The Grammy Awards don't like hard rock and heavy metal. Don't even think about punk. Those rock subgenres must be far too dangerous for the Grammys to include during their ceremony that is broadcast to the entire world. Things need to be safer.
Thankfully, besides the Sabrina Carpenters in the world, the Grammys have decided to ask a metal group to be involved with the 2026 proceedings. Sort of. The truth is that while Spiritbox will perform live at the Grammy ceremony, they will be pushed to the little kids' table.
In other words, instead of what most music lovers will see broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ beginning at 8 pm ET on Sunday, February 1, Spiritbox will be among a handful of other entertainers who will be a part of the Premiere Ceremony.
Spritibox will perform at the 2026 Grammy Awards (sort of)
That takes place ahead of the main show awards, though fans can still stream the performances. YouTube will play host to that part of the day, which might even offer a wider audience than Paramount+. That is likely far from the Grammy Awards' intent, though.
The truth is that the decision-makers at the Grammys do not care about hard rock fans. This is why only Metallica and AC/DC have played a part in previous years. Instead, the Grammys are truly a pop honor, and for those who care more about money than art.
While the excellent Spiritbox playing any part is a net-positive, we simply will have to see what happens in future years. Why aren't heavier rock acts more involved? It makes no sense. Ultimately, rock and its subgenres are the reason the Grammys exist at all currently. Rock rules, but it doesn't sell like pop.
Along with Spiritbox, other musical artists performing at the Premiere Ceremony include Darren Criss and Helen J Shen, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Zara Larsson. That part of the awards program, which will include handing the trophy for Best Metal Performance to some act of which Spiritbox is nominated, isn't held at the Crypto.com Arena. Instead, it's next door at the smaller Peacock Theater.
Nothing about Spiritbox's inclusion at the Grammy Awards screams that the Grammys are OK with loud rock and roll being a part of the show, but at least the higher-ups are giving metal fans some crumbs. An entire meal would be much better, and far more deserved.
Aside from Spritibox, of course, other bands in the Best Metal Performance category include Dream Theater, Ghost, Sleep Token, and Turnstile. All are worthy of winning awards, as well as playing during the main broadcast of the Grammys.