There are several things music fanatics look forward to every year: Spotify Wrapped, Ticketmaster sales and every February, the Grammy’s. This year, the lineup is stacked with beloved artists and some songs you may have forgotten this past year. No category has caused more online disputes than the Best New Artist. Eight stars, and one award to take home. Amongst it all, I have my favorites and strong opinions on each.

Best New Artist:

• Olivia Dean
• KATSEYE
• The Marías
• Addison Rae
• sombr
• Leon Thomas
• Alex Warren
• Lola Young

To see the full list please visit grammy.com.

Before we begin, I have to address the elephant in the room. There are many names on this list that have been producing music for several years now, like Alex Warren, so why are they still considered a “new artist?” It comes down to two things: submissions and popularity. To be officially nominated for Best New Artist, an artist must have five singles/tracks or one complete album, and their music must be considered to have an effect on the public. Additionally, an artist cannot submit their work for consideration more than three times. Sorry, Tate McRae fans.

If I could give one name for why my brother and I have been foaming at the mouth for February 1, 2026, it would be Olivia Dean. My brother strongly believes her album The Art of Loving should’ve gotten her nominated for Best Album, similar to Leon Thomas. I, in my fierce loyalty, told him KATSEYE was going to sweep this entire list. Then I listened to Dean’s album, and KATSEYE’s new song “Internet Girl” (and while I have my opinions on this newest addition to KATSEYE’s quickly growing discography, back to Dean). Her song “Man I Need” speaks for itself as it’s also nominated for Grammy’s Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical. If that doesn’t tell you all that you need to know about the masterpiece that is the lyrics, as well as the melodies carried over during the bridge, then I can’t help you. Overall, I think Dean has an incredibly high chance at winning the trophy this year, and I would be incredibly thrilled if she did.

For KATSEYE, it pains me to say this, but I don’t think they can compare strongly to the works of people like Dean and Leon Thomas. They’ve definitely earned their spot on this list with hits like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela,” but the depth is just lacking. They are a talented girl group, but they’re still struggling with defining themselves musically and their discography is bare. I went to their first tour stop this November, so there is no lack of love for these globally diverse queens. However, “Internet Girl” left many fans perplexed, and addicting choreography just isn’t what I think the judges are looking for. KATSEYE has earned their spot on my most listened to artists list, but I don’t think they’ve earned their Grammy this year.

Similarly, The Marías, a four person Spanish-English indie-punk band, threw me. Their decade long career is finally flourishing with their breakthrough album Submarine, but with rumors (keyword rumors) of the band breaking up, I’m starting to feel stumped. It definitely can be a challenge to perform for ten years only to just now get the recognition they deserve, but with thinly veiled messages in songs like “Sienna” and “No One Noticed,” it seems potentially the band could be gearing towards taking the award and then Fleetwood Mac-ing their way out of the industry. Not only that, but their lyrics being in both English and Spanish opens the door for global fans to share a moment of understanding beyond language barriers. It’s also admirable to see the group giving a nod to their lead singer, María Zardoya’s, Puerto Rican roots. I do believe with the feelings of nostalgia, unrealized dreams and gut-wrenching lyrics that span understanding, that Zardoya and her team truly deserve this year’s Best New Artist. I can only hope that no matter the result they will continue to produce music that puts everyone in their feels.

Addison Rae, I am truly sorry. I only know one of your songs, “Diet Pepsi.” This truly makes me a charlatan, because not only have I heard one song but I’ve only heard the TikTok snippets…. Besides that, her songs are very catchy and pop-central. I think she has a lot of potential to grow in the next few years, but I don’t think her catalogue has enough depth and just overall chart toppers to win her this year’s Best New Artist.

Frankly, sombr, as creepy as his behavior is towards fans, dominated the charts to ensure his place on this list. It’s not that I think he has a strong chance at walking away with this award, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Admittedly, I would be extremely disappointed, and slightly irritated. Frankly, though, several of his breakthrough songs like “undressed” and “back to friends” have found their way to becoming staples in my playlist. Like The Marías, sombr’s songs always put me in the mood to be performative and dream. Additionally, his unique style and look gives him a star quality that can’t be ignored. As a journalist, I must say I hate that he doesn’t capitalize anything correctly, but as a music listener, he does follow every industry standard of a solemnly remorseful jilted lover.

I like to believe that I’m open to all types of music. In all honesty, I’m biased to most songs, but Leon Thomas isn’t exactly what I would consider to be my type of music. Listening to his album Mutt, I’m finding myself left both entranced and confused. The beat and double meaning in his title song “Mutt” definitely shows how he’s earned his spot not only as Best New Artist but also up for the Grammy’s Best R&B Album and Album of the Year. He is my personal pick, aside from Olivia Dean, to win. I think his rapidly growing discography puts his name higher and higher with every bar he sings, and I will not be surprised if he walks away this year with several Grammy’s in his arms.

Alex Warren has been holding a chokehold over my playlists since the release of his album You’ll Be Alright, Kid. And yes, I did stay up until midnight to hear his entire album when it dropped. I believe he is a strong contender to win this year. His social media and marketing presence brought him to the forefront of my mind, and For You Page. Not only was his marketing team off the charts, but his album secured him a place on this list. Every song in Warren’s album is jam packed with emotion and depth. It makes sense, since many of the songs are dedicated to his parents, and he weaves a story of growing up learning to be okay without his parents by his side. This message resonated with many fans who had lost someone important to them, and his music served as a reminder that saying goodbye isn’t the end.

Lola Young’s song “Messy” has been on repeat in my head since the moment I heard it. If you’ve ever been pressured by a romantic interest into changing your inner self, then this song is for you. Young screams about every time she’s been “too messy” and then “too…clean” and the constant contradictions she faces in her relationship. I think her unapologetic booming voice makes her a star, and I can’t wait to see how she grows in the next few years. Unfortunately, with a limited discography, I don’t know if she can win the award this year. She definitely has a punk pop vibe about her similar to the feeling I get listening to Chappel Roan. Her music is the perfect mix between Billie Eilish’s emotionally open lyrics and Avril Lavigne’s vibe that refuses to fit any specific label or name. Young has the potential to become a household name and angsty teenager anthem, right next to Paramore and Amy Winehouse. She unapologetically describes the unique experience of being a woman through themes of love, heartbreak and making the room her own.

All in all, no matter the artist, or my opinion about their chance of winning, every person on this list is talented and deserving of a nomination. I can’t wait to see what comes this Sunday, and who gets the honor of climbing the steps and claiming their award. Best of luck to every nominee, but if sombr or Addison Rae wins, I’m leaving the country.