The Grammy nominations for 2026 just dropped a few weeks back, and honestly, the Best New Artist category is kind of a chaotic masterpiece this year. It’s always the one award that people argue about until they’re blue in the face because the "new" part is so subjective. If you’ve been scrolling TikTok or catching R&B vibes on Spotify lately, you’ll definitely recognize a few names, but the Academy really threw some curveballs this time around.
We’re looking at a list that ranges from viral social media stars to seasoned songwriters who have been grinding in the background for years. It’s a wild mix. If you are wondering who is nominated for best new artist, the official 2026 lineup includes Addison Rae, Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, The Marías, and Lola Young.
It’s a lot to process. Especially since some of these "new" artists have been around since the Nickelodeon days.
The big names: From TikTok to R&B royalty
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Addison Rae. People were skeptical when she first started making music, but you can’t deny that her recent pivot into high-concept pop has actually been... good? Like, legitimately good. Her nomination isn't just about followers; it's about that "Diet Pepsi" energy that took over the summer.
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Then you have Leon Thomas. If he looks familiar, it’s probably because he was Andre on Victorious. It’s sort of hilarious to call him a "new" artist in 2026, but the Grammys have weird rules about when someone officially "breaks out" as a solo act. He’s been writing hits for SZA and Ariana Grande for years, but his solo album Mutt finally put his own face on the map. He's actually nominated for a bunch of other awards this year too, including Album of the Year, which is a massive flex for a "new" artist.
The full 2026 Best New Artist nominee list:
- Addison Rae (The pop pivot that actually worked)
- Olivia Dean (London’s R&B sweetheart who finally crossed the pond)
- KATSEYE (The global girl group experiment from HYBE and Geffen)
- Sombr (The alt-pop heartthrob your younger cousin is obsessed with)
- Leon Thomas (The songwriter-turned-superstar with 2000s Nickelodeon roots)
- Alex Warren (The creator-turned-balladeer with the hit "Ordinary")
- The Marías (Indie-pop icons who finally got their flowers)
- Lola Young (The British powerhouse with the raspy voice that stops you in your tracks)
Why this year feels like a shift
In the past, this category felt very "industry plant" heavy. Not this time. Looking at who is nominated for best new artist this year, it’s clear the Recording Academy is finally paying attention to how people actually consume music now.
You have KATSEYE, which is a huge deal because it’s a girl group formed through a reality show (The Debut: Dream Academy). They’re bringing back that synchronized choreography and multi-member energy we haven't seen in the mainstream since Fifth Harmony. Then there's The Marías. They’ve been an indie darling for what feels like a decade. Seeing them on this list feels like a win for the "cool kids" who have been listening to Cinema on repeat since 2021.
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The underdogs you should actually listen to
If you haven't heard Lola Young yet, please go do that immediately. She’s got this raw, almost gritty British soul vibe that feels like a mix of Amy Winehouse and something entirely new. Her song "Messy" has been everywhere, and she’s one of those performers who sounds even better live.
Sombr is another one to watch. He’s very much in that moody, bedroom-pop-meets-rock space. He’s huge with Gen Z, but his songwriting has enough depth that older listeners aren't rolling their eyes. It’s a tough category, especially with Alex Warren pulling in massive streaming numbers for his folk-pop ballads. Warren’s story is pretty wild—going from a Hype House member to a legitimate Billboard-charting singer-songwriter is a journey nobody saw coming.
Breaking down the snubs and surprises
Every year, people get mad about who didn't make the cut. Where was Jade from Little Mix? Fans were definitely expecting her to snag a spot after her solo debut. There’s also the usual debate about the eligibility window. To be nominated for the 2026 Grammys, the music had to be released between September 1, 2024, and August 30, 2025. That’s why some artists who feel "new" right now might have to wait until 2027.
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The Grammys are happening on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in LA. It’s going to be a bloodbath. You’ve got pop fans fighting for Addison, R&B purists rooting for Leon Thomas, and a whole lot of people wondering if a girl group like KATSEYE can actually pull off the win.
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Grammys:
- Check the Discographies: Don't just listen to the hits. Dive into Leon Thomas's Mutt or The Marías' Submarine to see why the Academy actually nominated them.
- Watch the Live Performances: Most of these artists will be performing at "Grammy House" events or pre-show showcases during the last week of January.
- Follow the Voting Timeline: The final voting round closed in early January 2026, so the winners are already locked in a vault somewhere.
- Don't Ignore the Credits: Many "new" artists like Leon Thomas are also nominated in major categories like Album of the Year, which usually gives them an edge in the Best New Artist race.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on February 1. Whether you're Team Addison or rooting for the indie vibes of The Marías, this is easily the most diverse Best New Artist crop we've seen in years.