Cardi B Chooses Family and Super Bowl Over Grammy Awards Ceremony
February began with intense momentum for Cardi B, rapidly evolving into one of the most demanding periods of her entire year. The acclaimed rapper secured her sixth Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance with her track "Outside," an honor that typically positions artists at the forefront of music's most prestigious evening.
A Strategic Decision to Skip the Grammys
However, Cardi made a deliberate and quiet choice to bypass the 2026 Grammy Awards. This move was not indicative of stepping back from her professional endeavors but rather stemmed from a convergence of timing, logistical challenges, and shifting priorities. With major appearances already confirmed and extensive travel commitments accumulating, attending the ceremony simply could not be accommodated within her packed schedule.
Instead of gracing the Grammys red carpet, Cardi dedicated the weekend to New York City, where she served as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live alongside host Alexander Skarsgård. She delivered energetic performances of "ErrTime" and "Bodega Baddie," maintaining focus on live showcases and sustaining her current musical trajectory. Given the demands of rehearsals and last-minute preparations, adding a cross-country journey to Los Angeles would have necessitated rushing through obligations that already required her complete attention.
Aligning with Stefon Diggs' Super Bowl Preparation
Cardi B's decision also closely aligned with the schedule of her partner, Stefon Diggs, who is intensively preparing for the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. With the monumental game merely days away, extensive travel between New York, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara would have imposed unnecessary strain during this critical week. Supporting Diggs through this career-defining moment has emerged as a clear and significant priority for Cardi.
The couple first became linked in 2024, following Cardi's divorce from Offset, which concluded their seven-year marriage. They maintained a predominantly private relationship until Cardi openly discussed dating in her 30s and learning from past experiences in an interview with Billboard. Shortly thereafter, she announced her pregnancy with her fourth child—her first with Diggs—and made her initial public appearance at one of his games, adorned in a complete Bottega Veneta ensemble.
Welcoming a New Chapter and Reflecting on Growth
In November, the couple welcomed their baby, marking another milestone in an already eventful year. Cardi later shared a contemplative message on Instagram, stating: "My life has always been a combination of different chapters and different seasons. My last chapter was the beginning of a new season. Starting over is never easy but it's been so worth it! I brought new music and a new album to the world! A new baby into my world, and one more reason to be the best version of me, one more reason to love me more than anything else or anyone else so I can continue giving my babies the love and life they deserve."
Viewed through this lens, skipping the Grammys was not a symbolic statement but a pragmatic choice. With music commitments, family life, and the Super Bowl all intersecting, Cardi B and Stefon Diggs opted for presence over appearances during a defining moment in both of their careers.
