The Recording Academy has unveiled the 2026 class of Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees, celebrating a remarkable group of artists whose work has shaped the musical landscape. These honors will be presented at the Special Merit Awards ceremony on January 31, 2026, during Grammy Week in Los Angeles, just before the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include an extraordinary lineup of music legends across decades and genres. Paul Simon, the acclaimed singer‑songwriter known for his innovative blend of folk, rock and world influences, joins Cher, whose enduring career has yielded hits across six decades and made her a pop culture fixture. Chaka Khan, the “Queen of Funk,” is recognized for her powerful vocals and extensive influence in R&B and beyond.
The late Whitney Houston is being honored posthumously for her unparalleled vocal legacy and global impact. Carlos Santana, the genre‑bending guitar virtuoso, will also be celebrated, alongside Fela Kuti, the pioneering Nigerian artist whose creation of Afrobeat left a profound mark on music worldwide and marks a historic first as an African artist honored in this category.
The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award is one of the music industry’s highest honors, bestowed upon performers whose creative contributions have had an enduring impact on recorded music. The accolades honor not just commercial success, but artistic significance and influence that resonates across generations and styles.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Recording Academy will also present Trustees Awards and Technical Grammy Awards at the Special Merit ceremony. These awards recognize influential industry figures and technological innovators who have helped shape the sound and business of music.