Entertainmentabout 1 month ago6 min read

These Surprising Grammy Rules Deserve a Drum Roll

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E! Online (US) - Top Stories

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Covers entertainment developments with editorial context for decision-focused readers.

These Surprising Grammy Rules Deserve a Drum Roll
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Why it matters

1, artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean and Sombr are gearing up to compete for trophies.

Key takeaways

  • Indeed, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak's duo Silk Sonic, as well as Jazmine Sullivan, took home trophies in the Best R&B Performance category at the 2022 Grammys.
  • Meanwhile, Anderson's song "Bubblin" tied with the song "King's Dead"—by Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future and James Blake—for Best Rap Performance at the 2019 award show.
  • The Executive Committee’s decision shall be communicated to the challenger in writing and shall be final."The 2026 Grammys—hosted by Trevor Noah for the sixth year in a row—will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ Feb.

Another rule that might come as a shock? Though rare, it's entirely possible for there to be more than one winner in a category. 

Indeed, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak's duo Silk Sonic, as well as Jazmine Sullivan, took home trophies in the Best R&B Performance category at the 2022 Grammys. Meanwhile, Anderson's song "Bubblin" tied with the song "King's Dead"—by Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future and James Blake—for Best Rap Performance at the 2019 award show. 

And once a trophy is awarded to an artist, the case isn't exactly closed. In fact, challenges can be made when it comes to who goes home a winner at the ceremony. 

"Any challenge to a final entitlement decision by the Awards Department shall be made in writing and addressed to the Executive Committee of the Recording Academy," the rule book explains. "The Executive Committee is empowered to investigate, consider and decide the challenge, and shall have the authority to act with the power of the Board of Trustees for that purpose. The Executive Committee’s decision shall be communicated to the challenger in writing and shall be final."

The  2026 Grammys—hosted by Trevor Noah for the sixth year in a row—will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ Feb. 1 at 8p.m. ET. In the meantime, read on for more of the award show's eye-popping rules and regulations...

Watch the Grammys 2026 Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

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Published: Feb 1, 2026

Read time: 6 min

Category: Entertainment