The Recording Academy has confirmed that all eight nominees in the Best New Artiste category will perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The confirmed performers are Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, Katseye, Addison Rae, The Marías, Lola Young, Sombr, and Alex Warren. Each nominee will take part in a dedicated performance segment before the category winner is announced.
The move reflects a programming shift by the Recording Academy, which has expanded nominee slots across several major categories for the 2026 ceremony, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artiste.
Sabrina Carpenter has also been confirmed as a performer, joining a lineup that blends established names with emerging acts.
African artistes feature prominently in this year’s nominations. In the Best African Music Performance category, nominees include Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Tula, Eddy Kenzo, and Mehran Maton.
Burna Boy is additionally nominated for Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness, while Shaboozey earned nominations in Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Other nominees across the 2026 Grammy Awards include Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Rosé.
Trevor Noah will host the ceremony for the sixth and final time. The event will also introduce category updates, including Best Album Cover, and a split of Best Country Album into traditional and contemporary divisions.