Is Sabrina Carpenter Deserving of Best New Artist?

Grammys’ Best New Artist Controversy

Sabrina Carpenter has been nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys — even though she just dropped her sixth album.

But how can the “Espresso” singer be eligible to win an award for her “new”-ness if she released her first album nine years ago? What determines whether an artist is considered new in the music industry?

Understanding the Best New Artist Category

Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, discussed the complexities of determining the Best New Artist in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He emphasized that the category is not solely about an artist’s newness but rather their rise to fame and acclaim.

Mason explained that the key criterion is an artist’s ascension to national or international prominence, regardless of whether it’s their first or sixth record. The focus is on recognizing artists who have broken through and made significant contributions to the music industry.

The 2025 Nominees and Their Backgrounds

Despite the category’s name, none of the 2025 Best New Artist nominees debuted their first music within the eligibility period. The list includes artists like Benson Boone, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey, and Teddy Swims, each with their unique musical journey leading to their nomination.

Evolution of Best New Artist Rules

Over the years, the Grammys’ Best New Artist category has undergone rule changes to adapt to the evolving music landscape. Notably, Lady Gaga’s exclusion in 2010 sparked revisions that allowed previous nominees to be considered in subsequent years, with restrictions on album releases at the time of nomination.

These changes reflect the Academy’s efforts to ensure fairness and inclusivity in recognizing emerging talents, regardless of their prior achievements or album releases.

Diverse Nominees Throughout History

The history of Best New Artist nominations showcases a range of talents, including artists who debuted long before their nomination year. Acts like Petula Clark, Marvin Hamlisch, and Green Day received nominations despite their earlier musical beginnings, highlighting the category’s flexibility and inclusivity.

Current Criteria for Best New Artist Eligibility

The Recording Academy’s criteria for Best New Artist eligibility focus on an artist’s breakthrough into the public consciousness within the eligibility year. While certain restrictions exist for artists with prior prominence, the rules aim to recognize new talents making a significant impact on the music industry.

Despite the complex criteria, the Academy retains the flexibility to nominate artists who meet the core requirements, paving the way for diverse talents to be recognized and celebrated.

Conclusion

The Best New Artist category at the Grammys continues to spark debate and intrigue, with a diverse range of nominees representing the ever-evolving music industry. As the criteria evolve to reflect the changing landscape of music, the award remains a coveted recognition for emerging talents breaking through to national and international prominence.

FAQs

Q: How does the Grammys determine the Best New Artist?

A: The Recording Academy evaluates an artist’s breakthrough into the public consciousness and impact on the musical landscape within the eligibility year to determine the Best New Artist.

Q: Can artists with prior music releases be nominated for Best New Artist?

A: Yes, as long as they meet the criteria of achieving a breakthrough and have not released a full album at the time of their first nomination.

Credit: ew.com