Grammy-winning singer Coco Jones is serving both real talk and celebration after earning her eighth career Grammy nomination — this time in the Best R&B Album category for her critically acclaimed debut LP Why Not More? — and admitting she tried not to think about it at all.
In an exclusive interview with People, the 28-year-old star revealed she was “gaslighting herself” into not dwelling on potential 2026 Grammy nominations — an emotional tactic that unraveled the moment she saw the news pop up on her phone mid-flight later in November.
“It’s so weird,” Jones said about the nomination reaction, likening it to getting the grade on a big school essay — something you pour effort into but try not to obsess over.
Her nomination comes on the heels of a Grammy win for Best R&B Performance in 2024 for the soulful hit “ICU,” and as she continues touring globally in support of Why Not More?, which features collaborations with artists including YG Marley, Future, Alicia Keys, Leon Thomas and Lady London on the deluxe edition.
Jones also reflected on the musical influences that helped shape her evolution — from studying Brandy’s vocal runs to embracing creative confidence forged over years of hard work. Her journey has seen her open for Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour and connect deeply with fans around the world.
Despite the recognition and success, Jones remains grounded. She revealed she keeps her first Grammy at her mother’s house, preferring not to surround herself with trophies but with the ongoing reminder that there’s more ground to cover.
“I can’t think about that too much,” she says of the awards, “I’ll tell you if I get there.”
As anticipation builds toward the 2026 Grammy Awards — set to broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+ — Coco Jones stands as one of R&B’s brightest stars, blending artistic humility with a rising global profile that promises even bigger moments ahead.
