Music’s biggest night begins long before the first award is handed out. The red carpet at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards once again promises high fashion, headline-making moments, and early glimpses of the artists who defined the past year in music.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. While the televised ceremony airs later in the evening, viewers can tune in hours earlier to catch nominees and performers as they arrive for the industry’s most closely watched night.
For fans planning to follow along from home, several viewing options offer live red carpet coverage across television and streaming platforms.
When the Red Carpet Begins
Red carpet coverage is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Eastern and 3 p.m. Pacific, roughly two hours before the main Grammy broadcast. The awards ceremony itself will air live at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
According to The New York Times, the early evening arrival window remains one of the most anticipated parts of the night, giving viewers a chance to see artists before the ceremony begins and hear their reactions in real time. Nominees typically arrive during this two-hour window, making it prime viewing for interviews and fashion moments.
Those watching from outside the United States should note that start times may vary depending on location and streaming availability.
Where to Watch the Red Carpet Live
The Recording Academy will host its official pre-show, titled “GRAMMY Live From the Red Carpet,” beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern. The stream will be available on the Academy’s official website as well as the official YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok accounts.
For viewers looking for hosted commentary and fashion analysis, PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly will once again team up for a joint red carpet livestream. The show will air on both outlets’ websites and social platforms, featuring interviews with nominees, performers, and presenters as they arrive.
Cable viewers can also tune in to E!, which will offer extended red carpet coverage throughout the early evening. The network’s programming traditionally includes interviews, fashion breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes access from outside the venue.
Today.com reported that these multiple streaming options allow fans to watch live without a cable subscription, a growing trend as award shows expand their digital reach.
What Viewers Can Expect
The Grammys red carpet has evolved into a cultural event of its own, often setting the tone for the night ahead. Artists use the moment to debut bold fashion choices, make political or cultural statements, and preview upcoming projects.
With several high-profile nominees expected to attend, this year’s carpet is likely to generate significant buzz across social media. In past years, red carpet interviews have produced viral moments and early clues about surprise performances later in the show.
For viewers, the red carpet offers a more relaxed look at artists before the pressure of live performances and award announcements begins. It also provides context for the ceremony by highlighting the creative personalities behind the year’s most talked-about music.
As award season continues to blend television, streaming, and social media, the Grammys red carpet remains one of the few moments where all eyes focus on the same arrivals at the same time.
