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One of the biggest nights in music is back and bigger than ever. The best part? The show is coming to you live, and we’re showing you how to tune in.
The 2026 Grammy Awards are set to take place live on Feb 1, 2026, via CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The award ceremony will feature some of the industry’s biggest names, hosted at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Music fans won’t want to miss this year’s show, because the performances are just as moment-stealing as the awards and their nominees. Names like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams, Sombr, The Marias, Addison Rae, Katseye and Alex Warren, among others, are prepped to hit the stage, repping all types of genres, promising something for every viewer.
Some familiar faces to the Billboard charts are up for awards like Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, DoechiiKendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ, Bruno Mars, Tyler The Creator and Chappell Roan. Categories that we’ll be keeping tabs on include Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Rap Performance and, of course, the ever-polarizing Album Of The Year. The category is always a battleground for artists, but one has seemingly always made it out on top and that’s Taylor Swift. The singer currently has the most wins in that category with a total of four victories. Only time will tell if that impressive record of hers will be broken.
If you’re looking to tune into all the music action the glitzy night is sure to bring, which, if you’re reading Billboard, you likely are, then we’ll be showing you how you can watch the award show live for free below. Keep reading to find out more.
How to Watch the 2026 Grammy Awards Online for Free
As mentioned, the award show will air live on Feb. 1 on CBS. The official streamer of the show is Paramount+, but there are other ways to watch, which we will go into below.
Paramount+
The event is officially available via Paramount+’s Premium plan which includes CBS. A no-ads plan will run you $13.99 a month. Once the show airs, Premium plan holders will also be able to watch on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access on-demand the day after the special airs. An Essentials subscription will run you $8.99 a month.
The subscription not only gives you access to watch the Grammys live, you’ll also be able to tap into a vast library with up to 40,000+ ad-free episodes and movies, including music-themed hits such as Love & Hip Hop: Miami, School of Rock, Lolla: The Story of Lollapalooza and much more. Paramount+ Premium plan holders will also be able to stream the service on three devices at once, gain access to SHOWTIME® Originals, download movies and shows and Stream CBS live, with more sports and events.
DIRECTV
If you’re looking to watch the show live, we implore you to also consider DIRECTV. All of DIRECTV‘s packages include access to CBS, however we’d suggest the ENTERTAINMENT package. This package is currently available for $89.99 a month and is perfect for those looking to tap into a slew of entertainment-based channels. If you’re unsure about committing to a new subscription, you can simply try the service out for free for five dayswhich will give you plenty of time to watch the two-hour special before canceling your subscription.
Fubo
Another way to watch the award show on CBS is via Fubowhich has a weeklong free trial available here. Fubo’s package includes a free DVR so you record the broadcast to watch all the performances back on-demand. Continue with one of Fubo’s streaming deals or cancel before your free trial is up to avoid being charged. See details here.
Hulu + Live TV
Another option for our readers is a Hulu + Live TV subscriptiongiven that CBS is included in the live TV channel lineup. The service’s live package includes major networks along with MTV, like ABC, NBC and more for all your live TV viewing needs. A subscription to the service (with ads) will cost $89.99 per monthwhile the plan without ads goes for $99.99 per month.
This subscription gives you access to the titles in Hulu’s library, along with live TV programs 24/7. This is one of the more pricey plans on our list, however the bundle is well worth the price. This is thanks to the added Hulu titles, which include music-themed shows and movies like American Idol, The Voice, The Masked Singer, The Beatles: 8 Days a Week, Amy Winehouse: A Final Goodbye, Billie, Madonna and the Breakfast Club, Bad Rap, 69: The Saga of Danny Hernandez and more.
how can I legally stream live Broadway shows from my home?
How to Watch Every Performance Live Online
The world of live entertainment has exploded online. From Broadway shows to indie concerts, sporting events to esports tournaments, accessing performances live is easier than ever. But navigating the options can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down how to catch every performance you crave,without missing a beat.
Streaming Platforms: Your Primary Hubs
Several platforms have become central to live online performances. Understanding their strengths is key:
* dedicated Streaming Services: Platforms like Stage+,BroadwayHD,and Marquee TV specialize in performing arts. They often offer subscriptions for access to a library of recorded performances and live broadcasts. These are ideal for theater, opera, ballet, and classical music enthusiasts.
* Major Video Platforms: YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch are increasingly used for live streams, particularly for concerts, esports, and smaller-scale performances. Many artists and organizations have their own channels.
* Ticketing Platform Integrations: Services like Ticketmaster and Eventbrite now frequently offer live stream options alongside in-person tickets. This is becoming common for concerts and festivals.
* Sports-specific services: ESPN+, DAZN, and others are essential for live sports viewing. These usually require separate subscriptions.
Finding What You Want: Search Strategies
Simply knowing platforms exist isn’t enough. You need to find the specific events you’re interested in.
- Artist Websites & Social Media: The most reliable source.Artists and performance groups always announce live streams on their official websites and social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
- Aggregator Websites: Websites dedicated to listing live streams are invaluable. Examples include LiveConcertsStream and similar event listing sites. Be sure to verify the legitimacy of the stream source.
- Platform-Specific Search: Utilize the search functions within YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Live, and dedicated streaming services. Use specific keywords (e.g., “live concert [artist name],” “Broadway live stream,” “esports tournament [game title]”).
- Google Alerts: Set up Google Alerts for your favorite artists, teams, or performance types. You’ll receive email notifications when new content is published online, including announcements of live streams.
Optimizing Your Viewing Experience
A poor connection or inadequate setup can ruin a live stream. Here’s how to ensure a smooth experience:
* Internet Speed: A stable, high-speed internet connection is crucial. Aim for at least 5 Mbps for standard definition and 25 Mbps for high definition. Test your speed using online tools like Speedtest.net.
* Device Compatibility: Ensure your device (computer,smartphone,tablet,smart TV) meets the minimum system requirements for the streaming platform.
* Browser/App Updates: Keep your web browser and streaming apps updated to the latest versions for optimal performance and security.
* Minimize background Activity: Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs to free up bandwidth.
* wired Connection: If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-fi for a more stable connection.
* Screen Mirroring/Casting: If watching on a TV, ensure your device and TV are compatible with screen mirroring or casting technologies (e.g., Chromecast, AirPlay).
Beyond the Mainstream: Niche Performances
Don’t limit yourself to major events. Many smaller, independent performances are now available online.
* Local Theatre & Music Scenes: Check the websites and social media pages of local theatres, music venues, and arts organizations. They frequently enough stream performances or offer virtual events.
* University & College Performances: Many universities and colleges stream student performances (theatre, music, dance) to a wider audience.
* Independent Artists on Twitch & YouTube: Discover emerging artists and unique performances on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
The Rise of Interactive Live Streams
Live streaming is evolving beyond passive viewing. Many platforms now offer interactive features:
* Live chat: Engage with other viewers and the performers in real-time through live chat.
* Q&A Sessions: Participate in Q&A sessions with artists and performers.
* Virtual Meet & Greets: Some platforms offer virtual meet & greet opportunities with performers.
* Voting & Polls: Influence the performance or outcome of an event through live voting and polls.
Legal Considerations & Avoiding Piracy
Accessing live performances legally is essential.
* Official Streams Only: Stick to official streams offered by artists, organizations, or authorized platforms.
* Avoid Unofficial Links: Be wary of unofficial links circulating on social media or forums. These frequently enough lead to illegal streams or malware.
* Respect Copyright: Do not record or redistribute live streams without permission.
Case Study: The Metropolitan Opera’s “live in HD” Program
The Metropolitan Opera’s “Live in HD” program, launched in 2006, is a prime example of prosperous live streaming of performing arts. Initially broadcast to cinemas, the program expanded to online streaming, reaching a global audience. This initiative not only increased revenue but also broadened the Met’s reach and accessibility, demonstrating the power of live streaming to connect audiences with world-class performances. the program’s success has inspired other performing arts organizations to adopt similar strategies.
Practical Tips for Staying Informed
* Create a Dedicated Email Folder: Filter emails from your favorite artists and platforms into a dedicated folder to avoid missing announcements.
* Follow Relevant Hashtags: On social media,follow relevant hashtags (e.g., #livestream, #concertlive, #theatreonline) to discover new events.
* join Online Communities: Participate in online communities and forums dedicated to your favorite performance types. Members frequently enough share information about upcoming live