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\n\tThe Grammys<\/a> category for best new artist was absolutely stacked in 2026, as showcased in the knockout medley of performances executed at the award show by the category\u2019s nominees this year: KATSEYE<\/a>, Olivia Dean<\/a>, Alex Warren<\/a>, Addison Rae<\/a>, Leon Thomas<\/a>, Lola Young<\/a>, sombr<\/a> and The Mar\u00edas<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tThe Sunday (Feb. 1) segment began with The Mar\u00edas performing while washed in moody blue lighting and gentle smoke as lead singer Mar\u00eda Zardoya softly crooned 2025 single \u201cNobody New.\u201d Addison Rae then appeared on screen, hitching a ride on the back of a truck in a theatrical purple coat before switching to the floor of the arena\u2019s load-in area for a sensual dance number set to her Addison <\/em>fan-favorite \u201cFame Is a Gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tKATSEYE was up next, with the sextet bringing the energy as the group performed elaborate choreography and sang \u201cGnarly,\u201d one of the rapidly rising global girl group\u2019s three Billboard Hot 100<\/a> hits to date. \u201cWhat\u2019s up!\u201d Thomas then yelled out to the crowd, signifying the next switch-up. He proceeded to shred on guitar while singing his breakout hit, \u201cMutt,\u201d belting out silky riffs with ease.<\/p>\n \n\tWhile that was happening, Warren was apparently out buying popcorn; cameras cut to him at a snack cart in the concession area of the arena before following him out into the crowd and up on stage. There, he handled a timing snafu like a pro, taking out his earpiece and getting back on track with the accompaniment with plenty of time before he was lifted out by a suspended platform, after which Young slowed things down on piano. The British star delivered a more emotional, stripped-down version of her breakthrough hit \u201cMessy,\u201d one of her first performances since taking a break from music after collapsing on stage <\/a>at All Things Go in September.<\/p>\n \n\tAfter that, the scenery opened on Dean, who looked radiant against a gold backdrop and horn line, dancing to her smash \u201cMan I Need\u201d in a glittering red dress while effortlessly hitting every jazzy pop note. Finally, sombr descended on a lowering platform, commanding, \u201cGrammys, get up!\u201d in a spangly, angular suit. Rather than his breakthrough smash \u201cBack to Friends,\u201d the singer-songwriter played another of his viral I Barely Know Her <\/em>hits, \u201c12 to 12,\u201d closing out by walking into the audience and dancing with the crowd just moments before the best new artist winner \u2014 Dean, who tearfully accepted \u2014 was announced.<\/p>\n \n\tThis year\u2019s Grammys took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Trevor Noah returning as host. Kendrick Lamar was the most nominated artist in 2026, picking up nine ahead of the ceremony, while Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut followed close behind with seven apiece.<\/p>\n \n\tBeyond the best new artist recognition, a few of the nominees in that category \u2014 which each year recognizes emerging talent in the music industry, with Chappell Roan taking the prize in 2025 and presenting the award in 2026 \u2014 also earned spots in other races. KATSEYE picked up a nod for best pop duo\/group performance for \u201cGabriela,\u201d which ultimately went to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked <\/em>duet \u201cDefying Gravity,\u201d while Young scored a nomination for best pop solo performance thanks to \u201cMessy.\u201d Thomas was recognized in a total of six categories thanks to his breakout year with album Mutt<\/em>.<\/p>\n \n\tMany of the best new artists have spent the last year dominating on Billboard<\/em>\u2018s charts as well. Warren, for instance, ruled at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100<\/a> for 10 weeks with \u201cOrdinary,\u201d while Dean\u2019s The Art of Loving <\/em>climbed to a new peak of No. 3 on the Billboard 200<\/a> in January.<\/p>\n \n\tThe Grammys started broadcasting live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony is also available to stream on Paramount+<\/a>.<\/p>\n