The music scene may be ever-changing, but there’s always been a constant of breakout artists that bend the rules and create their own paths. So many of these musicians have gone on to become the greatest the industry has ever seen, from The Beatles and Tracy Chapman to Amy Winehouse and Chappell Roan. One thing these acts all have in common is that they won the Grammys’ coveted Best New Artist award during their respective eras.
Since 2017, such artists have been celebrated ahead of music’s biggest night, thanks to Spotify. Every year, the streaming platform throws its annual Best New Artist party in Los Angeles to honor each nominee and bring together movers and shakers from every corner of the industry. And, while it isn’t affiliated with the Recording Academy, Spotify’s Best New Artist party has quickly become a staple (and, rightfully, a hot spot) during Grammys Week.
If you’re wondering how the party came to be—and, let’s be real, how people even get invited—we’ve got you covered with all the details.
What is Spotify’s Best New Artist party?
Glad you asked!
According to the streamer, the annual Best New Artist celebration “honors the rising stars whose talent, creativity, and dedication have propelled them to the music industry’s biggest stage.” The event is meant to highlight the artistry and hard work of the breakout artists-turned-Grammy nominees who continue to reshape music.
When is Spotify’s 2026 Best New Artist party, and who is being honored?
After last year’s event was cancelled due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Spotify’s Best New Artist celebration is coming back on Thursday, January 29, at The Lot at Formosa.
All eight of this year’s nominees are set to perform on the coveted event’s rotating stage. The honorees include Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Sombr, and The Marías.
“This event has been through so many iterations,” Joe Hadley, Spotify’s global head of music partnerships & audience, explained to Billboard in January 2026. “Different formats, different constraints, different realities, but the heart of it has always stayed the same. It’s about showing up for artists at a pivotal moment in their careers.”
As for the party’s big comeback after last year’s cancellation, Hadley added, “To return this year with a full, in-person celebration during music’s biggest week feels like a reflection of that resilience…Being back together in the room, celebrating this next generation of artists in a big way, feels really special.”
Okay, so how does one get invited to Spotify’s Best New Artist party?
We know, we know: Some serious FOMO is surrounding the event. To put it plainly, the easiest way in is to be nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys. Even then, it takes a ton of planning on Spotify’s part to get the ball rolling.
“The best new artist nominees are some of the busiest artists in the world during Grammys week,” Hadley told Billboard. “What made this possible was starting conversations earlier than ever and really listening to what each artist needed for the performance to feel right for them.”
If you aren’t at that point in your artistic journey, it’s pretty much an exclusive industry event. Meaning: influencers, reality TV stars, journalists, executives, and musical artists typically make up most of the list.
Some of the party’s notable attendees include Lil Nas X, Rosalía, Omar Apollo, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, Ice Spice, Benson Boone, Madison Beer, and Victoria Monét. (And that’s only a fraction of the star-studded folks you’ll see there.)
