Spotify reveals its Best New Artist nominees for 2026
Meet Spotify’s Best New Artist nominees for 2026 and explore the artists set to define the year ahead.
Spotify’s Best New Artist class of 2026 showcases pop, indie, R&B, and internet-born talent, highlighting how diverse the next generation of global music stars has become. Each year, Spotify spotlights rising artists who are shaping the sound of the moment, and this year’s lineup brings together viral breakthroughs, critically acclaimed projects, and genre-blending newcomers.
The 2026 nominees are Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías. Together, they represent a broad spectrum of modern music, highlighting how audiences are discovering artists across platforms and cultures.
Spotify revealed the list ahead of Grammy Week, where all eight nominees were invited to perform and celebrate their achievements at the platform’s annual Best New Artist event in Los Angeles. The showcase has become a key moment for emerging talent, offering fans a glimpse of artists poised to break through on a larger scale.
What makes the 2026 lineup particularly notable is how differently each artist rose to prominence. Some built their audiences through streaming and social media momentum, while others gained recognition through albums, collaborations, and live performances. This mix reflects broader shifts in the music industry, where success is no longer defined by a single pathway but by a combination of digital reach, artistic identity, and fan connection.
The nominees also overlap with the Grammy Awards’ Best New Artist conversation, where the same group competed for the prestigious title. British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean ultimately won the Grammy in the category, cementing her rise and underscoring the strength of this year’s cohort.
As Spotify continues to spotlight emerging voices, the 2026 Best New Artist nominees offer a snapshot of where popular music is heading. Whether through viral hits, genre experimentation, or emotionally resonant songwriting, these artists are shaping the future of the industry, and for many of them, this moment marks the beginning of a much larger global impact.