In a baffling twist, Sabrina Carpenter has been nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys—despite having six albums and nearly a decade of music under her belt. Fans and critics are scratching their heads, asking: What exactly makes someone “new”?
New or Just Convenient?
The Recording Academy’s Best New Artist category has always been a mystery, but Carpenter’s nomination has reignited debates about fairness and logic. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. defended the decision in a recent interview, admitting the criteria are “a little bit amorphous.” According to Mason, the category isn’t strictly about debuting; instead, it’s about an artist’s rise to prominence. “It could be their first record; it could be their sixth,” he said.
This explanation hasn’t satisfied skeptics. Critics argue that the nomination isn’t about talent but about timing and visibility, leaving smaller, truly new artists overshadowed by established names. One fan wrote on social media, “How is Sabrina Carpenter competing as a ‘new artist’ when she’s been releasing music since 2014? This is a joke.”
A History of Head- Headscratchers
Carpenter isn’t the first veteran to claim the “new” title. Acts like Green Day (nominated five years after their debut) and Marvin Hamlisch (a decade into his career) also benefitted from the Grammys’ flexible rules. In fact, the Academy’s rulebook allows for anyone who achieves a “breakthrough” within the eligibility period, regardless of their career length.
But what does “breakthrough” even mean? This year’s nominees include artists like Doechii, Khruangbin, and Raye—none of whom are strangers to fans. The blurred lines only deepen the controversy.
The Real Winners or Just a PR Game?
While Sabrina Carpenter’s nomination showcases her undeniable talent, it also exposes the Grammys’ tendency to play fast and loose with its definitions. Are we celebrating emerging artists, or just reshuffling familiar faces for a marketing boost?
As the ceremony approaches, the debate rages on. Is Carpenter’s nod a deserved acknowledgment of her recent success or proof that the Best New Artist category is just a glorified popularity contest? Fans will be watching closely—and not everyone will be cheering.
