’s so much darkness in this world right now and it just feels so good to be able to fight some of that darkness through song,” Musgraves said. “It’s such an honor. Thank you.”

So far during the Premiere Ceremony, four categories for which Beyoncé is up for have been announced. She has only won in one category: best country duo/group performance for her song “II MOST WANTED” featuring Miley Cyrus.

“Lighthouse” by Sierra Ferrell

“The Architect” — Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

“II MOST WANTED” by Beyoncé feat. Miley Cyrus

“It Takes A Woman” by Chris Stapleton

Singer-songwriter Joe Bonamassa, who was nominated tonight in the best contemporary blues album category, is performing onstage right now.

He’s among a handful of artists slated to perform this afternoon in between a slew of winners being announced.

Winners in each category were given strict guidance by host Justin Tranter to keep their speeches short so the pre-show doesn’t go into overtime.

One hour into the Premiere Ceremony and just 16 of the 85 awards have been handed out.

The pre-show is expected to wrap in 2 hours and then it’s time for the actual ceremony, where the remaining awards will be handed out.

“Heart Of A Human” by DOE

“More Than This” by CeCe Winans

That’s My King CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters

“One Hallelujah” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton feat. Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

“Kuini” by Kalani Pe’a

“Woodland” by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

“Live Vol. 1” by Billy Strings

Accepting the award for best Americana performance, Sierra Ferrell thanked her mother, her dog and her production crew, among others.

“I honestly wasn’t expecting this, and I want to thank everyone in the category, because everyone’s so beautiful in their own way, and they have their own essence,” Ferrell said.

When accepting her third award, she said “Honestly, this is kind of hilarious.”

“Trail Of Flowers” by Sierra Ferrell

“American Dreaming” — Sierra Ferrell & Melody Walker

Pop queens Sabrina Carpetner and Charli xcx were not present at the at the Premiere Ceremony to accept their awards. But the two will definitely be around later tonight.

“American Dreaming” by Sierra Ferrell

“Espresso” (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix) — FNZ & Mark Ronson, remixers (Sabrina Carpenter)

“Von Dutch” by Charli xcx

For the first time ever, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will feature ASL interpreters, host Justin Tranter announced.

“The Recording Academy is dedicated to accessibility efforts,” Tranter said, shouting out its diversity, equity and inclusion team.

“Neverender” by Justice & Tame Impala

“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter

The fabulous singer-songwriter Justin Tranter is taking on hosting duties for the Grammys Premiere Ceremony.

“This city has always been a beacon for dreamers and visionaries,” he said. “This afternoon we honor not only the music, but the spirit of the people who make it, the first responders who are the definition of courage and the countless individuals who are finding hope and rebuilding after the devastating fires.”

Tranter invited the audience and viewers to scan QR code to encourage donations towards those affected by the California wildfires.

“Let’s do everything we can to make a lasting impact.”

Taking the stage for a few opening remarks, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. gave a tribute to the impact of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this month — noting that this night will celebrate first responders and “honor music’s great power to inspire, to heal and to unite.”

“We’re also going to recognize the resilience of our community and celebrate our first responders and do our very best to lift up this city that we love,” he told the crowd, urging viewers and attendees to donate to relief efforts if they can.

“I’m so grateful just to be here today, to come together around music, looking around the room, I’m reminded how incredibly lucky I am,” Mason said. “We all are to be part of this amazing music community, and we can’t ever take that for granted.”

The premiere show opened with a nod to the California wildfires.

A handful of nominated artists, including Wayne Brady, Yolanda Adams, and Scott Hoying, performed “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

As they sang, images of first-responders and community members impacted by the devastating natural disasters were projected on the screen behind them.

The Grammys premiere ceremony is about to start at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 pm ET.

That’s where the majority of tonight’s awards (over 80 of them) will be presented, according to the Recording Academy.

The pre-show typically runs for three hours.

Chappell Roan, who received six nominations this year, shared a candid Instagram post on Wednesday ahead of the awards about how she’s been feeling about the industry and fan support.

“I am very emo,” she wrote in the post, which was accompanied with a selfie. “My heart feels warm and fuzzy with all the support I have been given this past year. I hope you can understand that this has been incredible and scary and spiritual and confusing. I’ve been crying tears of joy and grief and feeling loved and lonely and free. Ultimately, I am grateful for every one of you who gave my music a little spin and showed your ass up to shows and festivals.”

This year’s Grammy Awards are infused with a “renewed sense of purpose,” according to the show’s broadcaster CBS Entertainment.

The telecast will raise money to support L.A. wildfire relief efforts, while also “honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect others.”

“It will still be the Grammy Awards,” Grammys executive producer Ben Winston said in a recent interview with The New York Times. “We are still looking back at an incredible year of music. We are still having performances that we would have had when we were planning the show on Jan. 1. But of course we’re reflecting now on what’s going on in Los Angeles.”

Winston referenced the healing power of music, emphasizing a hope that the community — both those directly impacted and those watching the awards — will find comfort and empowerment in the ceremony.

The beginning of February is a busy time for Travis Kelce and girlfriend Taylor Swift. The biggest nights of their careers, arguably, fall a week apart.

Kelce’s attendance at tonight’s Grammys is unlikely, as he has just a week before he and the Kansas City Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl next Sunday.

While Swift is often present at Kelce’s football games, Kelce hasn’t been a mainstay at Swift’s events — save for a number of appearances at Eras Tour shows across the globe — due to his grueling football schedule.

The Grammys earlier this week confirmed Swift would be a presenter at the show.

Who is sitting next to whom in the room where the magic happens? CBS Network gave a sneak peak at the seating chart in a post on X.

The romantic drama “Challengers,” set in the world of professional tennis, was a huge hit last spring. The score, from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, has received high praise, winning a Golden Globe earlier this year.

Tonight, the Luca Guadagnino-directed film could take home another statuette. It is up for a Grammy in the best score soundtrack for visual media category.

A win would validate fans of the film, who expressed disappointment that the movie received no Oscar nominations.

For the fifth consecutive year, former “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah will serve as “master of ceremonies,” bringing a familiar sense of laughter to the 67th annual awards.

Beyoncé announced a new tour early Sunday in a social media post with the caption “COWBOY CARTER TOUR 2025” and a video displaying a lit up sign with a similar message.

The homepage of her website was updated to display the same graphics. No additional information, including tour dates, has been shared.

The Recording Academy said it plans to honor the late Quincy Jones, who “passed away peacefully” at his Bel Air home in November of pancreatic cancer. He was 91 years old. 

Throughout his career, Jones solidified himself as an industry legend, receiving 80 nominations and 28 wins in categories including album of the year, record of the year and producer of the year. The music legend was behind hits like “Thriller” and “We are the World.” He often collaborated with iconic names such as Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson.

The Recording Academy said there will be a “star-studded salute to the life and legacy of Jones” as well as “musical tributes honoring the city of Los Angeles, and the annual In Memoriam segment.”