Eric Church was abruptly forced to cancel his appearance at the 2026 GRAMMYs as he can no longer attend due to illness. The 48-year-old country superstar took to social media on Sunday (Feb. 1), hours before the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, to issue a statement with fans.
“I’m so disappointed to miss the Grammy Awards tonight due to illness. I’ve tried everything possible to be there in person, and unfortunately I just can’t do it,” his statement began.
Church was nominated for Best Contemporary Country Album for his 2025 release, Evangeline vs. The Machine, alongside Kelsea Ballerini (PATTERNS), Tyler Childers (Snipe Hunter), Jelly Roll (Beautifully Broken), and Miranda Lambert (Postcards From Texas).
“I wish [the] best of luck to all the nominees and respect greatly what this honor means and stands for in the music community,” Church continued.
Eric Church is expected to return to the stage on February 5 at CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, on his headlining Free The Machine Tour, featuring special guest Ella Langley. “I’m [going to] rest up and see everybody in Omaha next week,” Church concluded in his statement.
The 2026 GRAMMYs will feature unforgettable performances from Bruno Mars, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Andrew Watt, Brandy Clark, Chad Smith, Clipse, Duff McKagan, Justin Bieber, KATSEYE, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Lukas Nelson, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Olivia Dean, Pharrell Williams, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Slash, SOMBR, The Marías, Tyler, The Creator, and more.
Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson are set to pay tribute to those lost over the past year during the In Memoriam segment, while Ms. Lauryn Hill honors the late Roberta Flack and D’Angelo with a special performance. Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses will also celebrate the life and legacy of the late “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne.
Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías also take the stage for a special Best New Artist showcase performance.
A star-studded lineup of presenters will grace the stage during “Music’s Biggest Night,” including Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, Harry Styles, Jeff Goldblum, KAROL G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, and Teyana Taylor.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, at 8/7c on CBS. Produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy, the event is also available to stream live and on-demand via Paramount+.
