The MTV Video Music Awards Best New Artist category spotlights emerging talent that redefines pop, hip-hop, rock, and beyond each year. This honor often acts as a springboard, turning breakthrough releases into defining careers in global music.
Below is a detailed overview of how the award is chosen, historic trends, and what it means for artists and fans.
| Year | Winner | Notable Nominees | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Olivia Rodrigo | Gracie Abrams, Tyla | Record-breaking streaming debut |
| 2022 | Doja Cat | BabyKeem, Lil Nas X | Mainstream crossover expansion |
| 2021 | BTS | Giveon, Saweetie | Global K-pop momentum |
| 2020 | The Weeknd | Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion | Dominant streaming era breakthrough |
| 2019 | Billie Eilish | Cordae, Lewis Capaldi | Genre-blurring rise to superstardom |
How The Award Is Chosen
Voting for the MTV Video Music Awards Best New Artist combines input from music industry experts and fan engagement metrics. Nominations usually reflect an artist’s first or second major label release, with emphasis on originality and cultural buzz.
The final winner balances critical reception, chart performance, and audience connection, highlighting artists who define the sound of a season rather than just a single viral moment.
Criteria For Winning
Judges evaluate nominees on breakthrough impact, originality of sound, and the ability to connect with a wide audience through both music and visual storytelling. Strong live performance credentials and meaningful engagement across streaming and social platforms often tilt the scale.
Winners typically demonstrate versatility in songwriting and production, showing that they can evolve beyond a one-hit wonder narrative while maintaining authenticity.
Impact On Career Trajectory
Receiving the MTV Video Music Awards Best New Artist can accelerate opportunities, from high-profile collaborations to prime festival slots. The recognition often translates into stronger label support, larger budgets for future projects, and expanded international touring possibilities.
For many artists, the award serves as a validation of early artistic choices, encouraging risk-taking and experimentation in subsequent work.
Future Of The Category
As music discovery shifts toward digital platforms and short-form video, the MTV Video Music Awards Best New Artist category will likely highlight more globally diverse voices and genre-fluid creators.
- Track trending genres and emerging markets through nominee patterns each year
- Watch for increased representation from non-English language artists
- Observe the growing influence of fan communities and viral moments on voting outcomes
- Notice cross-category collaborations, such as fashion and music, shaping artist branding
- Expect evolving criteria that reflect new business models like direct-to-fan streaming
FAQ
Reader questions
How are nominees selected for Best New Artist at the VMAs?
MTV and their music advisory panel review eligible releases, considering streaming data, radio airplay, sales, and buzz around the artist to compile a shortlist before fan voting begins.
Can veterans or long-time artists still qualify for this category?
Eligibility focuses on artists who have not yet released a full album or achieved major mainstream breakthrough, so established stars typically do not enter even if they release new music.
Does winning Best New Artist affect future Grammy submissions?
While not a formal requirement, the visibility and momentum from a VMA win can strengthen an artist’s narrative for major categories at the Grammys, especially newcomer fields.
What role does social media play in deciding the winner?
Fan votes and online engagement are weighted heavily, so artists who build strong communities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X often gain an advantage during the voting period.