It’s all up to the fresh new faces on the music scene (except The Marias) to shake their show girl and boy feathers…
As it’s been unveiled that ALL the “Best New Artist” nominees shall perform at the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1.
Olivia Dean, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Katseye, Addison Rae, Sombr, Lola Young and The Marias will feature in a special segment during the ceremony on February 1!
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The Grammy Awards, officially the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, live from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS with streaming on Paramount+.
This marks a big tweak in how the Recording Academy is spotlighting rising talent — it’s not just nominations anymore, it’s a performer showcase.
The Best New Artist stage is where tomorrow’s stars get discovered in real time.
Across genres — from breakout pop to R&B, indie twists, and viral hits — these nominees are representing the next wave of music culture.
What to watch for:
- Olivia Dean — indie pop + artful vocals gaining serious steam.
- Leon Thomas — soulful and genre-blending with multiple nods.
- Addison Rae & Alex Warren — TikTok-fueled rise to mainstream moments.
- Katseye — genre-defying duo with a fan-first buzz.
- Sombr & Lola Young — young voices with distinct energy.
- The Marías — mood-driven sounds carving out a niche.
This isn’t just a performance slot — it’s a statement that the Best New Artist category is front and center at Music’s Biggest Night.
Grammy Awards: Best New Artist (2006–Present)
A living archive of breakout moments, culture shifts, and the artists who defined each year.
2025 — Winner: Tyla
Nominees: Tyla, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Jelly Roll, Gracie Abrams
2024 — Winner: Victoria Monét
Nominees: Victoria Monét, Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Gracie Abrams, Fred again..
2023 — Winner: Samara Joy
Nominees: Samara Joy, Latto, Måneskin, Wet Leg, Muni Long
2022 — Winner: Olivia Rodrigo
Nominees: Olivia Rodrigo, Saweetie, The Kid LAROI, FINNEAS, Japanese Breakfast
2021 — Winner: Megan Thee Stallion
Nominees: Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, Noah Cyrus, D Smoke
2020 — Winner: Billie Eilish
Nominees: Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Black Pumas, Maggie Rogers, Tank and the Bangas
2019 — Winner: Dua Lipa
Nominees: Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Bebe Rexha, Jorja Smith, Chloe x Halle
2018 — Winner: Alessia Cara
Nominees: Alessia Cara, Khalid, SZA, Lil Uzi Vert, Julia Michaels
2017 — Winner: Chance the Rapper
Nominees: Chance the Rapper, Kelsea Ballerini, Anderson .Paak, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris
2016 — Winner: Meghan Trainor
Nominees: Meghan Trainor, James Bay, Courtney Barnett, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly
2015 — Winner: Sam Smith
Nominees: Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, Bastille, Brandy Clark, HAIM
2014 — Winner: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Nominees: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, Kacey Musgraves, Ed Sheeran
2013 — Winner: fun.
Nominees: fun., Frank Ocean, Alabama Shakes, The Lumineers, Hunter Hayes
2012 — Winner: Bon Iver
Nominees: Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj, Skrillex, J. Cole, The Band Perry
2011 — Winner: Esperanza Spalding
Nominees: Esperanza Spalding, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence + The Machine, Mumford & Sons
2010 — Winner: Zac Brown Band
Nominees: Zac Brown Band, MGMT, Silversun Pickups, Keri Hilson, The Ting Tings
2009 — Winner: Adele
Nominees: Adele, Duffy, Jonas Brothers, Jazmine Sullivan, Lady A
2008 — Winner: Amy Winehouse
Nominees: Amy Winehouse, Feist, Paramore, Taylor Swift, Shelby Lynne
2007 — Winner: Carrie Underwood
Nominees: Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, Imogen Heap, John Legend, Kanye West
2006 — Winner: John Legend
Nominees: John Legend, Ciara, Keane, Sugarland, Fall Out Boy
INYIM Take: Best New Artist isn’t about who’s new — it’s about who’s about to run the music landscape.
Sources
- Official Recording Academy announcement of Best New Artist performers.
- Grammy Awards 2026 ceremony details.
For more on the big show visit Grammy | The Recording Academy | News, Performances & Videos
Which Best New Artist act are you most hyped to see live in the Grammy spotlight? Comment below.
