The streak began in 2020 with Billie Eilish, whose breakthrough hits like “Bad Guy” and “When the Party’s Over” reshaped pop music. The following year, Megan Thee Stallion won after dominating charts with “Savage” and “WAP.” Olivia Rodrigo continued the run in 2022, connecting with global audiences through emotionally raw songs such as “drivers license” and “good 4 u.” In 2023, jazz vocalist Samara Joy won the award, followed by Victoria Monét in 2024. Chappell Roan secured the 2025 award with bold pop anthems like “Pink Pony Club,” and now Olivia Dean’s win in 2026 cements a decade-long trend of female artists leading the category.
The Best New Artist award is one of the Grammys’ most notable honors, recognizing artists who have made a significant breakthrough over the eligibility year. Established in 1959, the award has become a barometer for rising talent in the music industry. To qualify, artists must have released at least five singles or one album and cannot have been nominated in the category more than three times.
Olivia Dean, a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and candid lyrics, has built her reputation through a blend of neo-soul, pop, and R&B. She gained attention with tracks such as “The Hardest Part,” “Ok Love You Bye,” “Dive,” and “Carmen.” Her latest album, The Art of Loving, has been praised for its emotional depth and smooth production, featuring songs like “Something in Between” and “Nice to Each Other.”
This year’s Best New Artist category included strong contenders such as Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, SOMBR, and The Marías. However, Dean’s consistent artistry and emotional connection with listeners helped her stand out among the competition.
With women winning Best New Artist every year since 2020, the Grammys have highlighted a clear shift in the music industry. Female artists are not just emerging—they are shaping the sound of the decade, blending genres, setting trends, and leading the next generation of music.