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Retro-rockers Greta Van Fleet, rising superstar Bebe Rexha and Vallejo R&B singer H.E.R. are among the acts battling it out in the best new artist category at the 61st annual Grammy Awards.
The field has expanded from the traditional five nominations to eight in 2019 in this category, as well as in the other three general-field races – album of the year, song of the year (awarded to songwriters) and record of the year.
More nominees means more storylines, more chances of an upset and, organizers are hoping, more reasons for you to watch when the Grammys are broadcast live on CBS beginning at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Let’s break down the field and see who has the best chance of winning the Grammy for best new artist.
Nominees:
Chloe X Halle, Luke Combs, Greta Van Fleet, H.E.R., Dua Lipa, Margo Price, Bebe Rexha, Jorja Smith.
Breakdown:
It’s a category that has honored the Beatles, Mariah Carey, Amy Winehouse and Chance the Rapper. Yet, it’s also a category that has recognized the likes of A Taste of Honey, Starland Vocal Band and, most infamously, Milli Vanilli.
Greta Van Fleet, without a doubt, is the leading candidate to follow in those footsteps in 2019. But, Grammy voters have to be asking themselves how will that induction look 10 years down the road?
Sure, the Michigan retro-rockers are being widely championed, without much rhyme or reason, as future Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. But they aren’t the next Led Zeppelin. Indeed, they aren’t even the next Foghat.
Fingers crossed that enough voters realize that to open the door for more deserving candidates, such as R&B crooners Jorja Smith and – Vallejo’s own – H.E.R.
Margo Price is a tempting pick, given that everyone believes that this talented country singer-songwriter is in the game for the long haul. But will voters take the chance on missing on Bebe Rexha, who could be a huge star down the road?
Prediction:
Bebe Rexha will win the Grammy Award for best new artist.