Grammys to Give Eight Best New Artists a Chance to Shine in Historic Performance Segment
The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought the world to its knees, but it's also inspired one of the most innovative ideas in Grammy Awards history: an extended performance segment for best new artists. The experiment was a huge success last year, and this year's show is set to do it all again.
According to executive producers Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins, along with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the idea came about during the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in 2021. With no audience in attendance due to safety concerns, the show was transformed into a unique experience where each artist performed one after another. The fluidity of the performances was praised by all, and it's this seamless flow that has led to the extension of the segment for this year's show.
The best new artists will take to the stage at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1st, with a lineup featuring Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías. Winston explained that they couldn't resist repeating the success of last year's performance, where each artist got to shine individually.
"We loved the fluidity that the COVID Grammys gave us," Winston said. "So, when we saw the lineup for this year's best new artists, we thought, 'Why not do it again?' It's gonna be one of the longest [segments] in Grammys history without going through a break."
This year's segment will see all eight nominees perform individually, but the twist is that they'll be dotted throughout the arena, with some performing backstage and others on stage. The technical challenge of pulling this off was acknowledged by Winston, who called it "hugely ambitious" but assured that his team would make it work.
Winston also revealed that show host Trevor Noah had initially expressed a desire to step down after last year's show, but was convinced to return for one more year with the help of a heartfelt video message from the executive producer. Winston praised Noah as "super-smart," "incredibly funny," and "a massive music fan."
While hosting six or more consecutive Grammy telecasts is unprecedented, Noah's role has become an integral part of the show's evolution. Mason Jr. noted that Noah has brought a new level of gravitas and emotional intelligence to the proceedings.
The Grammys are notoriously challenging to produce, with 20 incredible performances competing for screen time and resources. Winston joked that rehearsing on camera is like putting on a school play in the hall – it requires quick turnaround times and meticulous planning.
Despite the logistical challenges, Winston believes that's what makes the Grammys so special: the unpredictability of live TV, where anything can happen with 200 of the world's top artists gathered in one room. The emphasis on celebrating diverse music is also a key aspect of the show, with Mason Jr. acknowledging the growth and evolution of Latin music over the past few years.
As the Grammys continue to push boundaries and innovate, this year's extended performance segment promises to be an unforgettable experience for both performers and viewers alike.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought the world to its knees, but it's also inspired one of the most innovative ideas in Grammy Awards history: an extended performance segment for best new artists. The experiment was a huge success last year, and this year's show is set to do it all again.
According to executive producers Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, and Jesse Collins, along with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the idea came about during the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in 2021. With no audience in attendance due to safety concerns, the show was transformed into a unique experience where each artist performed one after another. The fluidity of the performances was praised by all, and it's this seamless flow that has led to the extension of the segment for this year's show.
The best new artists will take to the stage at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1st, with a lineup featuring Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías. Winston explained that they couldn't resist repeating the success of last year's performance, where each artist got to shine individually.
"We loved the fluidity that the COVID Grammys gave us," Winston said. "So, when we saw the lineup for this year's best new artists, we thought, 'Why not do it again?' It's gonna be one of the longest [segments] in Grammys history without going through a break."
This year's segment will see all eight nominees perform individually, but the twist is that they'll be dotted throughout the arena, with some performing backstage and others on stage. The technical challenge of pulling this off was acknowledged by Winston, who called it "hugely ambitious" but assured that his team would make it work.
Winston also revealed that show host Trevor Noah had initially expressed a desire to step down after last year's show, but was convinced to return for one more year with the help of a heartfelt video message from the executive producer. Winston praised Noah as "super-smart," "incredibly funny," and "a massive music fan."
While hosting six or more consecutive Grammy telecasts is unprecedented, Noah's role has become an integral part of the show's evolution. Mason Jr. noted that Noah has brought a new level of gravitas and emotional intelligence to the proceedings.
The Grammys are notoriously challenging to produce, with 20 incredible performances competing for screen time and resources. Winston joked that rehearsing on camera is like putting on a school play in the hall – it requires quick turnaround times and meticulous planning.
Despite the logistical challenges, Winston believes that's what makes the Grammys so special: the unpredictability of live TV, where anything can happen with 200 of the world's top artists gathered in one room. The emphasis on celebrating diverse music is also a key aspect of the show, with Mason Jr. acknowledging the growth and evolution of Latin music over the past few years.
As the Grammys continue to push boundaries and innovate, this year's extended performance segment promises to be an unforgettable experience for both performers and viewers alike.
. It's like a big stage where they can show off their talents and connect with the audience. I'm really excited to see Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías all perform together. The idea of having them spread out across the arena is also kinda genius 
. It's like a big music party! And I love how Trevor Noah has become such an integral part of the show – he brings this energy that makes it feel so fresh and exciting 
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. Eight performances is a lot, especially when you consider most awards shows struggle with condensing their content in the first place. Still, adding more artists will hopefully bring some fresh faces to the Grammys stage 
. And let's be real, Trevor Noah is back and better than ever 
. I'm just curious how they're gonna make it all work behind-the-scenes without losing that special magic 
! And can we talk about Trevor Noah as the host? He's just so witty and charming 
. It's all about celebrating diversity in music, which is so important 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good surprise? The Grammys always bring the excitement!
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. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good surprise or two? The whole idea of having artists perform individually but then pop up in different parts of the arena is genius 
. It sounds like a logistical nightmare, but if anyone can do it, it's the Grammys team 
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I'm not surprised they're doing this anymore. They just wanna milk every last drop outta that COVID-19 thing. Giving all those new artists a chance to shine is cool and all, but what's the real reason behind it? Is it really because of the pandemic or is it just a PR stunt to save face after last year's mess? 
This whole thing just feels like another attempt at relevance in an ever-changing music landscape 
and adding the twist of them performing on different stages is genius 
. I'm curious to see how it all comes together, but from what I've seen in rehearsal vids 
its gonna be EPIC!
2021: 5 new artists performed individually, 2024: 8! 
A 60% increase in diversity among new artists is a great sign of progress. 
I wonder how the ratings will compare this year... 
Viewership for last year's special episode was up by 25% from previous years 
Can't wait to see the lineup and performances this year! 
But that's what makes it so special, right?
. Adding a twist by having them perform in different parts of the arena is genius – I can already imagine the energy building up throughout the performance 
. Trevor Noah returning as host is also a major win – he brings that perfect blend of humor and heart to the show 
. Can't wait for February 1st! 
Still, I trust the team to pull it off and I'm excited to see what it all looks like on TV. Bring on the music and let's get this party started! 
they should've done it from the start tbh think about how much more epic it would've been if all these talented artists got to shine on stage in the first place 
. And don't even get me started on the technical challenges – I mean, come on, guys, it's not like it's the first time they've had to deal with last-minute changes or something 
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. He always brings a certain energy to the show, and his banter with the performers is always entertaining 
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