As new, talented artists emerge each year, the Grammy’s Best New Artist award category builds quite a repertoire, and this year was no exception. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles featured a highly anticipated showcase of 2026’s emerging talent. Eight diverse nominees for Best New Artist each delivered a brief performance, spotlighting their unique styles, popular songs, and rising careers. After these performances, social media was buzzing with all different kinds of opinions on the performances and who people wanted to ultimately win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Many students at The Clinton School took an interest in the Grammys, discussing and comparing their opinions on the nominees’performances.
To start the performances, The Marías took the stage performing their viral hit, “No One Noticed.” The LA indie-pop band is known for its bilingual dreamy fusion of soft vocals, instrumental layers, and jazz. Although they didn’t win in the category, The Marías’ performance will be remembered for their exceptional vocals and their ability to create a comforting and relaxing setting through music.
After the Marias, the performances transitioned to Addison Rae. Addison Rae, who first gained fame as a dancer on TikTok, performed her viral song, “Fame Is a Gun.” Addison Rae’s performance showcased complex choreography while wearing a bright purple and bedazzled outfit. Addison Rae’s performance was noted to be very similar to how Britney Spears performed, someone whom many fans say she emulates. Britney was captivating, entertaining, and bright, and after the performance at the Grammys, it is clear that Addison Rae reflects these qualities. Even though it was only Addison Rae’s first Grammy nomination, many fans feel it won’t be her last.
Following Addison Rae, the global girl group KATSEYE went on stage, performing their hit song, “Gnarly.” This performance brought high energy and intense choreography to the Grammy stage. From this brief performance, it is clear that KATSEYE is becoming a rising force in pop.
Next on stage was Leon Thomas, who is widely known for his role as Andrew in the Nickelodeon show Victorious. Thomas’s performance of his hit song, “Mutt,” had a dynamic blend of R&B, funk, and rock. Leon Thomas’s performance showcased his smooth voice and his ability to capture the audience. From Victorious to the Grammys, it is no surprise that his music career is going to continue to thrive.
Following Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, known for his pop style and TikTok success, delivered his empowering song, “Ordinary.” During Warren’s performance, his earpieces glitched, causing a digital delay that made the beats sound layered and confused, making it difficult to stay on beat. Despite facing technical difficulties during the performance, he recovered, showing confidence and professionalism. Overall, Alex Warren ended his performance strongly, demonstrating that he is talented and worthy of being nominated for Best New Artist.
Later, Lola Young brought her chart-topping emotional pop hit, “Messy,” to the stage. Lola Young performed at the piano with a raw, emotional, and expressive vocal delivery. Although Lola didn’t win in the Best New Artist category, later that night she won a Grammy in the category, Best Pop Solo Performance.
After Lola Young’s performance, Olivia Dean, a British singer-songwriter, performed her hit single, “The Man I Need.” At the Grammys, Olivia Dean’s performance was a lively segment backed by instrumentalists that contributed to the blend of classic soul and contemporary pop. Dean’s performance was widely praised for its energy and vocal strength.
Last but not least, Sombr (Shane Michael Boose), a young artist with a strong TikTok following, performed his track, “12 to 12.” Sombr’s performance drew influence from rock music, featuring a flashy stage that blended both disco and classic rock aesthetics. Sombr’s approachable style and energetic stage presence reflected his growth from viral playlists to the Grammy stage.
This year’s winner of the Best New Artist category was Olivia Dean. With songs that continuously rise on the charts, she was definitely a deserving and talented winner. One Clinton sophomore, Liam Smith, said he was “thrilled that Olivia Dean won,” going on to comment that, “She is so deserving and her performance was great!” Much like other artists, Olivia Dean addressed ICE in her acceptance speech. On stage, Olivia Dean celebrated her immigrant heritage and called herself a “product of bravery.”
The 2026 Grammy was a highly anticipated event that showcased exceptional talent across the music industry. The night featured amazing performances, emotional moments, and a celebration of artists from a variety of genres. Overall, the event highlighted both established stars and rising musicians making their mark on the industry.
