Trevor Noah South African Comedian is preparing to step onto the Grammy Awards stage for the final time, bringing an end to a hosting run that has redefined the tone and global appeal of music’s biggest night. The South African-born comedian, author and producer will host the 2026 Grammy Awards on 2 February at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking his historic sixth and farewell appearance as master of ceremonies.
Over the past several years, Noah has become a defining presence at the Grammys, praised for his sharp wit, cultural awareness and ability to balance humour with sensitivity during an era of rapid change in the music industry. His final hosting role signals the close of a chapter that many fans and industry figures regard as one of the most consistent and well-received runs in the show’s history.
This year’s ceremony holds additional significance for Noah beyond the milestone itself. For the first time, he will also serve as an executive producer, giving him a deeper role in shaping the overall direction, tone and pacing of the broadcast. The dual role reflects the trust the Recording Academy has placed in his creative vision and leadership, as well as his influence in making the Grammys more inclusive and globally relevant.
By hosting the show six times, Noah now ranks just behind entertainment icon Andy Williams, who hosted the Grammys seven times during the 1970s. While awards shows have often rotated hosts or struggled to maintain audience engagement, Noah’s tenure has been marked by steady viewership, viral monologues and an ability to address serious topics — from social justice to global crises — without losing the celebratory spirit of the night.
Producers have consistently credited Noah with modernising the Grammys’ presentation, helping the ceremony resonate with younger audiences while still respecting its legacy. His monologues often bridge music, politics and global culture, reinforcing the idea that the Grammys are not just an American awards show, but an international cultural moment.
Adding to the personal milestones of the evening, Noah will also attend the ceremony as a nominee. His children’s story, Into The Uncut Grass, has earned a nomination in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category. The nomination highlights his versatility as a storyteller and creator, extending his influence beyond stand-up comedy and television into literature and audio storytelling.
The 2026 Grammys themselves are shaping up to be a high-profile event, with some of the biggest names in music competing across major categories. Kendrick Lamar leads this year’s nominations with nine nods for his sixth studio album, GNX, placing him at the centre of one of the most anticipated award races of the night. Other artists across genres are expected to deliver headline-making performances and acceptance speeches, adding to the excitement surrounding the ceremony.
For Noah, the decision to step away from hosting is widely seen as a natural transition rather than a goodbye to the entertainment world. Since leaving The Daily Show, he has expanded his global touring schedule, launched production projects and continued to build his profile as a cultural commentator with international reach. His farewell at the Grammys is expected to be reflective, humorous and celebratory, acknowledging both the artists he has championed and the audiences who have embraced him.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS at 8:00 pm ET, with international audiences tuning in across different time zones to witness Noah’s final bow on the Grammy stage. As he makes history with his sixth and last appearance, Trevor Noah leaves behind a hosting legacy defined by intelligence, empathy and a distinctly global voice — one that has permanently shaped the modern Grammys.
