Names like Addison Rae, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, and Alex Warren are popping up as Best New Artist nominees for the 2026 Grammys.
The pack of artists getting noticed this cycle isn’t short on variety, with Katseye, the Marías, Olivia Dean, and Sombr all joining the contest for recognition. After so much time staying under the radar, Addison finally put Addison Rae right in the center of streaming playlists since its June drop, while Alex Warren’s fans put his name forward with the energy of You’ll Be Alright Kid and the single everyone seems to whistle, “Ordinary.” Not to be left behind, Leon Thomas, who has floated in the public mind for ages, gets his nod with Mutt, his long-awaited breakout after last year’s Electric Dusk.
Funny how second and even third albums can feel brand new—just ask Olivia Dean and Lola Young, both rolling out more British charm—while Bad Bunny’s pals the Marías got their overdue mention 18 months after dropping Submarine. Reality TV got spicy this year, too, because Katseye might not have a studio album yet, but their Beautiful Chaos EP and, let’s be honest, their Netflix drama, have made them serious contenders. By the way, except for Rae, Sombr is the only act dropping a debut album within the nomination window. Those rules always make my brain itch a little.
People always get excited to see if their faves will win this time.
If you peeked at last year’s Best New Artist lineup, you’d remember Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Doechii, and Raye in the mix, and Roan managed to take the prize home. The names before that? Samara Joy, Olivia Rodrigo, Megan Thee Stallion, and Billie Eilish—all music winners, no debate.
Best New Artist
Addison Rae
Alex Warren
Katseye
Leon Thomas
Lola Young
The Marías
Olivia Dean
Sombr
Grammy Nominations 2026: See the Full List Here
