Taylor Swift, Drake, and 16 other famous musicians who lost best new artist at the Grammys

Stephanie Pitera StatileFeb 3, 2024, 20:15 IST

Taylor Swift, Drake, and Britney Spears all lost the award for best new artist at the Grammys.VALERIE MACON/Getty Images; Dave Benett/Getty Images; J. Merritt/Getty Images

The Grammy award for best new artist is considered a high honor in music.
Famous names like The Beatles, Adele, and John Legend have all taken home the award.

Winning the Grammy for best new artist is considered a high honor in music.

With iconic musicians like The Beatles, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Adele all taking home the award, it's easy to see why this particular Grammy is so sought after.

But many of the biggest names in the music industry went on to launch successful careers even though they didn't take home the award.

Here are 18 of the biggest stars who were nominated for — but lost — the Grammy for best new artist.

Elton John lost to The Carpenters.

Elton John was nominated for best new artist in 1971.Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Boyz II Men won their first Grammy the same night they lost the award for best new artist.

Boyz II Men were nominated for best new artist in 1992.Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Green Day lost to Sheryl Crow.

Green Day were nominated for best new artist in 1995.Kevin Mazur/AMA2016/Getty Images

Shania Twain didn't win the award for best new artist, but now has five Grammys.

Shania Twain was nominated for best new artist in 1996.Rick Kern/Stringer/Getty Images

Britney Spears lost the award for best new artist to Christina Aguilera.

Britney Spears was nominated for best new artist in 2000.J. Merritt/Getty Images

Avril Lavigne has had success despite missing out on the title of best new artist.

Avril Lavigne was nominated for best new artist in 2003.Jason Kempin/Getty Images

John Mayer now has multiple Grammys but did not win best new artist in 2003.

John Mayer was nominated for best new artist in 2003.Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Ciara lost the award for best new artist to John Legend in 2006.

Ciara was nominated for best new artist in 2006.AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Taylor Swift never won best new artist, but she's got many other Grammys.

Taylor Swift was nominated for best new artist in 2008.VALERIE MACON/Getty Images

The Jonas Brothers lost to Adele.

The Jonas Brothers were nominated for best new artist in 2009.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Drake lost the title in 2011 but has since won five Grammys.

Drake was nominated for best new artist in 2011.Dave Benett/Getty Images

Justin Bieber lost the award for best new artist to Esperanza Spalding.

Justin Bieber was nominated for best new artist in 2011.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Despite being one of the most successful female rappers, Nicki Minaj lost best new artist in 2012.

Nicki Minaj was nominated for best new artist in 2012.Rodin Eckenroth/Stringer/Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar has won 17 Grammys but lost the award for best new artist in 2014.

Kendrick Lamar was nominated for best new artist in 2014.Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images

Ed Sheeran also lost the title in 2014.

Ed Sheeran was nominated for best new artist in 2014.Variety/Getty Images

SZA didn't win the award in 2018, but has continued to grow her career.

SZA was nominated for best new artist in 2018.Presley Ann/Getty Images

Rosalía has won Grammys and Latin Grammys, but missed out on best new artist at both ceremonies.

Rosalía was nominated for best new artist at the Latin Grammys in 2017 and the Grammys in 2020.Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Doja Cat lost the award for best new artist, but won her first Grammy the following year.

Doja Cat was nominated for best new artist in 2021.John Nacion/Getty Images

Every outfit Taylor Swift has worn on the Grammy Awards red carpet, ranked

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