Addison Rae Secures Best New Artist Award
Addison Rae delivered an impressive performance during the 2026 Grammy Awards, gaining significant attention in the music industry. She participated in a montage that highlighted the nominees for the Best New Artist award. Other nominees included Lola Young, Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, Sombr, The Marias, Alex Warren, and Leon Thomas.
Addison Rae’s Performance Highlights
Rae showcased her talents by performing her song “Fame Is a Gun” from the parking lot of the Crypto.com Arena. Her performance was marked by intricate choreography and her bold choice of an eye-catching bedazzled purple jacket. Audience members noted her impressive dance skills reminiscent of pop icon Britney Spears, as well as her strong vocal ability.
Fame Is a Gun: A Bold Choice
In a notable decision, Rae opted to perform “Fame Is a Gun,” a song that tests her vocal range, particularly her high falsetto. This choice highlighted her growth as a pop artist. Instead of her more mainstream hit, “Diet Pepsi,” which has garnered significant attention, she aimed to demonstrate her artistic range.
Best New Artist Award Contenders
- KATSEYE – “Gnarly”
- Leon Thomas – “Mutt”
- Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”
- Lola Young – “Messy”
The montage captivated the audience, featuring each nominee’s unique style and talent. However, it was Olivia Dean who ultimately took home the Best New Artist award. Chappell Roan, the previous year’s winner, presented the accolade to Dean, who delivered an emotional acceptance speech. Dean connected her personal journey as the daughter of immigrants to broader social issues, addressing the protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Addison Rae: An Underdog
Despite being considered an underdog in the category, many recognized Rae’s performance as a standout moment that solidified her position as an exciting new talent in pop music. Her presence at the Grammy Awards further underscored her potential, proving she is one of the best new artists in the industry, regardless of the award results.
