Though it sits within the Big Four categories at The Grammys, the Best New Artist award often flies under the radar compared to the likes of Album of the Year or Song of the Year. Yet, it’s an incredibly important award, recognizing that an artist has officially made their way into stardom.
Some years, the winner is a no-brainer, like Olivia Rodrigo in 2022. But this year, the competition is much more open. Taking into account commercial success and quality of music, the frontrunners are without a doubt Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doechii. The real question is: which one of them will walk away with the trophy?
Who should win: Chappell Roan
While Sabrina Carpenter is the most mainstream of the three, and Doechii the most inventive, Chappell Roan stands out for her sheer artistry and her breakthrough success this year. Her most recent album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and breakthrough single “Good Luck, Babe!”, showcased her dedication to her craft. But it’s not just about the quality of music she produces. Roan has very quickly reached a level of worldwide success, having her first Billboard Hot 100 hit and pulling the largest crowds at festivals like Lollapalooza without being a headliner. So while I’d be thrilled with any of these three taking home the award, my vote has to go to Roan.
Who’s most likely to win: Chappell Roan
She’s not only who I want to win the award, but also who I think will win it. The momentum behind her is undeniable, and with the critical acclaim she received from her most recent album and single to back her up, she likely has this in the bag. However, Sabrina Carpenter is a very close second, with arguably the biggest song of the year. I would argue that Carpenter made her way to the mainstream with her fifth studio album Emails I Can’t Send, and songs like “Nonsense” and “Feather”, giving her a disadvantage. And while I would love to see the award go to Doechii, she hasn’t seen the popularity that Roan and Carpenter have this year. That being said, it’s going to be a tight race, but Roan has the edge.
