On the bustling red carpet of the Grammys 2026 on February 1, singer Teddy Swims opened up about the joys and challenges of new fatherhood, revealing which celebrity friend he trusts most to watch over his young son. Amid the glamour and anticipation ahead of music's biggest night, the 33-year-old artist, known for his soulful hits like "Lose Control," shared that he would turn to Meghan Trainor for babysitting duties. "I would probably say Meghan Trainor," Teddy told E! News correspondent Keltie Knight. "Oh my goodness, that is the best mother in the world right there. Meghan Trainor has just got it, man."
Teddy, whose real name is Jaten Dimsdale, and his girlfriend, singer Raiche Wright, welcomed their son eight months ago, adding a new layer to the performer's life as he navigates rising stardom. The couple, who have kept much of their personal life private, can count on a circle of famous friends for support, including Kelly Clarkson and country star Thomas Rhett. However, Teddy singled out Trainor and her husband, actor Daryl Sabara, for their parenting prowess. The pair share three children and, according to Teddy, are "just wonderful people." He emphasized that his choice wasn't meant to slight others in his network, but Trainor's family-oriented vibe made her the top pick.
That said, Teddy acknowledged the realities of his friends' busy lives. "Thomas has already got his hands full," he noted, referring to Rhett, who is father to four daughters. "He’s got nothing but little girls. I don’t even know if he’s ready for my little boy. He’s a girl dad." Rhett, a Grammy-nominated artist in his own right, has often spoken publicly about the demands of raising a large family while touring, which aligns with Teddy's lighthearted observation. For the Grammys evening, Teddy had to arrange professional childcare, a necessity that underscores the balancing act many celebrities face between career highs and family responsibilities.
The red carpet interview came just days after a nerve-wracking professional milestone for Teddy. On January 30, he performed a cover of Mariah Carey's "Without You" at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring the iconic singer. The event, held annually to benefit musicians in need, featured a star-studded lineup and served as a prelude to the Grammys. Teddy described the experience as "the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done to this day." During the performance, he admitted to keeping his eyes closed throughout, even lowering his sunglasses to avoid Carey's gaze. "She’s so close to looking at you while you’re butchering her song," he recounted with a mix of humor and humility.
Carey, 56, received the prestigious honor for her decades-spanning career, which includes 19 Grammy wins and sales of over 200 million records worldwide. Teddy heaped praise on her, calling her "obviously the greatest singer of all time." His rendition, though anxiety-inducing for him, appeared well-received. "She kind of stood up and listened and it seemed like she enjoyed it so I think she was proud," Teddy said. "But like I said, I kept my eyes closed the whole time. I wish she would’ve just turned around and not even looked at me while I sang that song." The performance highlighted Teddy's versatility, blending his raspy R&B style with Carey's pop balladry, and it was a moment that connected him directly to one of music's legends.
In her acceptance speech at the MusiCares event, Carey expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and the company of peers. "Standing here tonight surrounded by so many friendly and familiar faces—people I’ve worked with, people I’ve long admired, and even people I thought I’d never see again," she said, "it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. It really is unbelievable." The gala, which raised funds for MusiCares' emergency financial assistance programs, drew an array of talent, underscoring Carey's enduring influence across genres from R&B to holiday classics.
Teddy's appearance at the Grammys red carpet was part of a whirlwind week that showcased his growing prominence in the industry. Nominated for best R&B performance for "Lose Control" at the 2025 Grammys, he has been on an upward trajectory since his 2020 debut album. His collaboration with Wright, who has her own rising profile in soul and R&B, adds a personal dimension to his public story. Fatherhood, Teddy implied, has grounded him amid the pressures of fame, with the birth of his son prompting reflections on trust and support networks.
The Grammys 2026, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrated a diverse slate of artists, with performances and awards spanning pop, hip-hop, country, and more. Red carpet fashion was a highlight, as always, with attendees donning high-end designers. Teddy himself opted for a sleek look, though specifics weren't detailed in his interview. Other stars made waves in their ensembles: Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber turned heads in Balenciaga and Alaïa, respectively, accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry. Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo brought edge with custom Louis Vuitton and Matieres Fecales outfits.
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend exuded elegance in Caroline’s Couture and custom Louis Vuitton, while Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh channeled avant-garde style in undisclosed custom pieces. Additional arrivals included Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral and Marcello Hernández in Sterling Forever and other chic attire, as well as figures like those in Tom Ford, Tiffany & Co., Celine, Pomellato, Chanel, Cartier, Kilian Kerner, Paolo Sebastian, Jacob & Co., Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. The fashion parade set the tone for an evening expected to honor innovation and achievement in music.
Beyond the babysitting reveal and performance anecdotes, Teddy's comments touched on the broader theme of celebrity parenthood. In an industry often criticized for its demanding schedules, stories like his highlight how artists lean on each other for real-life support. Trainor, a vocal advocate for body positivity and family life through her music and social media, embodies the kind of relatable figure Teddy values. Sabara, known for roles in films like "Spy Kids," has spoken in interviews about the joys of fatherhood, aligning with Teddy's endorsement.
Rhett's family life, meanwhile, has been a cornerstone of his brand, with songs like "Life Changes" chronicling his journey as a dad. Clarkson, a talk show host and singer with two children, has shared her own parenting insights publicly, making her a natural ally for Teddy. These connections illustrate the tight-knit community within Nashville's music scene, where Teddy has deep roots despite his Georgia origins.
Looking ahead, the Grammys 2026 promised to be a pivotal night for emerging talents like Teddy. With his MusiCares moment fresh and fatherhood adding depth to his narrative, he represents a new generation blending vulnerability with vocal power. Carey's honor, meanwhile, serves as a reminder of the Grammys' role in bridging eras, connecting veterans with rising stars. As the ceremony unfolded, eyes were on whether Teddy's red carpet candor would translate to onstage triumphs.
In the end, Teddy's insights from the red carpet offered a glimpse into the human side of stardom, where even A-listers grapple with childcare logistics and performance jitters. His trust in Trainor and reflections on Carey's legacy underscore themes of mentorship and mutual respect that permeate the music world. As the Grammys celebrated another year of sonic excellence, these personal stories added warmth to the spectacle, reminding audiences that behind the awards are real lives intertwined with art.