The Spotify Best New Artist Party in 2026 delivered an electrifying showcase of emerging music talent, drawing industry insiders and fans to The Lot at Formosa just days before the Grammys. This annual event, launched in 2017, celebrates nominees and builds connections among innovative artists, confirming its status as a key highlight of Grammys Week.
Event Impact and Atmosphere
Dustee Jenkins, Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, emphasized the party’s role in elevating new voices during a discussion with event editor-in-chief Willa Bennett. “We’ve been watching these artists for a long time,” Jenkins stated. “We know that they’re talented and good and just on the cusp of the world all knowing their names—and tonight is a celebration of the world knowing their names.”
The venue buzzed with energy as DJs Alex Chapman and Zoe Gitter kicked off the night with a blend of Y2K classics and global chart-toppers. Attendees mingled near food trucks, where Benson Boone chatted with a childhood friend, and other stars like Sienna Spiro observed the stage. The evening featured reunions and conversations, including with Blackpink’s choreographer Kiel Tutin, who shared enthusiasm for upcoming projects.
Standout Performances
For the first time, all Best New Artist nominees—Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, The Marías, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, and Alex Warren—shared the stage. Leon Thomas opened with confident R&B tracks from his latest album, showcasing layered vocals and stage presence.
Lola Young followed with her first show since collapsing during a New York performance in September 2025. “This is a special moment for me,” she shared between songs. “I’m feeling better, so thank you to everybody here, and to everybody who makes performing feel like this.” Her set focused on deeper tracks like “Dealer” and “Post Sex Clarity,” skipping her hit “Messy,” which drew cheers from the crowd.
The Marías transported listeners with dreamy melodies in “Back to Me,” “Nobody New,” and “No One Noticed.” Frontwoman María Zardoya’s vocals captivated everyone, even pausing servers mid-task to enjoy the music.
High-Energy Group and Solo Acts
Alex Warren energized the room with “Ordinary,” playfully interacting with actor KJ Apa while his wife Kouvr Annon watched from the crowd. KATSEYE delivered precise choreography on “Gabriela,” “M.I.A,” and “Gnarly,” drawing families like that of Lara Raj and sister Rhea Raj to the front row.
Sombr performed four songs from his debut, including the summer standout “Undressed,” noted for its exceptional bridge. Addison Rae commanded attention in a white cinched blazer and shorts, stripping layers between tracks like “In the Rain,” “High Fashion,” and “Diet Pepsi.” Spotify’s AI DJ X introduced most acts, but Rae took the mic herself backstage amid giggles.
Olivia Dean closed the performances with smooth vocals on “Man I Need,” “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” and “Nice to Each Other,” uniting the audience in synchronized singing and swaying.
Returning after a 2025 hiatus due to Los Angeles wildfires, the event reignited excitement for music’s premier weekend, proving the future of the industry shines bright.
