Teddy Swims stood on the red carpet at the 2026 Grammys looking like a star but feeling like a nervous wreck. Most singers worry about hitting high notes or tripping on stage. For Teddy, the biggest fear is the way people look at you.
In the interview, he also mentioned how singing for Mariah Carey recently was the most horrifying thing he had ever done.
The fear felt very real in his body as he sang. Mariah Carey sat so close to him that she was basically staring him down the whole time. It felt like being in a scary movie. To survive the moment, Teddy just put his glasses down and kept his eyes shut. He told himself not to look at her because her gaze was paralyzing.
Teddy Swims Talks Fatherhood, Performing For Mariah Carey & More | GRAMMYs 2026
Fans love how honest he is about his nerves. One viewer said that his humor makes him feel like a real friend. Another person mentioned that they could watch him talk all day because he is so funny. People enjoy that he does not act like a perfect robot. He is just a normal guy who happens to have a world-class voice.
That nervous energy on the red carpet makes more sense when you see him on stage at the MusiCares Gala. He had to find a way to honor the queen of music without failing. To make it work, he used a clever trick. He decided to re-record “Without You” to fit his own deep, raspy style.
Teddy Swims performs without you by Mariah Carey at 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year event
He lowered the music by 15 steps so he could sing it comfortably. He wore a custom Off-White suit that looked like 2000s punk fashion while he poured his heart out. You can see him closing his eyes just like he described. The audience remained quiet as he turned a scary moment into a beautiful victory.
Teddy Swims is special because he stays humble even while his career moves fast toward Coachella. He balances being a famous singer with being a dad who talks about his son’s first teeth. His journey from the internet to the big stage is inspiring to everyone. Follow Teddy Swims on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.