The Spotify Best New Artist Party in 2026 served as a vibrant prelude to the Grammys, bringing together emerging talents and industry influencers in Los Angeles. Held at The Lot at Formosa, the event celebrated nominees and fostered connections among music innovators, solidifying its status as a key highlight of Grammys Week since its start in 2017.
Event Impact and Key Insights
Spotify’s chief public affairs officer, Dustee Jenkins, emphasized the party’s role in spotlighting breakthrough artists. “We’ve been watching these artists for a long time,” she stated. “We know 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 evening featured a dynamic atmosphere with DJs Alex Chapman and Zoe Gitter spinning Y2K classics alongside global chart hits. Attendees mingled near food trucks, including a popular churro stand, while artists like Benson Boone connected with friends and peers such as Sienna Spiro observed the stage setup.
Standout Performances from Nominees
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. The performances created an electric energy, drawing crowds closer with each act.
Leon Thomas opened with confident R&B tracks from his latest album, showcasing layered vocals and bravado. Lola Young followed with her first show since recovering from a mid-set collapse at a New York festival last September. “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 included deeper tracks like “Dealer” and “Post Sex Clarity,” skipping her hit “Messy,” which resonated deeply with the audience.
The Marías transported listeners with dreamy selections such as “Back to Me,” “Nobody New,” and “No One Noticed,” where frontwoman María Zardoya’s vocals captivated even the staff, pausing service to enjoy the music.
Alex Warren energized the room with his chart-topper “Ordinary,” playfully engaging fans like KJ Apa before his wife Kouvr Annon joined the cheers. KATSEYE delivered precise choreography on “Gabriela,” “M.I.A,” and “Gnarly,” impressing families and fans alike.
Sombr performed four songs from his debut album, including the summer standout “Undressed,” noted for its exceptional bridge. Addison Rae commanded the stage in a white cinched blazer and shorts, stripping layers between numbers. She covered “In the Rain,” “High Fashion,” and “Diet Pepsi,” forgoing “Headphones On” for a high-fashion twist, introduced by Spotify’s AI DJ X.
Olivia Dean’s Closing Set
The night peaked with Olivia Dean’s smooth vocals on “Man I Need,” “So Easy (To Fall in Love),” and “Nice to Each Other,” uniting the crowd in synchronized singing and swaying. After a pause in 2025 due to Los Angeles wildfires, the event returned stronger, igniting excitement for the Grammys weekend.
