Trevor Noah is saying goodbye to Music’s Biggest Night.
CBS confirmed Tuesday that the comedian will return to host the Grammy Awards for an unprecedented sixth consecutive year—but it will be his last time stepping into the role.
Executive producer Ben Winston made the bittersweet announcement, marking the end of an era for one of the most successful hosting partnerships in recent Grammy history.
And the timing couldn’t be more significant: 2026 also represents the final year the ceremony will air on CBS before making a major network jump.
A “Phenomenal” Six-Year Run Comes to an End
Winston didn’t hold back his praise when discussing Noah’s impact on the show.
I am beyond thrilled to welcome Trevor Noah back to host the Grammys for his sixth, and sadly, final time. He’s been the most phenomenal host of the show. He’s so smart, so funny, and such a true fan of the artists and music. His impact on the show has been truly spectacular, and we can’t wait to do it together one last time.
Noah first took the Grammy stage in 2021, stepping into big shoes previously filled by Alicia Keys, who hosted both the 2019 and 2020 ceremonies.
His debut came at one of the most challenging moments in entertainment history.
Navigating Unprecedented Challenges
The 2021 Grammys took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring creative solutions and strict safety protocols that fundamentally changed how the show operated.
Social distancing measures transformed the typical Grammy experience. Multiple stages replaced the traditional single-venue setup, allowing performances to happen while minimizing health risks.
Noah handled the unusual circumstances with grace and humor, setting a new standard for how awards shows could adapt to crisis situations.
His performance impressed producers enough to bring him back year after year, creating the longest consecutive hosting streak in modern Grammy history.
From Pandemic to Natural Disaster
Just when things seemed to return to normal, Noah faced another significant challenge last year.
The 2025 ceremony took place shortly after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires tore through Los Angeles, affecting many in the music community and casting a somber shadow over what’s typically a celebratory event.
Once again, Noah demonstrated his ability to strike the delicate balance between honoring the gravity of current events while still celebrating musical achievement.
Major Network Shift on the Horizon
Noah’s departure coincides with an even bigger change for the Grammy Awards themselves.
After decades of partnership with CBS, the Recording Academy is moving the ceremony to ABC and Disney+ starting in 2027.
Disney secured broadcasting rights through 2036, representing a massive ten-year commitment to Music’s Biggest Night.
This means the 2026 ceremony—Noah’s swan song—will also serve as CBS’s farewell to an institution it has called home for generations of music fans.
What Made Noah Different
Winston’s praise highlighted three key qualities that defined Noah’s hosting style:
- Intelligence: Noah brought sharp wit and cultural insight to his monologues and ad-libs
- Humor: He balanced comedy with respect for artists and their craft
- Genuine fandom: Unlike some celebrity hosts, Noah demonstrated authentic enthusiasm for music and musicians
These qualities proved especially valuable during challenging years when the show needed someone who could read the room and adjust tone accordingly.
His experience as a stand-up comedian and former host of The Daily Show gave him unique preparation for thinking on his feet and handling unexpected moments with poise.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The upcoming ceremony promises to be especially meaningful given the dual farewell happening—both Noah’s departure and CBS’s final broadcast.
Expect producers to acknowledge these transitions while still keeping focus where it belongs: on the music and artists being honored.
As for who will take over hosting duties when the show moves to ABC? That remains to be seen.
Whoever steps into Noah’s shoes will have significant expectations to meet after six years of consistently strong performances that helped modernize the Grammy brand.
For now, fans can look forward to one last night with Trevor Noah at the helm—a fitting conclusion to what Winston called a “truly spectacular” hosting legacy.