The 2021 Grammys Show Promises to Be Music's Biggest Night—and a Hot Mess. Here's How to Watch.
As is the emerging theme of award shows this year, The Grammys are shaping up to be both a night of musical spectacle as well as a hot mess. For years, "music's biggest night" has been tainted by questionable selections, abominable snubs, and internal controversies. This year is no different when it comes to the many problems that plague the Grammys: first and foremost, The Weeknd was completely snubbed despite having a chart-topping hit album and a viral song sensation with "Blinding Lights" in 2020. The artist has publicly called for transparency in the Recording Academy's selection process, and recently announced that he will boycott the awards going forward.
So, The Grammys continue to disappoint in the same ways they always do. But the show this year will be slightly different, of course, in that it will consist of a mix of pre-taped segments and live, in-person, socially-distanced appearances at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles (gotta love a hint of mystery to the proceedings!). Despite the many issues of the Recording Academy's annual show, there are some very exciting nominees and performances to look forward to this year, like BTS, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and more. Hopefully the work of these incredible artists can push The Grammys into becoming more of what they ought to be. You can go along for the wild ride of the 2021 Grammy Awards this Sunday, March 14, from 8pm to 11:30pm ET. Here's everything you need to know about what to expect, and how to watch.
Who's playing?
The Recording Academy announced that BTS, Cardi B, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Haim, Megan Thee Stallion, Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, DaBaby, Dua Lipa, Post Malone, Brandi Carlile, Doja Cat, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Maren Morris, and Mickey Guyton are among the artists who will perform at the award show on Sunday.
Plus: after Bruno Mars made a funny series of Twitter appeals to the Academy, he and Anderson .Paak will be performing a must-see show together as their new power duo, Silk Sonic.
Who are the nominees?
In the big category of the night, Album of the Year, the nominees are: Chilombo by Jhene Aiko; Black Pumas (Deluxe) by Black Pumas; Everyday Life by Coldplay; Djesse Vol. 3, by Jacob Collier; Women in Music Pt. III, by Haim; Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa; Hollywood’s Bleeding by Post Malone; Folklore by Taylor Swift. Check out Esquire's full list of major category nominations and predictions for who should win (and who will).
Who's presenting?
In lieu of their usual celebrity performers, The Grammys will play homage to beloved live music venues by tapping club owners, bartenders, and box office managers of institutions like the Troubadour and the Apollo Theater to announce the winners in each category.
How to Watch
If you have cable, you can tune into CBS Sunday night to catch the show. Streaming options include Paramount+, which offers a free month trial, and through special packages on YouTube TV and Hulu. You can check out grammy.com for pre-show content starting at 3pm ET on Sunday.
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