Spotify’s Best New Artist Party Makes a Triumphant Return
After a year-long hiatus due to the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, Spotify’s annual Best New Artist (BNA) Grammy party returned on Thursday night with an electrifying 2026 edition. The event, a highlight of Grammy Week, brought together all eight of this year’s BNA nominees for a night of live performances in front of a crowd of roughly 1,500 industry insiders, artists, and creators.
The 2026 BNA lineup included:
- Leon Thomas
- Lola Young
- The Marias
- Alex Warren
- KATSEYE
- Sombr
- Addison Rae
- Olivia Dean
Each artist performed a three- to four-song set, showcasing their biggest hits and unique styles.
Leon Thomas Opens the Show
Leon Thomas, who also received nominations in general Grammy categories this year for his breakout album Mutt, opened the show just after 8 p.m. His three-song set closed with the album’s title track, immediately energizing the crowd and setting the tone for the night.
Lola Young Returns After On-Stage Collapse
For Lola Young, the night marked her first public performance since collapsing on stage at All Things Go in New York last September. She performed a four-song set with just a piano player and acoustic guitarist, creating an intimate atmosphere enhanced by six floor lamps on stage.
“I’m back and feeling better,” Young told the audience. She opted not to perform her popular track “Messy,” closing instead with “Post Sex Clarity.”
The Marias and Alex Warren Light Up the Stage
Following Young, The Marias performed their dreamy track “No One Noticed,” delivering a chill yet captivating performance. Atlantic Records’ Alex Warren followed with his song-of-the-summer contender “Ordinary,” showcasing his energetic style and stage presence.
KATSEYE Brings Vintage Girl Group Vibes
KATSEYE dazzled the crowd with a set that included “Gabriela,” “M.I.A.,” and “Gnarly.” Their synchronized choreography and retro girl-group aesthetic stood out, earning cheers from the audience.
Sombr Turns Up the Volume
Sombr, who joked about being unable to attend last year’s party, brought the most raucous set of the night. His high-energy performance of streaming hits like “12 to 12” and “Back to Friends” had the crowd jumping and cheering, leaving a lasting impression before the evening’s final acts.
Addison Rae’s Bold Performance
Addison Rae performed all in white, opening with a stylish mix of humor and energy. During her set of “Fame is a Gun” and “Diet Pepsi,” she quipped about the cold temperatures on stage, adding a playful touch to her performance.
Olivia Dean Closes the Night on a High Note
Closing the night, Olivia Dean delivered a show-stopping performance, highlighting her viral hits “So Easy to Fall in Love” and “Man I Need.” With an arena tour on the horizon, Dean’s performance confirmed her position as the breakout star of the 2026 BNA class.
Notable Guests and Vibes
The party drew several big names from the music world, including Yungblud, Lewis Capaldi, Pusha T, and past BNA nominees Benson Boone and Shaboozey. Alex Warren gave a special shoutout to KJ Apa, who attended as his Mr. Fantasy persona.
Unlike 2024, which featured collaborations, the 2026 class opted to keep performances solo, giving each artist a chance to shine individually.
What’s Next in Grammy Week
With Spotify’s BNA party in the rearview, the Grammy weekend continues with marquee events, including:
- MusiCares Person of the Year Gala on Friday, honoring Mariah Carey
- Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala on Saturday at the Beverly Hilton
The 2026 Spotify party set the tone for an action-packed weekend of music, celebrations, and star-studded performances, spotlighting some of the brightest new talent in the industry.
