Grammy Week 2026 is shaping up to be a major one, especially for three artists whose influence stretches far beyond the charts.
Per an official release, the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective has announced that Pharrell Williams, Brandy, and Kirk Franklin will be celebrated at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors, an official Grammy Week event taking place just days before the official awards ceremony.
The ceremony is set for Thursday, January 29, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. It lands right in the heart of Grammy Week and serves as a lead-up to music’s biggest night, which airs live on Sunday, February 1, from Crypto.com Arena.
Pharrell Williams will receive the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, a distinction that recognizes not just musical and entertainment excellence but also cultural reach, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
Over the years, Williams has built a résumé spanning hit records, film projects, fashion leadership, and nonprofit work.
Both Brandy and Kirk Franklin will be honored with the Black Music Icon Award. The honor is reserved for creators whose work has shaped the industry and inspired generations.
Brandy’s career stretches from her ’90s breakout and chart-topping albums to acting roles and recent music releases, while Franklin has spent decades redefining contemporary gospel by blending faith-forward messages with modern sounds.
“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 once again serve as the evening's music supervisor. Previous Recording Academy Honors ceremonies have recognized figures such as Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, and Dr. Dre.
The event is part of the larger Grammy Week schedule, a series of official gatherings hosted by the Recording Academy to celebrate nominees, industry leaders, and the broader music community.
Grammy Week concludes with the 2026 Grammys broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, with the Premiere Ceremony airing earlier that day at the Peacock Theater.