DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 30: Billie Eilish performs on stage during Electric Picnic Music Festival ... [+]
There are typically a handful of names who stand a great chance at being nominated for Best New Artist, and now that there are eight slots available, a handful of lesser-known acts may also earn semi-surprise nods. The rules regarding who is and who is not eligible are tough to navigate (some are specific to a number of releases, while others are up to interpretation), so there may be some artists included here who may end up not being included at all, while others who were thought ineligible might hear their name called.
Here are my eight choices for Best New Artist, as well as several other potential nominees.
Probable Nominees
Ava Max
Billie Eilish
Lewis Capaldi
Lil Nas X
Maggie Rogers
Meghan Thee Stallion
Morgan Wallen
Rosalía
Before the nominees have even been named, there seems to be a presumptive winner in the Best New Artist category: Billie Eilish. The teen singer scored a No. 1 album and song and she’s become one of the biggest names in the industry in a matter of months.
Several other names, such as Ava Max, Meghan Thee Stallion, Maggie Rogers, Lil Nas X, Lewis Capaldi and even Morgan Wallen have all found some level of noticeable commercial success on the charts in America, and they may be rewarded with a nomination. One or two musicians who haven’t risen to No. 1, but who have made waves (such as the critically-lauded Rosalía) could sneak in as well.
Potential Other Nominees
In addition to the eight lucky names mentioned above, there are also quite a few other artists who made some sort of commercial impact, but who didn’t enjoy the same meteoric rise others did...though it’s entirely possible that Grammy voters will like one of these artists more than one I selected for nomination. Acts like Alec Benjamin, Bryce Vine, DaBaby, Dean Lewis, Jesse Reyez, Joji, Lil Baby, Mabel, Sigrid, Summer Walker and Zacari have all landed on at least one Billboard chart and are all on the rise, but it’s unlikely most of them end up taking the place of much more popular faces like Meghan Thee Stallion and Morgan Wallen.
There are also a handful of artists who may or may not be eligible, depending on which way the Academy sways. Ella Mai’s debut album was released within this most recent eligibility period, but her breakout smash “Boo’d Up” (which won her a Grammy, but that no longer discounts her in this field) made her a star before then. Lizzo just became a household name, but she’s likely released too much music already, as has EDM powerhouse Marshmello. Benny Blanco has been one of the most sought after producers and songwriters in the industry for years, but he’s only recently launched his career as an artist...but will he be deemed “new” for this ceremony?
