Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sombr Ramp Up for Grammy Awards With Performances at Spotify’s Best New Artist Party

Spotify's prestigious Grammy Week party made a vibrant return last Thursday evening, transforming The Lot at Formosa in West Hollywood into an exclusive hub for the music industry. The event, a key fixture that was shelved last year due to catastrophic regional wildfires, honored this year's eight Best New Artist contenders. Drawing a packed crowd of roughly 1,500 executives, creators, and influencers, the night buzzed with appearances from figures like Diplo, John Summit, and Zara Larsson, alongside nominees including Teddy Swims, Yungblud, and Noah Kahan. The gathering served as both a celebratory reunion and a strategic networking opportunity ahead of music's biggest night.

A rotating stage hosted concise performances from each nominee, offering a curated preview of their talents. Leon Thomas kicked off the musical segment with an energetic set featuring "Yes It Is" and his nominated single "Mutt," highlighting his skills on electric guitar. One of the most poignant moments came from Lola Young, who delivered an emotionally charged performance marking her first stage appearance since a health scare. The British singer-songwriter had collapsed during a set at Maryland's All Things Go Festival in September, leading to the cancellation of her remaining tour. "I'm feeling better," she told the audience before powerful renditions of "Sad Sob Story! :)" and "D£aler," notably bypassing her viral hit "Messy."

The evening's sonic diversity was on full display as other nominees took their turns. The Marías, known for their lush, dream-pop sound, performed tracks like "No One Noticed" and "Back to Me," while the multinational girl group Katseye—formed through HYBE's &Geffen Records' reality competition—amped up the energy with "Gnarly." Alex Warren filled the room with his song "Ordinary," and Sombr embraced a rockstar aesthetic for "Back to Friends." He was joined by influencer and actress Addison Rae, who features in his "12 to 12" video, for a collaborative performance of "Diet Pepsi" and "High Fashion." The night culminated with a commanding set from Olivia Dean, a strong favorite for the Best New Artist trophy, who left a lasting impression with closing performances of "Man I Need" and "So Easy (To Fall in Love)."

This industry showcase acts as a critical prelude to the 66th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony this Sunday, where all eight artists are slated to reunite for a special medley performance during the CBS telecast. Such events often influence the often-unpredictable Best New Artist category, which has historically awarded artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo, and Samara Joy. As music industry analyst Clara Mendez observed, "These curated previews are more than just parties; they function as strategic momentum builders. In an intimate setting, a standout performance can crystallize frontrunner status and sway late-deciding voters." By blending celebration with a competitive showcase, the night successfully highlighted the diverse new voices poised to shape the industry's future.