As of Nov. 7, the 2026 Grammy nominations are officially out, and the Best New Artist category is one of the most exciting parts of the lineup. Every year, this category gives us a snapshot of who has been rising through the noise: artists who have been building steady momentum and shaping conversations online, or suddenly showing up everywhere from playlists to festival posters. What’s interesting is how “new” never means the same thing twice. Sometimes it is a breakout name that seems to appear overnight, and other times it is someone who has been quietly working for years, finally getting recognition on a bigger stage. This year’s list captures that mix perfectly.
The nominees come from different backgrounds, different corners of the world, and entirely different musical lanes, but they all have one thing in common. They made people pay attention. They have released projects that stuck with listeners, created moments that spread far beyond their core fanbases, and created identities that feel distinct in a crowded industry. So let’s take a closer look at who they are, what they’ve been up to, and why they earned a spot among 2026’s standout newcomers.
- . Olivia Dean
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British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean has been reshaping the pop and R&B scene with her warm, soulful sound. She has already released two albums, Messy (2023) and The Art of Loving (2025), both of which highlight her thoughtful storytelling and smooth vocals. Beyond her music, her effortlessly cool style has become part of her identity, making her instantly recognizable in any crowd. She’s not only a musical inspiration but an emerging icon in every sense. Back in 2021, Amazon Music named her their Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Now the real question is: will she be adding “Grammy winner” to her résumé next?
@oliviadeano via Instagram - . KATSEYE
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KATSEYE is the global pop girl group born from the competition show The Dream Academy in 2023, and they have been moving at full speed ever since. Their official debut came in 2024 with the single “Debut,” and they followed it up with their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, which earned them their first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. The group is made up of members from all over the world, such as the U.S., Korea, the Philippines, and Switzerland. This group is trained in a K-pop-inspired system, giving them a polished, high-energy blend of styles that sets them apart in the global pop wave.
@katseye.offical via Instagram - . The Marías
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The Marías are an indie-pop group from L.A. whose list of accomplishments has steadily grown alongside their devoted fanbase. The band is led by María Zardoya, who was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Atlanta. Known for their dreamy fusion of jazz, funk, indie, and bilingual lyricism, they have earned critical praise for creating a sound that stands apart in today’s music landscape. Their debut album, Cinema (2021), received Grammy nominations for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, and Best Alternative Album, a rare achievement for a first full-length project. Their songs have racked up millions of streams, appeared in major film and TV soundtracks, and helped position them as leaders in the modern indie scene. They’ve also collaborated with artists like Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, Cuco, and Eyedress, expanding their reach across genres and audiences.
@themarias via Instagram - . Sombr
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Shane Boose, better known as Sombr, is a 20-year-old artist who first gained attention through social media, where his honest songwriting and relatable snippets quickly drew a loyal following. His debut studio album, I Barely Know Her, marked a major step forward in his career, producing two tracks that entered the Billboard Hot 100 and introducing his sound to a wider audience. Between his growing streaming numbers, consistent online presence, and strong debut chart performance, Sombr has positioned himself as one of the most promising emerging artists of 2026.
@sombr via Instagram - . Leon Thomas
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Leon Thomas is far from new to the entertainment world. Many people first got to know him as a standout actor on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, where he played André Harris and quickly became a fan favorite. But while his TV fame put him on the map, his music career is what is bringing him into the Grammy spotlight. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he has spent years behind the scenes crafting hits for artists like Ariana Grande, Drake, and SZA. Now, he creates his own blends of R&B, pop, and alternative influences. His Best New Artist nomination might feel ironic given how long he has been around, but it also feels incredibly well deserved, a recognition that this is just the beginning of Leon Thomas as the artist, not just the talent behind the scenes.
@leonthomas via Instagram
As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, this year’s Best New Artist nominees highlight just how broad and dynamic the future of music really is. From genre-blending bands to global pop groups and rising solo performers, each artist brings a distinct voice and a set of achievements that earned them a spot on this year’s list. Whether they win or not, their nominations mark a pivotal moment in their careers and a signal to the industry that they’re shaping the sound of what’s next. No matter who takes home the award, it is clear that the next wave of musical talent has already arrived, and it is more diverse and innovative than ever.