NYT playlist highlights eight Best New Artist nominees performing at the Grammys

The New York Times music newsletter Amplifier on Tuesday published a playlist introducing the eight artists nominated for the Grammys’ Best New Artist category, all of whom are scheduled to perform at the ceremony on Sunday night. The nominees named in the piece include Olivia Dean, Leon Thomas, Sombr, Lola Young, the international girl group Katseye, Addison Rae, the Marías and Alex Warren.

The newsletter said the lineup reflects the Recording Academy’s recent trend toward nominees who are popular on social media and the pop charts, noting a mix of established hitmakers and rising stars. Writer Lindsay Zoladz predicted Olivia Dean as her pick to win, describing Dean’s LP The Art of Loving as an unexpected breakout and citing two hit singles, “Man I Need” and “So Easy (to Fall in Love),” both described as currently in the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

The newsletter also noted timing issues for Dean’s eligibility—“Man I Need” was released two weeks before the Grammy window closed in late August and did not catch on until the fall—and said Dean’s album arrived in late September, so she may be a contender again next year.