Grammy Awards History Best New Artist Winners
The Grammy Award for Best New Artist has a rich history, dating back to the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1960. This esteemed award recognizes emerging talent in the music industry and has become a coveted honor for artists around the world. Let’s delve into the captivating history of Best New Artist winners at the Grammy Awards.
Over the years, the Best New Artist category has seen a diverse array of talented nominees and winners. From iconic musicians like The Beatles to contemporary sensations like Billie Eilish, this category has celebrated artists who have left an indelible mark on the industry. Let’s explore the fascinating stories behind the Best New Artist winners and the impact they have had on music history.
Key Takeaways:
- The Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been presented since 1960.
- Winners are chosen based on their significant impact in the music industry during the eligibility year.
- The award has gained a reputation for the “Best New Artist curse,” with some winners experiencing limited long-term success.
- Artists from various genres, including pop, rock, country, and hip-hop, have been recognized as Best New Artists.
- Notable moments in Best New Artist history include controversies and snubs, which have sparked discussions among music enthusiasts.
Grammy Award for Best New Artist Criteria
When it comes to the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, the eligibility criteria are carefully established to ensure that the award goes to deserving artists who have made a significant impact on the music industry. To be eligible for this prestigious award, artists must meet specific guidelines.
First and foremost, the artist must have released a minimum of five singles/tracks or one album during the eligibility year. This requirement ensures that the artist has a substantial body of work and has demonstrated their talent and creativity through their musical releases.
Additionally, the artist must not have entered into the Best New Artist category more than three times. This rule applies to both solo artists and members of established groups. By limiting the number of times an artist can be nominated, the Grammy Awards aim to recognize fresh talent and provide opportunities for emerging artists to shine.
Furthermore, the artist must have achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and impacted the musical landscape during the eligibility period. This criterion acknowledges the importance of an artist’s influence in shaping the industry and gaining recognition from listeners and industry professionals alike.
“The Best New Artist category aims to recognize and celebrate artists who have made a significant impact on the music industry, and whose talent and creativity have resonated with audiences worldwide.”
Ultimately, these criteria ensure that the Grammy Award for Best New Artist shines a spotlight on artists who are truly new and have left their mark on the industry. The award serves as a platform for deserving artists to gain recognition, further their careers, and make lasting contributions to the world of music.
| Grammy Award for Best New Artist Criteria |
|---|
| Minimum of five singles/tracks or one album released during the eligibility year |
| No more than three previous nominations in the category as a solo artist or member of an established group |
| Achievement of a breakthrough into the public consciousness and impact on the musical landscape |
The Curse of Best New Artist
The Best New Artist award at the Grammys is coveted by aspiring musicians, as it serves as a launching pad for their careers. However, winning this prestigious title hasn’t always guaranteed long-term success. In fact, the award has gained a reputation for being cursed, with several past winners facing difficulties in sustaining their musical prominence.
The belief in this curse was expressed by Taffy Danoff, a former member of the Starland Vocal Band (winner of the Best New Artist award in 1977), who famously labeled the award the “kiss of death” for artists.
The Curse Claims its Victims
Countless artists who were once the recipients of this esteemed honor have struggled to replicate their initial success in the years that followed. Let’s take a look at some of the notable snubs who fell victim to the curse:
- Starland Vocal Band (1977): Despite winning the Best New Artist award, Starland Vocal Band failed to achieve significant commercial success with their subsequent releases.
- A Taste of Honey (1979): This disco-infused band experienced the same fate as Starland Vocal Band, with their subsequent albums failing to make a significant impact on the charts.
- Christopher Cross (1981): While Cross had a breakthrough year with his self-titled debut album, subsequent releases didn’t fare as well, leading to speculation about the curse.
- Milli Vanilli (1990): This controversial duo was stripped of their Grammy Award after it was revealed that they didn’t contribute their own vocals on their album. Their subsequent work failed to gain the same level of success.
“Winning the Best New Artist award does not guarantee continued success in the music industry. Many artists who claimed victory have faced challenges in maintaining their prominence and musical relevance.” – Former Best New Artist winner, Taffy Danoff
These examples showcase the unpredictability of the music industry and how even the most promising talents can face uphill battles after winning the Best New Artist award.
Exploring the Curse’s Impact
Despite the curse associated with the award, it’s essential to recognize that many Best New Artist winners have gone on to achieve long-lasting success in their careers. Some artists, such as The Beatles, Mariah Carey, and Adele, have managed to defy the curse and continue to dominate the music industry.
However, the curse remains a topic of discussion among music enthusiasts, adding an intriguing layer to the Best New Artist category each year. Whether it’s a genuine jinx or simply a coincidence, the curse of the Best New Artist award serves as a reminder that sustained success in the music industry is never guaranteed.
Best New Artist Winners by Genre
The Best New Artist award at the Grammy Awards has recognized talent from a wide range of genres over the years. Since the inception of the award, there have been a total of 65 winners, including solo artists, duos, and groups.
Of these winners, 31 have been solo female artists, 18 have been duos or groups, and 12 have been solo male artists.
A notable trend in the history of the Best New Artist award is the dominance of solo female artists during certain periods. From 1997 to 2003, and again from 2018 to 2023, all the winners were solo female artists, showcasing their remarkable contributions to the music industry.
It is also worth mentioning that only five artists have achieved the impressive feat of winning both Best New Artist and Album of the Year in the same year. These notable artists include Bob Newhart, Christopher Cross, Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, and Billie Eilish.
“Winning the Best New Artist award is a testament to an artist’s talent and potential. It sets them apart in their genre and industry, providing a platform for recognition and future success.”
Additionally, two artists have experienced a different but equally notable achievement. Vaughn Meader and Alanis Morissette lost the Best New Artist award but went on to win Album of the Year in the same year, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Grammy Awards.
The diversity of genre and the recognition of exceptional talent across various categories are what make the Best New Artist award a highly anticipated and impactful moment in the history of the Grammys.
Country Artists and Best New Artist
While the Grammy Award for Best New Artist has recognized talent from various genres, country artists have had limited success in this category. Only three country artists have ever won the award: LeAnn Rimes in 1997, Carrie Underwood in 2007, and Zac Brown Band in 2010.
LeAnn Rimes made history as the first country artist to win the award at the age of 14, making her the youngest recipient. This achievement showcased the immense talent and potential within the country music industry.
In 2018, Alessia Cara became the first Canadian artist to win the Best New Artist award, bringing diversity and international representation to this prestigious category. Similarly, in 2020, Rosalía received a nomination, becoming the first all Spanish-language artist to be recognized in this category.
The presence of country artists in the Best New Artist category may be limited, but their impact has been significant. These artists have broken barriers and showcased the talent and diversity within the country music genre.
Notable Moments in Best New Artist History
The Best New Artist category at the Grammys has had its fair share of controversies and memorable moments over the years. From shocking revelations to snubs, these incidents have added to the intrigue and discussion surrounding the award.
The Milli Vanilli Controversy
“We have decided to give back the Grammy awarded to us for Best New Artist, because it will now be rightfully restored to its owners.” – Milli Vanilli
In 1990, the award was vacated when it was revealed that the winners, Milli Vanilli, did not contribute their own vocals on their album. This revelation sparked a massive controversy and resulted in the Grammy Award not being given to another artist that year.
Memorable Snubs
“The Best New Artist award is not always a true reflection of the artists who are making waves in the industry.” – Music Critic
Throughout the history of the Grammy Awards, there have been instances where deserving artists were not recognized with a Best New Artist win. Some notable snubs include The Four Seasons, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Frankie Valli as part of The Four Seasons. These artists made significant contributions to the music industry but did not receive the accolade they deserved.
Summary
The Best New Artist category has had its fair share of controversy and snubs throughout its history. From the Milli Vanilli scandal to the notable omissions of deserving artists, these moments have added to the intrigue and discussion surrounding the award. The Grammy Awards continue to surprise and spark debate, making it one of the most anticipated events in the music industry.
Process of Choosing the Best New Artist Winner
The process of selecting the Best New Artist winner at the Grammys has undergone several changes over the years. From 1995 to 2021, members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences had the responsibility of nominating their choices for the award. They would compile a list of the top twenty artists, which was then submitted to the Nominations Review Committee.
The Nominations Review Committee, composed of industry experts, further narrowed down the list and selected the final nominees through a special ballot. These nominees would be announced to the public, creating anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
After the final nominees were determined, the voting process began. All members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences were eligible to cast their votes, selecting their preference for the Best New Artist winner. The votes were tallied, and during the awards ceremony, the artist with the most votes would be crowned as the Best New Artist.
However, in 2021, a significant change was announced. The Nomination Review Committees were disbanded, and the final nominees were decided solely by the votes of the National Academy members. This change aimed to ensure a more democratic and inclusive process, giving all members the power to directly influence the selection of the Best New Artist nominees.
Another modification was made starting in 2022, whereby the number of nominees in the Best New Artist category increased to 10. This expansion allowed for a broader representation of new artists and acknowledged the growing diversity and talent within the music industry.
| Year | Nominations Process | Voting Process |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 – 2021 | Members nominate top twenty artists, Nominations Review Committee selects final nominees | Members vote for winner from final nominees |
| 2022 – Present | Members directly nominate final nominees | Members vote for winner from final nominees |
Changes to Best New Artist Eligibility Rules
Throughout its history, the Best New Artist category at the Grammy Awards has undergone changes to its eligibility rules, sparking both discussion and controversy. These alterations have been prompted by various factors, aiming to ensure that the award remains relevant and reflective of the evolving music industry.
In 2010, the exclusion of Lady Gaga from the category brought attention to the need for revised eligibility requirements. The Grammy organization responded by implementing a new rule: an artist may now be nominated as long as they have not previously released an entire album and have not won a Grammy. This adjustment aimed to recognize artists who have not yet achieved significant mainstream success but have made a notable impact on the industry.
Recognizing the changing landscape of music releases, the Grammy organization again amended the rules in 2016. They removed the album barrier, allowing artists who have released albums to be eligible for the Best New Artist category. This change acknowledged the diverse ways in which artists now share their music and connect with audiences.
In a move to further ensure the category’s integrity, the Grammy organization introduced screening committees in 2021. These committees now evaluate whether an artist has attained a breakthrough or prominence prior to the eligibility year. This evaluation is crucial in preventing artists who have already established significant success from being nominated, promoting fairness and creating a level playing field for all eligible artists.
| Year | Changes to Eligibility Rules |
|---|---|
| 2010 | New requirement: Artists must not have previously released an entire album and must not have won a Grammy |
| 2016 | Removal of the album barrier for eligibility |
| 2021 | Introduction of screening committees to determine breakthrough or prominence prior to the eligibility year |
These changes to the Best New Artist eligibility rules demonstrate the Grammy organization’s commitment to adapting and evolving alongside the music industry. By setting specific criteria and addressing emerging trends, the award continues to recognize and celebrate deserving artists who are making a significant impact on the music scene.
The Impact of Winning Best New Artist
Winning the Best New Artist award can have a significant impact on an artist’s career. While some believe in the curse associated with the award, there have been numerous winners who have gone on to achieve great success. Artists like The Beatles, Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper, Mariah Carey, and Adele have all won the award and have had successful careers. The award can bring attention and recognition to an artist, helping to establish their place in the industry. However, there have also been cases where winning the award did not lead to sustained success, leading to debate and speculation about the curse.
Notable Best New Artist Winners and Snubs
Throughout the history of the Best New Artist category at the Grammy Awards, there have been both noteworthy winners and surprising snubs. From iconic acts like The Beatles to controversial victors like Milli Vanilli, this category has seen a diverse range of artists recognized for their achievements. Let’s take a closer look at some notable winners and snubs:
Noteworthy Best New Artist Winners:
- Adele: The British powerhouse made a huge impact with her debut album “19,” which earned her the Best New Artist award in 2009. Since then, she has become one of the best-selling artists of all time.
- Alicia Keys: Keys burst onto the scene in 2001 with her album “Songs in A Minor,” winning the Best New Artist award and establishing herself as a talented singer-songwriter.
Surprising Best New Artist Snubs:
The Best New Artist category has seen its fair share of snubs, where deserving artists were overlooked for the award. Here are a few notable snubs:
“The Four Seasons: The iconic group, known for hits like ‘Sherry’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ never received the Best New Artist award despite their significant impact on the music industry during the 1960s.
Peter, Paul and Mary: The influential folk trio, known for songs like ‘Blowin’ in the Wind,’ were also inexplicably snubbed for the Best New Artist award.
Frankie Valli as part of The Four Seasons: Despite the group’s immense popularity and contribution to pop music, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons never received the recognition as Best New Artist.”
The Best New Artist category has consistently provided moments of celebration and controversy, sparking discussions and debates among music fans. It continues to be a category that captures the attention of both artists and audiences alike.
Best New Artist Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Adele |
| 2001 | Alicia Keys |
Best New Artist Snubs
| Artist | Reason |
|---|---|
| The Four Seasons | Iconic group with significant impact |
| Peter, Paul and Mary | Influential folk trio |
| Frankie Valli as part of The Four Seasons | Immense popularity and contribution to pop music |
Looking Ahead to Future Best New Artist Winners
The Best New Artist category at the Grammy Awards is always a highly anticipated and closely watched award. While predicting future winners is challenging, the music industry continuously sees the emergence of up-and-coming artists who make waves and gain recognition. As these new talents make their mark, both music fans and critics eagerly anticipate who will be the next Best New Artist to be recognized.
The category holds significant potential to launch careers and shape the trajectory of artists in the music industry. With each passing year, fresh and innovative voices emerge, pushing the boundaries of genres and captivating audiences worldwide. These talented individuals breathe new life into the music scene, inspiring and influencing others along the way.
With the ever-evolving music landscape and the constant stream of new talent, the future of the Best New Artist category remains exciting and unpredictable. It is an opportunity for breakthrough artists to shine and establish themselves as household names. As music enthusiasts, we can look forward to discovering and celebrating the next generation of musical game-changers at the Grammys.
FAQ
What is the history of the Grammy Awards Best New Artist category?
The Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded since the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1960.
What are the criteria for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist?
The criteria for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist is that the artist must have released a minimum of five singles/tracks or one album. They must not have entered into the category more than three times, either as a solo artist or as a member of an established group.
Is there a curse associated with winning the Best New Artist award?
Yes, the Best New Artist award has gained a reputation for being cursed, as many winners have not gone on to sustained success in their careers.
How many Best New Artist winners are from each genre?
Of the 65 winners since the inception of the award, 31 are solo female artists, 18 are duos or groups, and 12 are solo male artists.
How many country artists have won the Best New Artist award?
Only three country artists have won the award – LeAnn Rimes in 1997, Carrie Underwood in 2007, and Zac Brown Band in 2010.
What are some notable moments in the history of the Best New Artist category?
The award was vacated in 1990 when it was revealed that winners Milli Vanilli did not contribute their own vocals on their album. The category has also seen snubs, where deserving artists were not recognized with a win.
How is the Best New Artist winner chosen?
From 1995 to 2021, members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences nominated their choices for the award. A list of the top twenty artists was given to the Nominations Review Committee, who selected the final nominees through a special ballot.
Have there been any changes to the eligibility rules for the Best New Artist category?
Yes, the eligibility rules have changed over the years. In 2010, the exclusion of Lady Gaga from the category led to a change in eligibility requirements. In 2016, the Grammy organization removed the album barrier. In 2021, screening committees were introduced to determine an artist’s breakthrough or prominence prior to the eligibility year.
What is the impact of winning the Best New Artist award?
Winning the Best New Artist award can have a significant impact on an artist’s career, bringing attention and recognition to their work.
Who are some notable Best New Artist winners and snubs?
Notable winners include The Beatles, Adele, and Alicia Keys. Snubs include The Four Seasons and Frankie Valli.
Who are some emerging artists to watch for future Best New Artist nominations?
It is difficult to predict future winners, but there are always up-and-coming artists who are making waves and gaining recognition in the industry.
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