Grammys 2026: Ratings Dip As Cbs Bids Farewell After Five Decades

The Grand Farewell: CBS's Final Grammy Broadcast

The glitz and glam of the Grammys took a slight ratings dip this year as CBS wrapped up its long-standing tradition of airing the prestigious awards show. Sunday night's broadcast of the 68th Grammy Awards captivated 14.41 million viewers, according to Nielsen's same-day ratings. This marks a 6% decrease from the 15.4 million viewers who tuned in for last year's event. It's a slight stumble for the Grammys, which saw a peak just two years ago with a post-pandemic high of 17.09 million viewers.

Mixed Ratings in a Star-Studded Year

This year, CBS helmed three of the four EGOT awards shows, starting with the Emmys in September, which boasted a viewership increase compared to ABC's 2024 telecast. However, the Golden Globes didn't fare as well, dropping by a similar 6.5% margin, mirroring the Grammys' decline. Now, all eyes are on ABC as it gears up to host the Oscars on March 15, closing out an eventful awards season.

“The Grammys were a social media sensation, leading the pack as the most discussed program of the past six months, surpassing even sports events.”

Star Power and Groundbreaking Wins

On stage, Trevor Noah's sixth stint as host set the tone for a night to remember. The evening was punctuated by Bad Bunny's historic win for Album of the Year, the first time a Spanish-language album has snagged this top honor. Other big winners included Billie Eilish for Song of the Year, Kendrick Lamar for Record of the Year, and Olivia Dean, who was crowned Best New Artist.

Grammys' Future: A New Chapter with Disney

As the curtain falls on CBS's Grammy legacy, the baton passes to Disney, which will take over the show starting in 2027 under a fresh 10-year agreement with the Recording Academy. The upcoming 2027 ceremony promises to be a multimedia event, simulcasting on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu. After more than five decades with CBS, having first aired in 1973, the Grammys are poised for an exciting new era.