The Grammy Awards are fast approaching, and one category generating significant buzz is Best New Artist. This coveted award is part of the Big Four categories, which also include Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Winning Best New Artist is not just a milestone; it’s a launchpad for stardom. This year, all signs point to Chappell Roan as the frontrunner, but let’s break down the competition.
Why Best New Artist Matters
The Best New Artist award signifies a pivotal moment in an artist’s career. It can transform an up-and-comer into a household name overnight.
- Recognition: Winning this award can open doors to future collaborations and headlining tours.
- Industry Validation: It serves as a stamp of approval from the music industry, boosting an artist’s credibility.
According to Alex Tear, SiriusXM’s Vice President of Music Programming, this year is particularly competitive, with artists supporting each other rather than undermining one another. “It’s going to be an exciting awards show to see what goes down,” Tear notes.
The Contenders for Best New Artist
Here’s a quick look at the nominees vying for the Best New Artist award:
- Benson Boone
- Sabrina Carpenter
- The Last Dinner Party
- Sexyy Red
- Tommy Richman
- Chappell Roan
- Shaboozey
- Teddy Swims
Chappell Roan: The Clear Winner
When it comes to predicting the winner, Chappell Roan stands out. Her recent breakout year, especially with her project “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” has catapulted her to the forefront of the music scene.
- Social Media Influence: With over 5 million followers on Instagram, her fan base is rapidly expanding.
- Cultural Impact: She has even been invited to the White House, a testament to her rising star power, although she turned it down.
Tear emphasises that Roan’s success isn’t a mere flash in the pan. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my god, she’s going to kill this,’” he says, highlighting her potential to sweep the major categories.
Who Should Win?
While all nominees are deserving, many agree that Roan should take home the trophy. She has spent nearly a decade striving for recognition, making her journey all the more inspiring.
- Dream Job: “It’s my dream job,” Roan expresses. “I never know if it’s going to be like this ever again, which is kind of scary.”
The Competition: Who Could Challenge Roan?
Despite Roan’s strong position, some formidable contenders remain.
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Sabrina Carpenter: Known for her versatility and strong fan base, Carpenter could be Roan’s biggest competition. Tear admits, “This was tough for me. I’m really torn. It’s refreshing to watch.”
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Benson Boone: With his single “Beautiful Things,” Boone has done an impressive job connecting with audiences. Tear believes he has strong chances as well.
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Shaboozey: His catchy track, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has made waves, and Tear jokes that it’ll be a wedding staple for the next decade.
Other notable mentions include Sexyy Red, Tommy Richman, U.K. indie rockers The Last Dinner Party, and Teddy Swims. Tear praises Swims for his “amazing, memorable voice” and describes his track “The Door” as a song that “just won’t stop.”
The Impact of Winning Best New Artist
Winning the Best New Artist award can have profound implications for an artist’s career:
- Increased Exposure: A win can lead to more media coverage and promotional opportunities.
- Stronger Fan Engagement: Fans often rally around a winner, enhancing their following.
- Future Opportunities: Artists can leverage this win to book lucrative tours and collaborate with established musicians.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the Grammys, it’s clear that Chappell Roan is the favourite for the Best New Artist award. Her remarkable journey, combined with the industry’s growing buzz around her, positions her as a frontrunner. While competition remains fierce, it seems that Roan’s time to shine has finally arrived.
In a year filled with impressive talent, the Best New Artist category promises to be one of the most exciting of the evening.
