A number of artists are to receive Special Merit Awards at the 2026 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Among the household names receiving this prestigious award include Whitney Houston, Fela Kuti, Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana and Paul Simon, recognising stars who have made "creative contributions of outstanding artistic to the field of recording".
Having been first set up in 1963, the award has celebrated the contributions of countless stars including Nirvana, The Clash, and Donna Summer. It has reflected the Academy's commitment to recognising artists' across several genres, from R&B, pop music to Afrobeat and Latin rock.
As well as the Lifetime Achievement Awards, musicians Eddie Palmieri, Bernie Taupin, and record executive Sylvia Rhone will also receive the Trustees Award for their contributions to music beyond performances.
It was also confirmed that John Chowning, a classical composer, will also receive the Technical Grammy Award. Chowning had discovered frequency modulation synthesis in 1967. His award will highlight ground-breaking achievements in music technology.
The Special Merit Awards ceremony will take place on January 31, preceding the 2026 Grammy Awards, airing live on Cryto.com Arena from February 1.
Earlier this year, Paul Simon also announced his 2025 North American Tour, despite previously retiring from touring due to hearing issues. More on this here.
Last year's awards ceremony saw The Beatles win an eighth Grammy Award at this year's ceremony, thanks to their final track, 'Now and Then', winning Best Rock Performance at the ceremony.
The song came out on top in a category including Green Day, 'The American Dream Is Killing Me', the Black Keys' 'Beautiful People', Pearl Jam's 'Dark Matter', Idles', 'Gift Horse', as well as 'Broken Man' by St Vincent.
Accepting the award was John Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon, who said: “Play the Beatles’ music to your kids,” he said. “I feel like the world can’t afford to forget about people like the Beatles. Like, we need this music in the world; we need peace and love". More on this from Nova here.
