Recording Academy®
Day 2 of 2026 Grammy Week shifted the spotlight away from chart positions and onto the people who actually build the music. From intimate songwriting reflections to genre-spanning jam sessions, Wednesday unfolded as a celebration of community and the creative engines powering today’s industry.
The day opened with the Songwriters & Composers Wing honoring this year’s Songwriter Of The Year nominees Amy Allen, Edgar Barrera, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz, and Tobias Jesso Jr. The reception was less like an awards function and more like an intimate reunion. Several nominees took the mic, offering insight into the emotional labor and collaborative trust that shape modern hitmaking. It was a reminder that long before a song reaches radio or streaming platforms, it begins as an idea in the hands of a writer.
That spirit of honoring those behind-the-scenes continued as the Producers & Engineers Wing celebrated producer, engineer, and mixer Jimmy “The Senator” Douglass. The evening doubled as a 25th anniversary milestone for the P&E Wing, underscoring its long-standing role as a backbone for the audio community. With tributes from longtime collaborators like Timbaland and Danja, plus a performance by The System, the night was highlighted. Douglass’ influence across decades.
Meanwhile, Grammy House buzzed with first-day energy. Best New Artist nominees gathered for a conversation with Jimmy Jam. He sat down with Leon Thomas, Lola Young, and Olivia Dean to discuss the leap from emerging artist to Grammy nominee, while Justin Tranter led a separate conversation with KATSEYE, The Marías, Alex Warren, and Sombr, digging into identity, pressure, and creative direction.
The afternoon resumed with Women in the Mix, a session dedicated to amplifying women’s voices across the industry. Following keynote remarks and a powerful performance from Maggie Rose, joined by Grace Potter, the conversation turned personal and forward-looking, tackling leadership, longevity, and self-advocacy in music.
Day 2 closed with A Celebration of Black Creators, presented by the Black Music Collective. Spoken word, live performances, and a jam session led by Stevie Mackey transformed Grammy House into a living, breathing showcase of Black excellence.
By night’s end, Day 2 continued to show the narrative that the week and days ahead aren’t just about trophies. It’s about honoring the hands, hearts, and minds that make the music matter, shaping today’s world.
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