There’s something truly special about the Best New Artist category at the Grammys. It’s all about celebrating up-and-coming talent, whether they’re fresh faces or have been grinding in the industry for years without hitting the mainstream. For these artists, just being nominated is a huge win.

This award often acts like a musical crystal ball, hinting at who might dominate the industry in the future. Past winners like Sade, Alicia Keys, and Adele prove that this honor can be a springboard to massive success. Last year’s winner, jazz singer Samara Joy, saw her career soar after her big moment.

This year’s nominees tell us a lot about the current state of music and where it might be headed. Here are a few key things to know about the category before tonight’s ceremony.

Breakthrough Artists Making Waves

When people look back at pop music in the 2020s, names like Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter are bound to come up. Roan’s rise was so fast that her team had to upgrade venues to handle her growing fan base. Meanwhile, Carpenter’s hit “Espresso” was everywhere, even sparking wild theories about how it dominated Spotify’s algorithm.

Interestingly, both artists have been in the game for a while. Carpenter, a former Disney star, just released her sixth album, while Roan was signed to Atlantic Records at just 17. They’re not alone—other nominees like British singer Raye, country artist Shaboozey, and the band Khruangbin have been making music for over a decade.

The Best New Artist category isn’t about how long someone’s been in the industry—it’s about that moment when they finally break through into the public eye. And tonight, one of these talented acts will get their well-deserved spotlight.

Stay tuned to see who takes home the award—and who might become the next big thing in music!