Leon Thomas, BigXthaPlug, And Others Have Submitted Their Entries For Consideration As Best New Artist At The 2026 Grammy Awards

Voting for the 2026 Grammy Awards’ first round started on Friday (Oct. 3), with a substantial number of eligible candidates for Best New Artist to choose from. According to Billboard, 337 musicians entered the category, with artists such as Leon Thomas, BigXthaPlug, Mariah the Scientist, and PinkPantheress among those who submitted.

Thomas enjoyed a truly exceptional run in 2025, largely due to “MUTT” and its remix featuring Chris Brown. He also released a deluxe version of his album HEEL, which had collaborations with artists including Kehlani, Big Sean, and Halle Bailey.

BigXthaPlug has established himself as a prominent adjacent-rap artist that everyone should be familiar with. Beyoncé utilised his “The Largest” during her “Cowboy Carter Tour” and in August, he released “I Hope You’re Happy.” Mariah Carey and Ravyn Lenae both achieved significant commercial success with “Burning Blue” and “Love Me Not,” respectively. The other names being considered include Ken Carson, Lil Tecca, and Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso.

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It’s worth noting, however, that some of the names in the running – while still incredibly talented – aren’t exactly “new.” Keke Palmer and Key Glock were also among those who submitted for the category. There’s no limit on the number of singles or albums an artist can release to be eligible for the award. What’s crucial is when the Recording Academy determines they’ve reached a “breakthrough or prominence.”

Across the Atlantic, some major players are also targeting Best New Artist. Central Cee, who released CAN’T RUSH GREATNESS in January, is among the nominees, along with FLO and PinkPantheress. Notably, the success of the “Boys a liar, Pt. 2” hitmaker this year was largely driven by the massive popularity of “Illegal” on TikTok.

Voting for the first round is scheduled to conclude on October 15, with the entire list of nominees to be disclosed on November 7. The Clipse rap group is particularly enthusiastic about winning something in February next year. Pusha T stated on Billboard on October 2 that winning for Let God Sort Em Out would represent a “well-deserved full-circle moment” for himself and Malice.