Victoria Monét speaks onstage during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024; Olivia Rodrigo accepts the best new artist award at the 64th annual Grammy Awards on April 3, 2022; Adele accepts the best new artist award at the 51st annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2009.Photo:Kevin Mazur/Getty; Cliff lipson/CBS via Getty; Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo
Kevin Mazur/Getty; Cliff lipson/CBS via Getty; Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo
First introduced at the 2nd annualGrammy Awardsin 1960, the best new artist category has given rising stars their proper flowers.Some winners have gone on to become music icons, others have enjoyed consistent careers, and a few have quietly left the industry. In 2025, eight stars are up for the coveted prize: Benson Boone,Sabrina Carpenter,Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye,Chappell Roan, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.Before the next best new artist is crowned at the 67th Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, revisit some of the category’s most notable winners, includingBillie Eilish,Christina Aguileraand more.
First introduced at the 2nd annualGrammy Awardsin 1960, the best new artist category has given rising stars their proper flowers.
Some winners have gone on to become music icons, others have enjoyed consistent careers, and a few have quietly left the industry. In 2025, eight stars are up for the coveted prize: Benson Boone,Sabrina Carpenter,Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye,Chappell Roan, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.
Before the next best new artist is crowned at the 67th Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, revisit some of the category’s most notable winners, includingBillie Eilish,Christina Aguileraand more.
01of 33Victoria MonétVictoria Monét accepts the best new artist award onstage during the 66th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 4, 2024.Amy Sussman/Getty ImagesMostly known for co-writingAriana Grande’s chart-toppers"thank u, next"and"7 rings,“Victoria Monéthad been grinding in the music industry for 15 years before scoring her first soloBillboardhit with"On My Mama.“That breakthrough put her in the limelight,earning her the Grammy for best new artistin 2024 — along with wins for best r&b album and best engineered album, non-classical forJaguar II.
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Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét accepts the best new artist award onstage during the 66th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 4, 2024.Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Mostly known for co-writingAriana Grande’s chart-toppers"thank u, next"and"7 rings,“Victoria Monéthad been grinding in the music industry for 15 years before scoring her first soloBillboardhit with"On My Mama.“That breakthrough put her in the limelight,earning her the Grammy for best new artistin 2024 — along with wins for best r&b album and best engineered album, non-classical forJaguar II.
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Samara Joy
Samara Joy accepts the best new artist award during the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 5, 2023.VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty
03of 33Olivia RodrigoOlivia Rodrigo poses in the press room at the 64th annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022.gettyGood 4 u, Olivia! The 2022 superstar earned a staggering seven Grammy nominations for her breakout albumSour—winning best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album in addition to best new artist. “This is my biggest dream come true,” she said in her acceptance speech.
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Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo poses in the press room at the 64th annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022.getty
Good 4 u, Olivia! The 2022 superstar earned a staggering seven Grammy nominations for her breakout albumSour—winning best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album in addition to best new artist. “This is my biggest dream come true,” she said in her acceptance speech.
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Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion attends the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on March 14, 2021.Kevin Mazur/Getty
The 2021 champalready was a superstarwhen she earned her trophy, breaking out in 2019 with her hit “Hot Girl Summer.” The next year, her “Savage” took off thanks tothe viral #SavageChallenge on TikTokanda remixwith none other thanBeyoncé.
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Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish performs onstage during the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 26, 2020.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Billie Eilish not only won best new artist at the 2020 awards, but also all four major categories: album of the year, record of the year, song of the year and best new artist (she also won best pop vocal album). The then-18-year-old was the youngest person to do so, and only the second person ever to sweep “the big four” in one night (Christopher Cross was the first, at age 29, in 1981).
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Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa poses in the press room at the 61st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 19, 2019.Jerod Harris/FilmMagic
07of 33Alessia CaraAlessia Cara accepts best new artist onstage during the 60th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on Jan. 28, 2018.Kevin Winter/GettyOnceAlessia Cara’s viral track “Here” hit the radio waves, the singer became a household name. The same year she won best new artist, she was also nominated three times in other categories: song of the year and best music video for “1-800-273-8255” withLogicand best pop duo/group performance for “Stay” withZedd.
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Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara accepts best new artist onstage during the 60th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on Jan. 28, 2018.Kevin Winter/Getty
OnceAlessia Cara’s viral track “Here” hit the radio waves, the singer became a household name. The same year she won best new artist, she was also nominated three times in other categories: song of the year and best music video for “1-800-273-8255” withLogicand best pop duo/group performance for “Stay” withZedd.
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Chance the Rapper
Peter CottonTale (back left), Chance the Rapper and Pat Corcoran (back right) onstage during the 59th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12, 2017.Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NARAS
09of 33Meghan TrainorMeghan Trainor poses in the press room at the 58th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 15, 2016.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicAfter her song “All About That Bass” was heard on repeat on every station throughout the country in 2015, it was only fitting thatMeghan Trainortook home the award for best new artist the following year.
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Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor poses in the press room at the 58th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 15, 2016.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
After her song “All About That Bass” was heard on repeat on every station throughout the country in 2015, it was only fitting thatMeghan Trainortook home the award for best new artist the following year.
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Sam Smith
Sam Smith poses backstage at the 57th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 8, 2015.Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Sam Smithswept the Grammys in 2015 — winning record of the year and song of the year for “Stay with Me (Darkchild Version),” best pop vocal album forIn the Lonely Hourand the coveted best new artist award.
11of 33Macklemore & Ryan LewisRyan Lewis and Macklemore accept the best new artist award onstage during the 56th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 26, 2014.Kevork Djansezian/GettyRap duoMacklemore& Ryan Lewis took home the Grammy for best new artist, best rap performance and best rap album in 2014 thanks to a little song called “Thrift Shop.” The song took on a life of its own, staying at No. 1 on theBillboardcharts for weeks andsurpassing 1.9 billion views on YouTube.
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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Ryan Lewis and Macklemore accept the best new artist award onstage during the 56th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 26, 2014.Kevork Djansezian/Getty
Rap duoMacklemore& Ryan Lewis took home the Grammy for best new artist, best rap performance and best rap album in 2014 thanks to a little song called “Thrift Shop.” The song took on a life of its own, staying at No. 1 on theBillboardcharts for weeks andsurpassing 1.9 billion views on YouTube.
12of 33Bon IverJustin Vernon of Bon Iver poses in the press room at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12, 2012.Steve Granitz/WireImageThe indie folk band won best new artist and best alternative music album forBon Iverin 2012. Since then,Bon Iverhas gone on to play at some of the biggest music festivals, like Bonnaroo andCoachella— and collaborated with artists likeTaylor SwiftandKanye West.
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Bon Iver
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver poses in the press room at the 54th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 12, 2012.Steve Granitz/WireImage
The indie folk band won best new artist and best alternative music album forBon Iverin 2012. Since then,Bon Iverhas gone on to play at some of the biggest music festivals, like Bonnaroo andCoachella— and collaborated with artists likeTaylor SwiftandKanye West.
13of 33Zac Brown BandZac Brown Band pose with their best new artist award in the press room during the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 31, 2010.Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesAfter their single “Chicken Fried” became a hit in 2008, the band found itself at No. 1 on the country charts. Two years later, they earned their spot as best new artist at the Grammys.
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Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band pose with their best new artist award in the press room during the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Jan. 31, 2010.Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
After their single “Chicken Fried” became a hit in 2008, the band found itself at No. 1 on the country charts. Two years later, they earned their spot as best new artist at the Grammys.
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Adele
Adele laughs in the press room during the 51st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 8, 2009.VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty
15of 33Amy WinehouseAmy Winehouse and her mother are seen on a big screen live from London as she reacts to being awarded record of the year at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 10, 2008.ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty ImagesThe year ofAmy Winehousewas 2008. She won five Grammys, including three for her hit song “Rehab” and one for best pop vocal album forBack To Black. She also beat out Taylor Swift andParamoreto win best new artist.
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Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse and her mother are seen on a big screen live from London as she reacts to being awarded record of the year at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 10, 2008.ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
The year ofAmy Winehousewas 2008. She won five Grammys, including three for her hit song “Rehab” and one for best pop vocal album forBack To Black. She also beat out Taylor Swift andParamoreto win best new artist.
16of 33Carrie UnderwoodCarrie Underwood arrives at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 10, 2008.Frazer Harrison/GettyShe won America’s hearts when shewas crowned American Idolin 2005, but it wasn’t until 2007 that the Grammys recognizedCarrie Underwoodas the best new artist. She’s the onlyAmerican Idolwinner to have nabbed the award.
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Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood arrives at the 50th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 10, 2008.Frazer Harrison/Getty
She won America’s hearts when shewas crowned American Idolin 2005, but it wasn’t until 2007 that the Grammys recognizedCarrie Underwoodas the best new artist. She’s the onlyAmerican Idolwinner to have nabbed the award.
17of 33John LegendJohn Legend poses in the press room at the 48th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 8, 2006.Kevin Winter/GettyThe singer cleaned up at the 2006 Grammy Awards, winning best new artist, best R&B album (Get Lifted) and best male R&B performance (“Ordinary People”).
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John Legend
John Legend poses in the press room at the 48th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 8, 2006.Kevin Winter/Getty
The singer cleaned up at the 2006 Grammy Awards, winning best new artist, best R&B album (Get Lifted) and best male R&B performance (“Ordinary People”).
18of 33Maroon 5Mickey Madden, Ryan Dusick, Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael accept their award for best new artist at the 47th annual Grammys Awards in L.A. on Feb. 13, 2005.Kevork Djansezian/APThe band, which experienced huge success with their debut albumSongs About Jane, was among a very competitive group of nominees back in 2005, including Kanye West, Los Lonely Boys and Joss Stone.
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Maroon 5
Mickey Madden, Ryan Dusick, Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael accept their award for best new artist at the 47th annual Grammys Awards in L.A. on Feb. 13, 2005.Kevork Djansezian/AP
The band, which experienced huge success with their debut albumSongs About Jane, was among a very competitive group of nominees back in 2005, including Kanye West, Los Lonely Boys and Joss Stone.
19of 33Norah JonesNorah Jones poses in the press room during the 45th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on Feb. 23, 2003.Scott Gries/Getty ImagesNorah Jones' 2002 albumCome Away with Melaunched her career thanks to her mega-hit song “Don’t Know Why.” After a whirlwind year, her album went to No. 1 and earned her five Grammys.
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Norah Jones
Norah Jones poses in the press room during the 45th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on Feb. 23, 2003.Scott Gries/Getty Images
Norah Jones' 2002 albumCome Away with Melaunched her career thanks to her mega-hit song “Don’t Know Why.” After a whirlwind year, her album went to No. 1 and earned her five Grammys.
20of 33Alicia KeysAlicia Keys holds her awards in the press room during the 44th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 27, 2002.SGranitz/WireImageIn addition to winning best new artist at the 2002 Grammys,Alicia Keysalso won the song of the year for “Fallin'.”
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Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys holds her awards in the press room during the 44th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 27, 2002.SGranitz/WireImage
In addition to winning best new artist at the 2002 Grammys,Alicia Keysalso won the song of the year for “Fallin'.”
21of 33Christina AguileraChristina Aguilera smiles in the press room during the 42nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 23, 2000.SGranitz/WireImageHow could we have ever forgotten thatXtinabestedBritney Spearsin 2000 to win best new artist? That must have been the tightest race in history. (Fact: “Genie in a Bottle” is still a banger.)
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Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera smiles in the press room during the 42nd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 23, 2000.SGranitz/WireImage
How could we have ever forgotten thatXtinabestedBritney Spearsin 2000 to win best new artist? That must have been the tightest race in history. (Fact: “Genie in a Bottle” is still a banger.)
22of 33Lauryn HillLauryn Hill holds her awards in the press room during the 41st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 24, 1999.Vince Bucci/AFP/GettyIn 1999, Hill became one of only four musicians at the time to win best new artistandalbum of the year (forThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill) in the same year. (Billie Eilish became the fifth in 2020.)
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Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill holds her awards in the press room during the 41st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 24, 1999.Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty
In 1999, Hill became one of only four musicians at the time to win best new artistandalbum of the year (forThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill) in the same year. (Billie Eilish became the fifth in 2020.)
23of 33LeAnn RimesLeAnn Rimes poses in the press room during the 39th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 26, 1997.Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImageLeAnn Rimesstill holds the title of being the youngest individual Grammy winner in history: She was only 14 when she won best new artist and best female country vocal performance for “Blue” in 1997.
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LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes poses in the press room during the 39th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 26, 1997.Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage
LeAnn Rimesstill holds the title of being the youngest individual Grammy winner in history: She was only 14 when she won best new artist and best female country vocal performance for “Blue” in 1997.
24of 33Sheryl CrowSheryl Crow poses in the press room during the 37th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on March 1, 1995.Jim Smeal/WireImageIn 1995,the singerbeat out Counting Crows andGreen Dayto take home the prize for best new artist.
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Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow poses in the press room during the 37th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on March 1, 1995.Jim Smeal/WireImage
In 1995,the singerbeat out Counting Crows andGreen Dayto take home the prize for best new artist.
25of 33Toni BraxtonToni Braxton holds two Grammys in the press room during the 36th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on March 1, 1994.TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via GettyIn 1994,Toni Braxtonclaimed her first-ever Grammys for best new artist and best r&b vocal performance (for “Another Sad Love Song”). Little did the world know that this was just the beginning, as she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time — with more than 70 million records sold.
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Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton holds two Grammys in the press room during the 36th annual Grammy Awards in N.Y.C. on March 1, 1994.TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty
TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty
In 1994,Toni Braxtonclaimed her first-ever Grammys for best new artist and best r&b vocal performance (for “Another Sad Love Song”). Little did the world know that this was just the beginning, as she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time — with more than 70 million records sold.
26of 33Mariah CareyMariah Carey smiles in the press room during the 33rd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 20, 1991.R. Maiman/Corbis SygmaWhile it’s almost impossible for us to remember Carey as an up-and-comer, 1991 was one of her biggest years yet: Her albumEmotionsdebuted at No. 4 onBillboard’s Hot 100 and her first five singles all hit No. 1 on the charts.
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Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey smiles in the press room during the 33rd annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 20, 1991.R. Maiman/Corbis Sygma
While it’s almost impossible for us to remember Carey as an up-and-comer, 1991 was one of her biggest years yet: Her albumEmotionsdebuted at No. 4 onBillboard’s Hot 100 and her first five singles all hit No. 1 on the charts.
27of 33Tracy ChapmanTracy Chapman accepts the best new artist award onstage during the 31st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 22, 1989.Recording Academy/GRAMMYs/YouTubeTracy Chapmantook home best new artist at the 1989 Grammy Awards — along with best contemporary folk album for her self-titled LP and best female pop vocal performance for her hit song"Fast Car.“In 2024, she returned to the Grammys stage toperform the iconic trackalongside country singerLuke Combs(himself nominated for best new artist at the 61st annual ceremony).
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman accepts the best new artist award onstage during the 31st annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on Feb. 22, 1989.Recording Academy/GRAMMYs/YouTube
Recording Academy/GRAMMYs/YouTube
Tracy Chapmantook home best new artist at the 1989 Grammy Awards — along with best contemporary folk album for her self-titled LP and best female pop vocal performance for her hit song"Fast Car.“In 2024, she returned to the Grammys stage toperform the iconic trackalongside country singerLuke Combs(himself nominated for best new artist at the 61st annual ceremony).
28of 33SadeSade performs onstage at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands on Feb. 18, 1986.Rob Verhorst/RedfernsAt the 28th Grammy Awards,Sademade history as the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy when her eponymous band won best new artist — though none of them were in attendance to accept the honor.
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Sade
Sade performs onstage at Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands on Feb. 18, 1986.Rob Verhorst/Redferns
Rob Verhorst/Redferns
At the 28th Grammy Awards,Sademade history as the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy when her eponymous band won best new artist — though none of them were in attendance to accept the honor.
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Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper and Hulk Hokan backstage during the 27th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 26, 1985.Barry King/WireImage
30of 33Bette MidlerBette Midler poses back stage at the 16th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on March 2, 1974.CBS via GettyBette Midlerwalked away with the gramophone for best new artist in 1974 — the same year she was nominated for album of the year forThe Divine Miss Mand best female pop vocal performance for “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
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Bette Midler
Bette Midler poses back stage at the 16th annual Grammy Awards in L.A. on March 2, 1974.CBS via Getty
CBS via Getty
Bette Midlerwalked away with the gramophone for best new artist in 1974 — the same year she was nominated for album of the year forThe Divine Miss Mand best female pop vocal performance for “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
31of 33Carly SimonCarly Simon poses for a portrait in London on March 15, 1971.Ed Caraeff/GettyCarly Simon won the award in 1971, thanks to her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album.
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Carly Simon
Carly Simon poses for a portrait in London on March 15, 1971.Ed Caraeff/Getty
Carly Simon won the award in 1971, thanks to her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album.
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At the 12th Grammy Awards in 1970,the bandwon best new artist in averycompetitive group that included some rock-and-roll greats. “You know, it’s nice to win something when the other guy’sLed Zeppelin. That’s fun! None of us were there that night so [Atlantic Records co-founder] Ahmet Ertegun accepted it on our behalf,“Graham Nashlatersaid in a 2017 interview with the Recording Academy.
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The Beatles
George Harrison, Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Ringo Starr of the Beatles on Nov. 14, 1963 at the ABC Cinema in Exeter.Reg Lewis/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty
Reg Lewis/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty
source: people.com
