Grammy Week 2026 is already looking like a big moment, particularly for three artists whose impact goes well beyond music charts.
According to an official announcement, the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective revealed that Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin will be honored at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors. The event is an official Grammy Week celebration scheduled to take place just days ahead of the main awards ceremony.
The ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 29, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The timing puts it squarely in the middle of Grammy Week and sets the tone ahead of music’s biggest night, which will air live on Sunday, February 1, from Crypto.com Arena.
Pharrell Williams is set to receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, an honor that goes beyond music to recognize cultural influence, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and overall excellence in entertainment.
Throughout his career, Williams has amassed an impressive portfolio that includes chart-topping music, film work, leadership in fashion, and extensive nonprofit efforts.
Brandy and Kirk Franklin will both be presented with the Black Music Icon Award, an accolade reserved for artists whose contributions have left a lasting mark on the industry and inspired generations.
Brandy’s journey spans her breakout success in the ’90s, multiple hit albums, acting roles, and more recent musical releases. Meanwhile, Franklin has spent decades reshaping contemporary gospel, merging faith-driven messages with modern production and sound.
“Pharrell, Brandy, and Kirk are true visionaries and masters of their craft,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. “Each has built a legacy that transcends genre, defies convention, and shapes culture.”
Adam Blackstone will return as the event’s music supervisor. Past Recording Academy Honors ceremonies have celebrated artists and executives including Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Dr. Dre.
The celebration is part of the broader Grammy Week lineup, which features a series of official events hosted by the Recording Academy to honor nominees, industry leaders, and the wider music community.
Grammy Week wraps with the 2026 Grammys broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, while the Premiere Ceremony will take place earlier that day at the Peacock Theater.
