Rising R&B star Coco Jones is no stranger to the Grammy Awards. After winning her first Grammy for Best R&B Performance with her hit single “ICU” in 2024, Jones is now up for her eighth career nomination at the 2026 Grammys in the Best R&B Album category for her debut full-length project, Why Not More?

In an exclusive interview with People, Jones reflected on her journey, the process of “gaslighting” herself into not thinking about Grammy nominations, and how her recent touring and collaborations have shaped her artistry.

Eighth Grammy Nomination and the Significance of Why Not More?

Released in April 2025, Why Not More? features hits like the previously Grammy-nominated single “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” along with collaborations on the deluxe version with Alicia Keys, Leon Thomas, YG Marley, Future, and Lady London.

For Jones, who first captured audiences on Disney Channel, being recognized for a full album is particularly meaningful. “I feel like it’s the biggest compliment to keep people’s attention,” she said. “I mean, I don’t know many things that do.”

The nomination marks her third consecutive year at the Grammys, and Jones admitted she still approaches the process with humility and cautious optimism. “I honestly don’t expect them,” she said. “I feel like I can work towards the greatest outcomes… and then I just leave it up to God.”

“Gaslighting” Herself Into Grammy Mode

Jones revealed she actively avoided thinking about the Grammy nominations before they were announced in November. “I’m gaslighting myself,” she admitted. “You don’t think about this. True.” However, once she connected to Wi-Fi on a plane, the notifications confirmed the exciting news.

Comparing the moment to academic achievements, Jones said, “It feels like getting a grade from your teacher on a really big essay. It never stops, that feeling.”

Touring and Fan Connection

After the album’s release, Jones embarked on her biggest headline tour yet, performing internationally and opening for select dates on Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine Tour. The experience allowed her to connect with fans in a new way.

“To give myself some grace,” Jones explained. “I’m just so tough on myself… unless they start telling you they don’t like something, calm it down, and just be along for the ride.”

She noted how her early anxieties about touring — worrying if fans knew the songs or were ready for live performances — gave way to confidence as soon as she stepped on stage.

Collaborating With Alicia Keys

On the deluxe version of Why Not More?, Jones teamed up with Alicia Keys on the “Other Side of Love” remix. “You never know if your heroes are going to care or have anything to say toward you,” Jones said. “She was so gracious with her time, with her wisdom, with her experience… to me, that’s more meaningful than even a feature.”

Jones described learning from Keys in the studio as a transformative experience: “Seeing how she records, playing the piano, it’s crazy. It’s a blessing to learn as I go.”

Paying Homage to Brandy

Opening for Brandy and Monica also left a lasting impact. Jones described stepping on stage and reflecting on Brandy’s influence as both a performer and mentor. “If she can do this, it can happen again,” she said. The recognition and approval from R&B icons reinforced her confidence and dedication to her craft.

Jones even credited Brandy with influencing her vocal style: “I studied her Full Moon album. Every creative choice hit for me. When she complimented my tone, I literally had to step back and process it.”

Grammy Display and Looking Ahead

Jones keeps her first Grammy at her mother’s house, preferring not to focus on past awards. She explained, “I feel like I have so much more to go. I just don’t like to see them.” Her fiancé, NBA player Donovan Mitchell, keeps some of her awards on display, sharing in her accomplishments.

Regarding a potential win in February 2026, Jones said she’s focused on the journey rather than the outcome: “I can’t think about that too much. I’ll tell you if I get there.”

2026 Grammy Awards Information

The 2026 Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Fans can expect a celebration of the year’s top music, including Coco Jones’ work on Why Not More?, one of the most talked-about R&B projects of the year.