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Conan Gray, Doja Cat, Summer Walker And Alec Benjamin: Early Grammy Predictions For Best New Artist

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Grammy eligibility doesn’t close for months, but chances are the public is already very familiar with whichever musician is fated to win Best New Artist at the upcoming ceremony. While it is possible that someone will break out and score a big hit or chart a successful album before summer ends, it seems likely that the majority of nominees, if not all of them, have already made their mark.

Here’s a look at very early predictions for Best New Artist.

Most Likely

There is one name not included in this list who would have had a great shot not only at being nominated, it not for his success earlier this year. Roddy won a Grammy alongside Nipsey Hussle and Hit-Boy in the Best Rap Performance category for “Racks in the Middle,” and while a nomination doesn’t rule a musician ineligible, a win does, so he can’t compete for this trophy come 2021, despite his No. 1 album and single.

Several other artists have broken out in a major way recently, and it will be strange not to see any of these musicians make the cut. 

Summer Walker landed a No. 2 (though it was expected to go to No. 1) the cutoff date for the prior ceremony and she has already placed nine songs onto the Hot 100.

Megan Thee Stallion, one of the most exciting female rappers to come along in some time, has now sent two titles the top 10 on the Billboard 200 (though neither were billed as her proper debut album) and landed four top 40 hits.

Cat and Tones and I could fill slots, and they both stand a good chance at earning the prize, as statistically, the honor usually goes to a solo female making pop music. Both acts charted big top 10 hits and lived on the Billboard 200 with their collections, though they didn’t reach the uppermost area with their studio efforts.

Newcomer Conan Gray just found himself inside the top 10 on the Billboard 200 with his debut album Kid Krow, and while he hasn’t produced a memorable hit, he seems like a perfect fit for the category.

Possible

Arizona Zervas came out of absolutely nowhere with his streaming giant “Roxanne,” which ended up spending months the Hot 100’s top 10, although he may be excluded depending on if his older material, released as an indie act, is counted (an exception was made for Lizzo last year).

Don Toliver scored a No. 1 album as a part of (alongside Travis Scott) and then sent his own debut album Heaven or Hell into the top 10 as well, so he may be a good choice as well.

His first full-length These Two Windows isn’t coming until May, but already Alec Benjamin, who has received major label support for some time now, looks like he could become much more popular in the second half of 2020, which would be huge for his Grammy chances.

There’s A Shot

There are several acts who could also land in the lucky group, but some who may or may not even be eligible for a number of reasons. American Idol contestant Gabby Barrett has recently scored a big country hit and a crossover top 40, but she hasn’t released enough music to be considered. Lewis Capaldi was nominated for Song of the Year last time around for his No. 1 smash “Someone You Loved,” but will he still be thought of as new by then?

Fellow rising talents like Joji, Jack Harlow and Trevor Daniel could also be nominated, even though they haven’t made a massive commercial impactyet.