All eight Grammy nominees for best new artist are set to perform on the 2026 Grammy telecast, marking the second year in a row that all eight nominees in that marquee category have had the chance to perform on Music’s Biggest Night. This year’s best new artist nominees are Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr and The Marías.
These eight artists join Sabrina Carpenter, who yesterday became the first performer announced for the telecast. Carpenter was one of last year’s best new artist nominees. She kicked off the best new artist segment on last year’s show with a medley of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Last year’s other best new artist nominees, all of whom were also spotlighted in that segment (to varying degrees) were Chappell Roan (who went on to win the award), Khruangbin, Benson Boone, Doechii, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey and Raye.
In an interview with Billboard last week which posted on Tuesday (Jan. 20), Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. hinted that this year’s show would spotlight multiple best new artist nominees. “I know how much people enjoyed that last year, and I was really proud of how it came off, so we’ll see how that happens again this year,” he said.
Thomas received six Grammy nominations, the most of any of this year’s best new artist candidates. His nominations include best R&B performance for a live recording of his breakout hit “Mutt.” Young and KATSEYE each received two nods. In addition to best new artist, Young is nominated for best pop solo performance for “Messy,” while KATSEYE is also up for best pop duo/group performance for “Gabriela.”
The 68th annual Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Trevor Noah is set to host the show for the sixth consecutive – and final – year. The comedian will be the first person to host six consecutive Grammy telecasts since crooner Andy Williams hosted the first seven live telecasts from 1971-77.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, Jesse Collins and Noah are executive producers.
Additional performers will be announced in the coming days.
