Inside the Grammys’ Most Exclusive Category: 2026 Best New Artist Nominees
At the beginning of the year, we wrote a blog highlighting the Top 5 Best Moments of the 2025 Grammys, and one of those moments centered around RAYE. She was nominated for Best New Artist, but what truly made her stand out was her unforgettable performance. Fast forward to today: the new Grammy nominations have been announced, and RAYE is now a three-time Grammy nominee, with this year’s nod coming in Best Music Film for Live at the Royal Albert Hall.
Although she didn’t take home the Best New Artist trophy, she embraced the moment, and honestly, she fulfilled the title in every way. Her year was a breakout one. And that’s the thing: being a Grammy nominee is an incredible achievement, but not enough people talk about just how exclusive it is to be a Best New Artist nominee.
There’s always another chance to become a Grammy winner. But there is only one chance to be nominated for Best New Artist, which by default makes it one of the hardest awards to win. That category is about your breakout year, the year your voice is finally heard, your name becomes recognizable, your artistry begins to take shape, and your fans show up for you in real time.
This year’s Best New Artist nominees are Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Katseye, Leon Thomas, The Marías, Olivia Dean, Sombr, and Lola Young. It’s a tough lineup. Not everyone realizes how high the bar is just to be considered for this category. You truly have to be among the most impactful new voices in music at the moment. And while only one artist will walk away with the win, the nomination itself is a statement. Year after year, Best New Artist nominees are the stars of the night.
So let’s take a closer look at this year’s nominees.
Addison Rae
The TikTok star who successfully stepped into acting and music, Addison Rae signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 2024. She broke free from the “TikTok artist” label with her critically praised, platinum-certified single “Diet Pepsi.”
Alex Warren
Coming from a similar background as Addison Rae via the Hype House, Alex Warren delivered one of the most inescapable songs of the year with “Ordinary.” Everyone has heard it. While TikTok helped amplify his reach, Warren has clearly built a name for himself beyond the app.
Katseye
The global girl group formed by HYBE and Geffen Records has exceeded expectations, especially from skeptics who doubted whether a K-pop–influenced foundation could thrive in the U.S. market. In a short time, Katseye has broken records, and their bold release “Gnarly,”which sparked mixed reactions, earned them their first Billboard Hot 100 entry. Unexpected, fearless, and willing to take risks, that’s a Grammy nominated artists.
Leon Thomas
A real-life André Harris. Singer, songwriter, producer, Leon Thomas has always been that guy. His second album, “Mutt,” earned him six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist, which alone says everything about the project’s quality. After years of producing and co-writing for artists like SZA and Ariana Grande, this is finally his moment to step fully into the spotlight.
The Marías
It’s not every day that an indie pop band collaborates with Bad Bunny, opens for Halsey, and earns their first Grammy nomination as a group. The Marías’ blend of Spanish and English lyrics, paired with horns, jazz elements, and dreamy guitar riffs, has established them as one of today’s most distinctive and beloved sounds.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean has been on the rise for years, named Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year back in 2021. But it was her 2025 single “Man I Need” that pushed her into global recognition. Her music has always been captivating; it’s just finally being heard on a larger scale. With appearances everywhere, she’s showing the world what they’ve been missing all along.
Sombr
Sombr’s debut studio album delivered breakout hits and worldwide attention. And, unsurprisingly, TikTok played a major role in making his music go viral, creating a domino effect of streams and chart appearances. He represents one of the defining sounds of this new generation.
Lola Young
A fresh voice out of London, Lola Young broke through with her hit “messy.” The song’s raw, honest lyrics about personal struggles, paired with her powerful, soulful voice, set her apart. She may be pop, but the soul in her delivery makes her undeniable.
And while only one artist will take home Best New Artist on February 1st, this group holds the future, these are the names we’ll be calling for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year for years to come.
