Every year, several up-and-coming music artists are nominated for the MTV Video Music Awards for Best New Artist. Though only one person wins, all rising stars deserve recognition. For the 2024 VMAs, the following artists were nominated: Benson Boone, Chapel Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shabuzzi, Teddy Swims and Tyra.
The Best Newcomer award went to 26-year-old Chapel.
Upon receiving his award, Chappelle dedicated the award to “all the drag artists who have inspired me.” [her]” he said, giving a nod to “all the queer and trans people who inspire pop.”
“To all the queer kids in the Midwest watching this show right now: I get you. I’m one of you,” she continued, “and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be who you want to be.”
Chapel Lawn is #VMAs Acceptance speech. pic.twitter.com/Dd6tv5re7X
— Variety (@Variety) September 12, 2024
All of the nominees for Best New Artist have had successful years: Tyra, 22, won a VMA this year in the Afrobeat category for her song “Water.”
“African music can be pop music,” Tyra noted after winning the award. “This is really special, but it’s also bittersweet because I know there’s a tendency to lump all African artists under Afrobeat…African music is so diverse and it’s not just Afrobeat.”
Benson, 22, is also hard at work. Before winning the Moonman Award for Best Alternative, she was a global pop icon. Taylor Swift Her Eras TourThe “Beautiful Things” hitmaker has been steadily gaining popularity for his powerful voice and range.
Rumor has it I’ll never stop blessing Chapel Roan Her first #VMAs Win 💞 pic.twitter.com/Gus0WdasWO
— MTV (@MTV) September 12, 2024
“Good Luck, Babe!” artist Chappelle has been gaining momentum on social media and in the music world. Thanks to her colorful fashion and bold vocal choices, her style quickly caught the attention of fans after she performed at multiple music festivals last year. Earlier this summer, Olivia Rodrigo The VMA winner also invited Chappelle onto her stage. GUTS. World TourThe two belted out another hit single by Chappelle, “HOT TO GO!”
Chappelle and Benson aren’t the only artists who’ve worked with the likes of Taylor, 34, and Olivia, 21. Gracie has worked with the two megastars in the past as well. In fact, Gracie, 25, even co-wrote the song “Us” with Taylor, giving fans a glimpse into their intriguing writing process over the summer.
As seen in an Instagram video shared by Gracie in June, the “Close to You” singer and “Karma” artist nearly had a fire inside the house and had to figure out how to properly put it out.
“Writing this entire song from 2am to 6am was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in my life,” Gracie captioned the video post at the time. “@taylorswift now I know how to use a fire extinguisher. I love you.”