Exciting 2026 Grammys Best New Artist Nominees: KATSEYE The Marías and Lola Young in the Spotlight
The nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards have been announced, highlighting emerging talent in the music industry. This year’s Best New Artist category includes KATSEYE, The Marías, and Lola Young, alongside Olivia Dean, Addison Rae, sombr, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren.
2026 Grammys Best New Artist Nominees
- KATSEYE
- The Marías
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- Addison Rae
- sombr
- Leon Thomas
- Alex Warren
Eligibility Criteria
The Best New Artist category celebrates musicians who have made significant strides in their careers during the eligibility period. To qualify, artists must have released at least five singles or one album. Furthermore, the Recording Academy’s updated rules allow previously featured artists on an Album of the Year nominee to be considered for this award, as long as their contribution was below 20% of the album’s total playing time.
Industry Insights
This category often generates discussion regarding the definition of a “new” artist. Many nominees, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Khruangbin, have established their careers prior to receiving Grammy recognition. Carpenter, for instance, has released five albums over the last decade.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. has emphasized that a nominee’s recognition centers on their breakthrough moment, rather than their inaugural release. This approach acknowledges that substantial public acclaim can occur later in an artist’s career.
Event Details
The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans can watch the ceremony live on CBS and Paramount+.
Previous Winner
Last year’s Best New Artist was Chappell Roan, who exemplified the category’s focus on notable breakthroughs in an artist’s career.
For more updates and a complete list of nominee categories, visit Emegypt.
