Meet the 2026 Grammy Nominees Redefining What It Means to Be ‘New’

Each year, the Best New Artist category becomes a window into the future of music. It’s the space where different worlds intersect — social media and every corner of the musical spectrum. For the 2026 awards, the Recording Academy has selected a diverse group of musicians who reflect the pulse of today’s industry — from the rise of Addison Rae and Alex Warren, to the sophisticated dream pop of The Marías, the honest and vulnerable songwriting of Sombr, Lola Young, and Olivia Dean, and the global phenomenon of KATSEYE.

Here’s a closer look at who these artists are, why they’re nominated, and which songs you should listen to to truly understand the new generation redefining what it means to be “new” in the industry.

Addison Rae
The singer began her career on social media and solidified her place in the music industry last year with her debut album, Addison, released in 2025. Her style blends glossy pop with high-level production and early-2000s nostalgia, evoking artists like Britney Spears but with a modern edge.
Recommendations: “Diet Pepsi,” “Headphones On,” “New York,” and “Fame Is A Gun.” These tracks showcase a sophisticated pop sound with electronic touches and Addison’s strong, confident personality.

Sombr
The American singer merges bedroom pop with indie, exploring themes of love, nostalgia, isolation, and connection. His sound is minimalist yet emotional, built around soft textures and melancholic lyrics. Sombr has been praised for his DIY approach and for crafting an aesthetic that resonates with listeners.
Recommendations: “12 to 12,” “undressed,” and “Back To Friends” — songs that capture his sensitivity and his gift for turning melancholy into a sonic landscape.

Alex Warren
Like Addison Rae, the American singer began his career on TikTok and has turned vulnerability into the emotional core of his music. Influenced by Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, his acoustic pop style combines confessional lyrics about resilience and forgiveness.
Recommendations: “Ordinary” and “Carry You Home” highlight his ability to balance intimacy with mass appeal.

KATSEYE
Formed through the reality show The Dream Academy under HYPE and Geffen Records, KATSEYE has become one of the most powerful and promising girl groups in pop. With members from around the world — Sophia (Philippines), Daniela (USA), Lara (USA), Manon (Switzerland), Megan (USA), and Yoonchae (South Korea) — their cultural diversity is key to their sound, which blends electro-pop, traditional pop, and R&B. In 2025, the group broke Lollapalooza’s daytime attendance record with over 85,000 people, praised for their stage energy, choreographic precision, and crowd connection. Their latest EP cemented their global presence and confirmed their potential as one of pop’s next big acts.
Recommendations: “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” perfectly capture their multicultural style, while “M.I.A.” and “Debut” reflect their futuristic aesthetic.

Lola Young
The British singer-songwriter is known for her powerful voice and unflinching honesty. With roots in jazz and R&B, she transforms pain into art. Her nomination follows the success of “Messy,” a song that delves into identity, dishonesty, heartbreak, and emotional independence.
Recommendations: “Messy” and “One Thing” showcase her vocal range and authenticity, with production that balances instrumental richness and emotional intensity.

The Marías
Led by María Zardoya, The Marías return to the Grammys with a nomination reaffirming their impact on the global indie-pop scene. With their bilingual and cinematic aesthetic, the band blends soul, jazz, and psychedelic pop with an unmistakable sensuality. Their album Submarine expanded their sound into darker, more electronic territory without losing the warmth of their earlier work.
Recommendations: “Run Your Mouth,” “Sienna,” and “No One Noticed” are essential to understanding the band’s ability to build lush, immersive sonic worlds.

Olivia Dean
The British artist has captivated both UK and international audiences with her charisma, soul-pop voice, and her gift for writing about everyday life. Her album The Art of Loving cemented her as one of the UK’s most important new voices, defined by an optimistic and heartfelt approach that sets her apart.
Recommendations: “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” “Man I Need,” and “I’ve Seen It” highlight her carefree yet romantic style and her talent for capturing vulnerability with a retro-soul touch.