Grammy Week’s Big Buzz: Spotify’s Best New Artist Event

In addition to the artists nominated for Grammy Award “Best New Artist”, many influential figures in the music, acting, and social media industries were among guests at the festivity. Derek Hough, Kate Beckinsale, Ariel Winter, Troye Sivan, Noah Cyrus, Lewis Capaldi, and Billy Ray Cyrus were just a few in attendance, waiting to see the performances. Industry elites and reporters rubbed elbows with artists and creators at this highly anticipated, high energy gathering. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: Maggie Rogers attends Spotify Hosts “Best New Artist” Party at The Lot Studios on January 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spotify)

Spotify’s transformation of The Lot Studios’ location perfectly captured the glitzy yet grungy, opulent yet casual and intoxicating atmosphere of 2020’s music industry zeitgeist. Recent influences such as TikTok and genre-benders like Lil Nas X have pulled the music industry in new and uncertain, yet thrilling directions. If tonight was any indication, Spotify wholeheartedly understands this and embraces the challenge. Their early support of now-trending artists, like Billie Eilish and Lizzo, create partnerships that allow music and creativity to flourish. Everything about the event, from the Milk Bar dessert station inside and perfectly placed In N Out truck right outside the party, to guests such as TikTok star Addison Easterling and the cast of Netflix’s Cheer, show that Spotify knows the music industry is not what it was 10 years ago when it entered and revolutionized the scene. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell perform onstage during Spotify Hosts “Best New Artist” Party at The Lot Studios on January 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spotify)

The variety of the nominees’ art styles and performances echoed this tenfold. Lizzo dominated the stage first, with an empowering and dynamic performance featuring her mega-hits, “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell” among others. Yola dazzled with her melodic, commanding, effortlessly gorgeous vocals through “Faraway Look,” and Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell enchanted the crowd with soulful, stripped-down renditions of “bad guy” and “ocean eyes.” Black Pumas’ sensational performances of their tracks, “Fire” and “Black Moon Rising” energized the audience, and later Maggie Rogers’ effervescence shined through her “Give a Little.” Through his exhilarating performances of “Panini” and “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X thrilled the audience as everyone raised their hands to sing along. Finally, Rosalía and her dancers blew audiences away with “Pienso en tu Mira,” while Tank and the Bangas closed off the night with a lively and rousing delivery of “Spaceships” and “Dope Girl Magic.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: Lizzo performs onstage at Spotify Hosts “Best New Artist” Party at The Lot Studios on January 23, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Spotify)

Spotify’s Best New Artists party solidified their reputation as one of the most influential forces in the music industry today, celebrated some of the best and brightest creative phenomena, and offered everyone in attendance a night of glamorous and world-rocking fun.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Lil Nas X and Noah Cyrus attend Spotify Hosts “Best New Artist” Party at The Lot Studios on January 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Spotify)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: (L-R) Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish attend Spotify Hosts “Best New Artist” Party at The Lot Studios on January 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Erik Voake/Getty Images for Spotify)