Grammys 2026: Which Newcomer is Favored to Win Best New Artist?

Sometimes the Grammys can feel like a three-hour work meeting that could have been an email. But occasionally, the Recording Academy decides to do something that actually makes sense for the viewers at home. In a move that saves us from sitting through fillers, it has been confirmed that all eight nominees for Best New Artist will be performing live during the 2026 telecast. Wow – yes! 

Each Best New Artist Nominee to Perform at Grammys

That’s right – no one is getting cut for time. Following the massive success of last year’s segment (which gave us Chappell Roan, thanks much), the Academy is running it back. On Sunday, Feb. 1, live from the Crypto.com Arena, we are going to see exactly why these fresh faces earned their spots. Considering this is Trevor Noah’s final year hosting before he hangs up his MC mic, the energy had better be electric.

The Best New Artist category is usually a mixed bag of “Who is that?” and “Wait, haven’t they been famous for five years?” This year is no different, featuring a wild mix of TikTok graduates, R&B heavyweights, and global girl groups. Here is the rundown of the eight hopefuls taking the stage, and what to know about them before the big night.

Leon Thomas: The Overachiever

If we are being truthful, Leon Thomas feels a little overqualified to be sitting at the kids’ table. The man walked away with six nominations this year – the most of any Best New Artist contender. We aren’t just talking about a rookie nod; he’s up for Album of the Year for Mutt and Best R&B Song. He’s bringing serious musicality to the stage, and frankly, everyone else should be a little nervous to follow him.

Addison Rae: The Pop Star Pivot

Yep, you read that right. The internet personality has successfully made the jump from 15-second dance clips to a legitimate music career, and her debut album Addison has enough bops to justify her presence here. While skeptics might side-eye the influencer-to-pop-star pipeline, Addison has actually been putting in the work. Expect high-gloss choreography and a performance designed specifically to break Twitter.

KATSEYE: The Global Takeover

This isn’t just a girl group; it’s a meticulously crafted global operation. Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Gabriela,” KATSEYE brings that razor-sharp K-pop training and polish that usually puts Western movement coaching to shame. If you want synchronization and visuals, this is definitely the set to watch.

Alex Warren: The Chart-Topper

Another creator who swapped content houses for recording booths, Alex Warren silenced a lot of haters when his track “Ordinary” spent 10 weeks at the top of the Hot 100. You can’t argue with numbers like that. His album You’ll Be Alright, Kid proves he knows how to write a hook that sticks in your brain for days. Expect something anthemic.

Olivia Dean: The UK Soul Sensation

If you haven’t cried to an Olivia Dean song yet, are you… human? She has been steadily rising, despite some absolute chaos with Ticketmaster regarding her tour sales (we see you, Olivia, and we certainly stand with you). With her hit “Man I Need” sitting pretty on the charts, she brings a soulful, raw vocal talent that offers a nice palate cleanser from the high-production pop on the list.

Lola Young: The Gritty Alternative

Lola Young isn’t here to be polished; she’s here to be real. Nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Messy,” Young brings a British grit and attitude that the Grammys so desperately need. Her vibe is less “rehearsed for six months” and more “I just walked in here and stole the show.” We love to see this! 

The Marías: The Vibe Curators

Finally, some smooth, psychedelic soul to calm us down. The Marías have been bubbling under the surface for a little while, but “Back To Me” pushed them into the mainstream conversation. They bring a cool, cinematic atmosphere that is going to look incredible on TV. If Leon Thomas brings the technical skill, The Marías bring the aesthetic.

sombr: The Indie Enigma

Fueled by his debut album I Barely Know Her, sombr (Shane Michael Boose) represents the bedroom-pop, indie side of the internet. It’s moody, it’s atmospheric, and it’s the kind of music you listen to while staring out a rainy window. It will be interesting to see how the songwriter-producer’s intimate energy translates to a massive arena stage.

Bonus: Sabrina Carpenter is Back

Just in case eight newbies weren’t enough, the Academy also announced that Sabrina Carpenter – a nominee from last year – is returning to perform. She’s currently up for six awards herself, including Record of the Year. Basically, the lineup is stacked.

Tune In Sunday, February 1

Tune in to CBS or Paramount+ to see if your favorite actually hits the high notes. It’s from 8 – 11:30 pm EST Sunday, February 1.