 | Grammy for Best New Artist:1959-2024 |
The Grammy for Best New Artist was first awarded in 1959. The guidelines state it is “for a new artist who releases, during the eligibility year, the first recording which establishes the public identify of that artist.” Oddly, it does not necessarily mean the first release by the artist. For example, Shelby Lynne won in 2001 after releasing six albums over 13 years. Bon Iver was nominated in 2012 despite his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago, being released in 2007. Similarly, Esperanza Spalding hardly represents the class of 2011 since her debut album came out in 2006. The award definitely doesn’t serve as much of an indicator of future success. As of 2012, there were more than 40 acts on the DMDB list of the top 100 of all time who were not even nominated. They include AC/DC, Aerosmith, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, David Bowie, Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Neil Diamond, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, Billy Joel, John Lennon, Madonna, Bob Marley, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Nirvana, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Pink Floyd, Prince, Queen, R.E.M., Kenny Rogers, Smokey Robinson, The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, Santana, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, The Supremes, The Temptations, U2, The Who, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.  The Rolling Stones: Not worthy – so said the Grammys Even when just those acts who were actually nominated are evaluated, the Grammys have a startling bad record of picking the act which would go on to have the most influence or success. To compare, I have listed the actual winners below as well as the nominee which ranks highest in Dave’s Music Database. In addition, I’ve added the DMDB Act of the Year. It includes acts who were not nominated for Best New Artist (indicated with an asterisk) and references the first year the act released a single, EP, or album instead of the year the act may have been nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy. Those rankings are based on acts’ chart success, sales, awards, and appearances on best-of lists. Note: the years indicated below refer to the year of eligibility. The actual Grammys were awarded the following year. See other best-of lists from publications/organizations.  Olivia Rodrigo on stage at the Grammys
2024:
2023:
2022:
2021:
2020:
 Billie Eilish
2019:
2018: 2017:
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2012:
2011:
2010:
 Once again, the Grammys are confused by the meaning of the word “new.” 2011 winner Esperanza Spalding released her debut album in 2006.
2009:
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2000:
 2001 Best New Artist Shelby Lynne. First Album? 1989. Wait, huh?
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1990:
 Yup. Milli Vanilli won a Best New Artist Grammy. Nirvana wasn’t even nominated.
1989:
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1980:
 1977 winner: Starland Vocal Band – because everyone knows they were far more influential than, say, Boston or the Sex Pistols
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1970:
 The Beatles: one of the few cases when a deserving act was nominated and won
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First posted 2/11/2012; last updated 2/2/2025. |
