Spotify's highly anticipated annual pre-Grammy party returned with a spectacular showcase in Los Angeles, featuring all eight nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards' Best New Artist category. The event, held at the Lot at Formosa in West Hollywood, illuminated the diverse and vibrant future of the music industry with performances spanning soul, pop, rock, and dream pop genres.
A Night of Musical Diversity and Emerging Talent
The evening served as a powerful platform for up-and-coming artists to connect with both new listeners and dedicated fans. Each nominee performed a concise set of three to four songs, with a uniquely efficient stage rotation system hastening transitions and maintaining momentum throughout the night. This innovative setup kept the audience eagerly anticipating each subsequent act.
Leon Thomas Sets the Stage with R&B Swagger
Leon Thomas opened the proceedings with an infusion of sensuality and confidence, delivering three of his hit tracks. He concluded his set with the widely popular "Mutt," offering a tantalising preview of what Ty Dolla $ign has heralded as the future of R&B. Thomas left the stage with a heartfelt message to the crowd and a memorable reminder of his name, ensuring his presence was firmly noted.
Lola Young's Triumphant and Intimate Return
Following a concerning incident in September where she fainted on stage in New York, Lola Young made a triumphant return to performance. Her set was framed by vintage, fringe lamps, creating an atmosphere of remarkable intimacy. Young delivered a fierce, full-throated vocal performance across four songs, though notably omitted her breakthrough single "Messy." Her closing advice to the audience to "take care of yourselves" carried profound, layered significance given her recent experiences.
A Rapid-Fire Showcase of Genre-Bending Sounds
The performances continued at a brisk pace, showcasing a wide array of musical styles. The Marías enchanted the audience with their bilingual dream pop, evoking comparisons to Mazzy Star. Alex Warren followed with anthemic radio pop, centred around his track "Ordinary." The energy shifted dramatically as global girl group Katseye took command of the room with stadium-level presence. Eschewing complex sets, they relied on hyperactive pop sounds and athletic choreography to captivate the space.
Sombr brought a nostalgic pop-rock blend tailored for the TikTok generation, humorously noting his inability to attend the previous year's event. The showcase served as a poignant return for Spotify's party, which was cancelled in 2025 due to the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires that impacted that year's Grammy Awards.
Addison Rae and Olivia Dean Provide a Fitting Finale
The evening culminated with performances from Addison Rae and Olivia Dean. Rae delivered a sensual and hypnotic pop medley featuring "In the Rain," "High Fashion," and "Diet Pepsi," the latter of which she credited for launching significant career momentum. Dean, with her timeless voice and old-soul quality, provided a fitting conclusion to the night. Together, these final acts underscored the defining characteristics of the 2026 Best New Artist class: inventive vision and a rich diversity of sound that promises to shape the future of music.
The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1st at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with broadcasts on CBS and streaming via Paramount+.
