Full Breakdown
ABC to Broadcast 69th Grammy Awards, Ending 54-Year Network Hiatus
5/13/2026, 4:26:15 AM
ABC's New Broadcast Deal and 2027 Ceremony Details
The Recording Academy announced that the 69th Grammy Awards will be televised by ABC on Sunday, February 9, 2027, at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena. The broadcast marks the first network airing of the ceremony since ABC’s last telecast in 1972, during the Nixon administration. The event will also be streamed live on Hulu and Disney+ as part of a ten-year partnership signed in October 2024.
Historical Broadcast Context
Since 1972, CBS has carried the Grammys continuously, establishing a multi-decade relationship with the Recording Academy. ABC’s return follows a deal that ends the long-standing CBS tenure and revives the network’s involvement after more than five decades. The 68th ceremony in February 2026 saw Bad Bunny win Album of the Year for *Debí Tirar Más Fotos*, Kendrick Lamar win Record of the Year for “Luther,” and Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell secure Song of the Year for “Wildflower,” marking notable milestones.
Timeline of Eligibility, Voting, and Announcement Milestones
- August 31 2025 – August 28 2026: Product eligibility period
- June 25 2026 – August 14 2026: Media company registration period
- July 7 2026 – August 21 2026: Online entry period
- October 12-22 2026: First-round voting
- November 16 2026: Nominees announced for the 2027 Grammys
- December 10 2026 – January 7 2027: Final-round voting
- February 7 2027: Final preparations
- February 9 2027: 69th Grammy Awards ceremony
Data & Eligibility Period
The eligibility window for recordings spans from August 31 2025 through August 28 2026, aligning with the Recording Academy’s standard twelve-month cycle. Subsequent registration, entry, and voting phases are scheduled to ensure a structured selection process leading to the February ceremony.
Official Statements from the Recording Academy
Grammys CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized that the awards celebrate music that moves the world and described the ABC partnership as a “new home and a bold new chapter” for the organization. He noted that the Academy is “just getting started, and the best is yet to come,” underscoring optimism about the forthcoming broadcast era.
Verbatim Quote
“The Grammys are all about celebrating the music that moves the world, and this moment is built on exactly that,” Harvey Mason Jr. said. “This is an exciting time for us as an organization — a new home and a bold new chapter for the Grammys Awards. We’re just getting started, and the best is yet to come.”
Impact of the Network Shift and Streaming Integration
The transition to ABC expands the ceremony’s reach across broadcast television and Disney’s streaming platforms. The ten-year agreement establishes a partnership between the Recording Academy and Disney’s media ecosystem, positioning the Grammys within a multi-platform distribution model.
Upcoming Milestones and What to Expect
Following the nomination announcement on November 16 2026, final voting will conclude by early January 2027. The ceremony on February 9 2027 will feature performances and award presentations, streamed live on Hulu and Disney+ alongside the ABC telecast.
