Look Back at These Grammy Best New Artist Acceptance Speeches – Big Names When They Were Burgeoning Stars

The Best New Artist category at the Grammys is a great indicator of which artists will become major stars in the coming years. Looking at a list of past winners will show you this award’s success rate in that prediction. Revisit some Best New Artist acceptance speeches from years past, below. See these major names when they were once just burgeoning stars.

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Look Back at These Grammy Best New Artist Winners Acceptance Speeches – Big Names When They Were Burgeoning Stars

1. Olivia Rodrigo (2022)

We’re starting our list with a recent Best New Artist winner: Olivia Rodrigo. Rodrigo’s star has continued to skyrocket since then, thanks to her celebrated sophomore record and sprawling arena tour. Though her career is still young, this Disney star turned pop maven has lived up to her Grammy laud. Check out her speech, below.

2. Zac Brown Band (2010)

Zac Brown Band’s win in 2010 was endlessly endearing. The country band–who now has three Grammys to their name–ran through their rehearsed speech, making sure to not leave anyone who was integral to their career out. Though they were more than deserving of this nod, you can tell the band was honored to be recognized during music’s biggest night.

[RELATED: Exclusive: Zac Brown Band Member Readies Second Children’s Album, Feared Songwriting Would “Suck” After Marriage and Kids]

3. Carrie Underwood (2007)

Carrie Underwood is now one of country’s premiere artists, but in 2007, she was an up-and-coming talent who was bringing country music to the masses via her powerful vocals and pop-leaning melodies. Underwood was aptly named Best New Artist that year. See her humble as ever, accepting her win in the video, below.

4. Alicia Keys (2002)

Long before she took to hosting the Grammys, Alicia Keys was up for Best New Artist. She took home that prestigious award in 2002. The competition was stacked with artists who would soon be household names, but Keys was ultimately crowned as the artist to watch. The Grammys certainly got that right.

5. Sheryl Crow (1995)

It’s hard to imagine Sheryl Crow intimidated by any crowd. If you’ve ever been to see her at one of her packed concerts, you know she thrives in the spotlight. However, standing up in front of your heroes and accepting an award is no easy feat. Check out her Best New Artist speech for a dose of nostalgia, below.

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