The 2026 Grammy Awards at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena featured a vibrant medley spotlighting the best new artist category, where Addison Rae delivered a memorable performance. The event showcased a dynamic mix of emerging talents, including The Marias, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, and Sombr, creating an exciting atmosphere for fans and attendees alike.
The Marias Open the Showcase With a Mellow Vibe
The Marias kicked off the performance segment with their hit No One Noticed, setting a mellow and soulful tone that captivated the crowd. Their style offered a contrast to the energetic acts that followed, highlighting the diverse talent pool represented in this year’s best new artist category.
Addison Rae’s Bold and Vibrant Grammy Performance
Addison Rae followed The Marias with a striking entrance, arriving onstage from the back of a box truck. Wearing a lavish, bedazzled purple trench coat, she performed her track Fame is a Gun backstage before shedding the coat to reveal her signature bra and skirt outfit. She was supported by a troupe of dancers, creating a powerful and visually captivating performance that stood out in the lineup.
KATSEYE and Other Artists Bring Energy and Emotion to the Stage
The girl group KATSEYE performed their hyperpop hit Gnarly, transitioning from the backstage area onto the main stage with vibrant green, yellow, and black coordinated outfits. Their set included a dance break, highlighting their strong choreography skills. Following them, Leon Thomas energized the audience with a guitar-accompanied rendition of Mutt, encouraging the crowd to sing along.
Immersive Performances by Alex Warren and Lola Young
Alex Warren began his segment singing Ordinary from the concession area before moving through the crowd towards the stage, engaging attendees as he performed. Lola Young returned to the spotlight with a piano arrangement of her viral hit Messy, marking her first televised appearance since her recovery from an onstage collapse at a music festival last fall.
Olivia Dean and Sombr Close the Medley with Standout Moments
Olivia Dean, who ultimately won the best new artist award, delivered a lively performance of Man I Need in a shimmering red dress, generating audible excitement from the audience. Sombr, a 20-year-old alt-singer, concluded the medley with his song 12 to 12, donned in a silver, jeweled open suit. He engaged directly with the crowd, dancing and singing alongside rapper Doechii and even sharing a moment with Queen Latifah.
Significance and Future Impact of the 2026 Best New Artist Showcase
This year’s best new artist medley highlighted the remarkable talent emerging in the music industry, blending varied genres and performance styles. Addison Rae’s Grammy appearance, in particular, demonstrated her evolution as a performer beyond social media fame, underscoring why this category garners significant attention each year. With Olivia Dean’s win and the strong showing from all the hopefuls, the 2026 Grammys signaled a promising future for these artists while celebrating their achievements to date.
“Between all of the artists, they had more than 27 billion combined streams last year.” ?Trevor Noah, Host
