There’s a first time for everything! With every new Grammys cycle comes a new Best New Artist category, predictably filled with artists whose newness varies from “debut album came out in April” to “co-wrote Rihanna’s ‘California King Bed.” Despite this, the Academy managed to assemble a diverse list of artists spanning genre and mainstream appeal (although this writer won’t forget the Academy’s Doechii, Ethel Cain, and Black Country, New Road erasure.)
You may know some of these names, and you might not know any—that’s why we’re here! Presenting: The A.V. Club’s who’s-who of the emerging artists competing in the Best New Artist category in 2023.
Anitta
If there’s a single better mascot for Brazil right now than the very concept of Carnival, it’s global pop phenom Anitta. With all-around pop prowess reminiscent of the icons of the early aughts, Anitta has carved out a historical path with her fifth studio album Versions Of Me, and its juggernaut lead single “Envolver.” In 2022, Anitta won her first MTV Music Video Award in the Best Latin category, making her the first Brazilian artist to do so. Perhaps 2023 will bring Anitta her first Grammy, too.
Omar Apollo
After proving himself as a smooth, sultry compatriot of artists like Kenny Beats and Joji, R&B artist Omar Apollo is finally getting his own moment in the spotlight. Apollo’s single “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All)“ has swiftly become one of his most popular tracks to date. After blowing up on TikTok, the song received the thoroughly modern honor of an official “sped-up version.” His 2022 debut album Ivory expands the scope of his R&B, courting Frank Ocean comparisons while still exploring new sounds and textures—beyond virality, it’s Apollo’s versatility that makes him stand out.
DOMi & JD Beck
The virtuosic jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck hasn’t exactly built a career making tried and true standards. A collaboration between French keyboardist Domi Louna and American drummer JD Beck, the group’s debut album NOT TiGHT was lauded for its unique, zoomer-generation take on the genre. After all, DOMi & JD Beck did come up in the illustrious company of Thundercat and Earl Sweatshirt (the latter of whom thoroughly deserved a nomination for his own solo album, Sick!). Snub aside, it appears the Academy at least has an eye for weirdness, for once.
Muni Long
Although you may not recognize Muni Long (real name Priscilla Renea Hairston) yet, her credits are unmistakable and undeniable. She co-wrote Rihanna’s “California King Bed,” Ariana Grande’s “Imagine,” Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It,” and countless other pop hits before diving back into a solo career in 2018. The artist even received an Album of The Year nomination at the 2021 Grammys for her work on H.E.R.’s album Back Of My Mind. But her latest EP Public Displays of Affection—anchored by swoon-worthy single “Hrs & Hrs”—proves Muni Long has plenty of merit as a solo artist. “New” may be a less appropriate adjective here than “overdue.”
Latto
One of the least “new” artists on this list, there’s still something to be said for placing Atlanta rapper Latto in an emerging artist category—she’s changed a lot (including her name) since bursting onto the scene with her debut 2016 mixtape Miss M*latto. 2022 was inarguably Latto’s biggest yet: her second studio album 777 spawned two huge singles, “It’s Givin” and “Big Energy.” The delightful patriarchy takedown single “Pussy,” a highlight in a lesser rapper’s year, is just an extra flex. Whether she brings home hardware come February or not, it still feels like Latto season.
Måneskin
After winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with their single “Zitti e buoni,” Italian rock outfit Måneskin has found a global reach with their snarling sound and high-glam aesthetic. Comprised of vocalist Damiano David, bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio, Måneskin has already had three singles break the Top 10 on Billboard’s Global Music Chart, including a well-loved cover of Frankie Valli’s “Beggin’.” Måneskin lost out on Best New Artist to Dove Cameron at this year’s MTV Music Video Awards—perhaps a second nomination could be the charm.
Tobe Nwigwe
Texas rapper Tobe Nwigwe is the opposite of low-key—just refer to his electric 2021 performance at the BET Awards. Also known for his acting work on Netflix’s Mo, Nwigwe’s 2022 LP moMINTs is home-grown and fun, heavily featuring his wife Martica “Fat” Rogers and home to strong features from Chamillionaire and 2 Chainz. Although Nwigwe’s album doesn’t represent the most game-changing or unique of rap this year, it’s high time hip-hop started getting love from the Academy in the general categories.
Molly Tuttle
Molly Tuttle is more than just a singer-songwriter—the banjo and guitar player has been hailed as one of Americana’s most exciting new voices. Known for her skill in traditional bluegrass techniques like flatpicking and claw hammer, Tuttle was named the Americana Music Association’s Instrumentalist Of The Year back in 2018. Now that Tuttle has an acclaimed album, Crooked Tree, and featured work with Billy Strings and Old Crow Medicine Show under her belt, she’s caught the ear of a wider landscape than just Americana.
Wet Leg
We asked for it, and we received: Wet Leg is a three-time Grammy-nominated group. Outside Best New Artist, the British indie rock duo is also up for trophies in the Best Alternative Album and Best Alternative Performance categories for their debut album, Wet Leg, and single “Chaise Longue” respectively. Incredibly, bandmates Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers have only been working together since 2019—that just about fits the definition of making a splash.