From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, Here's a List of Stars Who Skipped Out on the Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are held to recognise outstanding achievement in the music industry. They honour artists, producers, songwriters, and other music professionals for excellence in recording and performance.

However, as the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony unfolded on 1 February 2026, attention quickly moved from who was present to those who had chosen not to attend. Despite a packed guest list and high-profile performances, several familiar names were notably missing from the ceremony.

A Night Full of Stars, But Not All of Them

The 2026 Grammy Awards featured a strong line-up of attendees, including Bad Bunny, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus and Kendrick Lamar. Red carpet arrivals began early, with photographers capturing a steady stream of artists entering the venue as the ceremony got underway.

However, as the evening progressed, it became clear that some of the industry's biggest names were missing from the celebration.

Beyoncé And Taylor Swift Absent Due to Eligibility

Beyoncé chose not to attend the 2026 ceremony after Cowboy Carter, which earned her Album of the Year last year, fell outside this year's eligibility period. Taylor Swift was also a no-show, with reports suggesting she is currently focused on personal commitments including wedding planning.

Their absence removed two of the Grammys' most recognisable figures from the spotlight. Halsey was another notable absentee, with The Great Impersonator released outside the eligibility period, resulting in no nominations this year.

Ariana Grande And Cynthia Erivo Prioritise Other Stages

Ariana Grande did not attend despite winning the award for Best Pop Duo or Group Performance for Defying Gravity alongside Cynthia Erivo. Erivo herself was absent due to her attendance at the London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. She is also preparing for her one-woman production of Dracula on the West End, running from 7 February to 30 May.

Other Notable Mentions

Gracie Abrams was among the first confirmed absentees from the 2026 Grammys. While she had previously earned nominations in 2024 and 2025, she did not receive recognition this year for That's So True. Role Model was also missing from the ceremony after receiving no nominations this year, despite the commercial success of Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.

Selena Gomez was another notable absentee. Despite being nominated alongside Benny Blanco in the Best Dance Pop Recording category for Bluest Flame, the pair chose not to attend. Their category was announced during the preshow, and the award ultimately went to Lady Gaga for Abracadabra. The decision surprised fans, particularly as Gomez had recently appeared at the Golden Globes, marking her first awards show appearance since her marriage in 2025.

The Weeknd, a four-time Grammy winner, did not appear at the ceremony following a lack of nominations for his recent album Hurry Up Tomorrow and his collaboration with Playboi Carti, Timeless. Lorde was another high-profile absence after her fourth studio album, Virgin, failed to receive recognition from the Recording Academy. Both artists have previously been regular fixtures at the Grammys.

Timothée Chalamet skipped the event despite receiving his first Grammy nomination for A Complete Unknown. Instead, he appeared at a Q&A at the Prince Charles Cinema in the UK with director Richard Curtis. Later that evening, he won Actor of the Year at the London Critics' Circle Theatre Awards.

Nicki Minaj Draws On-Air Attention

Nicki Minaj's absence drew on-air attention when host Trevor Noah quipped that she was 'still at the White House with Donald Trump discussing very important issues', referencing her recent appearance there the week before. The joke sparked laughter in the arena and online debate, ensuring her absence was one of the night's most talked-about moments.