Author: Maya DeGuzman
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are approaching, and one of the most exciting and debated categories every year is Best New Artist. This year’s nominees each bring something unique to the table. I’ve listened to all of their most recent work over the past year, and here’s my take on each of them.
Addison Rae
Addison Rae’s debut studio album, Addison, marked her transition from content creator to musician, and it really surprised me. While Rae might not be the strongest vocalist, she clearly had a vision for this project and executed it well. Crafted with an all-female team, the album is fun, flowy, and feminine. The track that has been on repeat for me is Money is Everything, an infectious celebration of all the money life has to offer, which has already landed a spot on my manifestation playlist. The album appeared on multiple year-end best-of lists, cementing Rae as a presence in pop music. With Addison, Rae proves herself as an artist, and I am eager to see what she will do next.
Alex Warren
Alex Warren blew up with his single Ordinary, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks and became the longest-running number-one song by an American male on the UK Singles Chart this decade. With over 52 million listeners on Spotify, in terms of overall streams, he crushes everyone else on this list, so it’s no wonder he was nominated. That said, I’m just not personally into his music. His songs feel a bit generic to me, and the folk-pop and what people are calling the “stomp and holler” genre just isn’t my taste. Even so, it’s impossible to deny his success. Warren is clearly talented, and his music resonates with millions of fans worldwide. His ability to build such a massive following so quickly is impressive, and I can respect that he’s making a major impact in the industry.
Katseye
I’ve been keeping up with Katseye since their formation on the reality competition series Dream Academy. They’ve been on a roll lately, breaking records at Lollapalooza and going viral with their GAP ad, and there’s no doubt I’m a fan of these girls. But, I was a little surprised to see them nominated. With only two EPs out, it feels a bit early for them to be in this category. Their music is fun—tracks like M.I.A. and Mean Girls from Beautiful Chaos are ones I sing along to—but there’s definitely room for growth. However, Katseye truly deserves recognition for their live performances. They’re captivating, and their dance skills are unmatched. Even if Best New Artist feels like a stretch, their nomination is historic: in 2026, Sophia, Yoonchae, and Manon became the first Filipino, South Korean, and Swiss artists to be nominated in this category. For me, that alone feels like a win. I’m excited to see how their music evolves in future releases.
Leon Thomas
Leon Thomas really made waves with his second album, Mutt, which became his first entry on the Billboard 200. Its lead single, Mutt, was his first solo song to hit the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number six, and the album earned him six Grammy nominations. I hadn’t heard much beyond the single, but after listening to the whole album, I found it really enjoyable.It’s not perfectly consistent, but Thomas’s vocals and production stand out, blending classic soul with modern R&B in a way that’s both relaxing and engaging. Tracks like Mutt and Vibes Don’t Lie highlight his talent for vocal runs and harmonies, making this a neo-soul project worth sitting down with.
Lola Young
It’s hard not to relate to Lola Young’s unapologetic lyricism. She talks about feelings and experiences that many would rather forget. Messy, from her 2024 album This Wasn’t Meant For You Anyway, went viral and became her first No. 1 in the U.K. and U.S. I didn’t fully dive into her music until recently, partly because the album didn’t have the same level of buzz at the time, which may have been affected by the health complications that caused her to pause touring and live performances. Her 2025 album, I’m Only F–king Myself, explores self-sabotage and escapism through vices, with singles like One Thing and Not Like That Anymore. Her vocals are powerful, with some British rock influences that I took notice of, though I think she could use a clearer visual approach to help a wider audience fully tap into her artistry and what she has to offer. Lola has the talent, Messy is real, and I think she will only grow from here.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s music feels authentic, soulful, and kind. Her second studio album, The Art of Loving, brought her massive success, and was no skips for me. All the songs feel intentional and dive into the many dimensions of love and made me think about both myself and others. The way she talks about love, life, and experiences through her lyrics is amazing and I have never been so fascinated. Let Alone The One You Love and I’ve Seen it are wonderful and my standout tracks at the moment. Though simple, it is clean and natural. It is always refreshing to see an emerging artist bring genuinely great music to the scene. Olivia Dean is here to stay.
Sombr
2025 was the year Sombr went from a small emerging artist to a global phenomenon. I remember being hesitant to listen to his debut album, I Barely Know Her, at first—I knew about his viral hits, but I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the rest of the album. Once I gave it a proper listen, I found myself loving it as a whole, and ironically, the songs that didn’t go viral ended up being my favorites.The album dives into themes of heartbreak, longing, self-reflection, and life in New York City, and I really felt that city vibe when listening, especially on night drives through my own city. I saw his show back in October and I can confirm that 12 to 12 live is a grand time.Tracks like I Wish I Knew How to Quit You, Dime, and Under the Mat stand out for me, and after listening, I think Sombr is a solid contender for Best New Artist.
The Marias
The Marias’ music is otherworldly. Lead singer Maria Zardoya’s vocals are enchanting, reminiscent of a siren call, and the instrumentals throughout all their work are stunning and a mesmerizing break from words. I have seen this band live, and their stage presence is captivating, especially given the fact that a lot of their music is on the slower side. Somehow, they manage to keep the audience completely engaged without needing anything extravagant. Their second studio album, Submarine, comes from a deeply personal place from the band, following a hiatus and major life changes, and I think that people should listen to the album as a whole more. I have been obsessed with the two singles they dropped this past year, Nobody New and Back to Me, and they have been on repeat since then. The Marias are more than just a pretty sound, they deserve it all for their artistry.
So, who do I think should take home Best New Artist? For me, the strongest contenders are Olivia Dean, The Marías, and Addison Rae, each of whom brings a unique sound and clear artistic vision to the category.
Regardless of who wins, this year’s Best New Artist category reflects how wide the current music landscape has become.
Maya DeGuzman | Music and Arts Reporter