The Grammys category for best new artist was absolutely stacked in 2026, as showcased in the knockout medley of performances executed at the award show by the category’s nominees this year: KATSEYE, Olivia Dean, Alex Warren, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, sombr and The Marías.
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The Sunday (Feb. 1) segment began with The Marías performing while washed in moody blue lighting and gentle smoke as lead singer María Zardoya softly crooned 2025 single “Nobody New.” Addison Rae then appeared on screen, hitching a ride on the back of a truck in a theatrical purple coat before switching to the floor of the arena’s load-in area for a sensual dance number set to her Addison fan-favorite “Fame Is a Gun.”
KATSEYE was up next, with the sextet bringing the energy as the group performed elaborate choreography and sang “Gnarly,” one of the rapidly rising global girl group’s three Billboard Hot 100 hits to date. “What’s up!” Thomas then yelled out to the crowd, signifying the next switch-up. He proceeded to shred on guitar while singing his breakout hit, “Mutt,” belting out silky riffs with ease.
While that was happening, Warren was apparently out buying popcorn; cameras cut to him at a snack cart in the concession area of the arena before following him out into the crowd and up on stage. There, he handled a timing snafu like a pro, taking out his earpiece and getting back on track with the accompaniment with plenty of time before he was lifted out by a suspended platform, after which Young slowed things down on piano. The British star delivered a more emotional, stripped-down version of her breakthrough hit “Messy,” one of her first performances since taking a break from music after collapsing on stage at All Things Go in September.
After that, the scenery opened on Dean, who looked radiant against a gold backdrop and horn line, dancing to her smash “Man I Need” in a glittering red dress while effortlessly hitting every jazzy pop note. Finally, sombr descended on a lowering platform, commanding, “Grammys, get up!” in a spangly, angular suit. Rather than his breakthrough smash “Back to Friends,” the singer-songwriter played another of his viral I Barely Know Her hits, “12 to 12,” closing out by walking into the audience and dancing with the crowd just moments before the best new artist winner — Dean, who tearfully accepted — was announced.
This year’s Grammys took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Trevor Noah returning as host. Kendrick Lamar was the most nominated artist in 2026, picking up nine ahead of the ceremony, while Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut followed close behind with seven apiece.
Beyond the best new artist recognition, a few of the nominees in that category — which each year recognizes emerging talent in the music industry, with Chappell Roan taking the prize in 2025 and presenting the award in 2026 — also earned spots in other races. KATSEYE picked up a nod for best pop duo/group performance for “Gabriela,” which ultimately went to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked duet “Defying Gravity,” while Young scored a nomination for best pop solo performance thanks to “Messy.” Thomas was recognized in a total of six categories thanks to his breakout year with album Mutt.
Many of the best new artists have spent the last year dominating on Billboard‘s charts as well. Warren, for instance, ruled at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks with “Ordinary,” while Dean’s The Art of Loving climbed to a new peak of No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in January.
The Grammys started broadcasting live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony is also available to stream on Paramount+.
