Just Revealed: 2025 Grammy Awards Nominees

The 2025 Grammy Nominees: Who Will Be the Next Big Thing?

The Rise of the Hyperpop Princess: Charli XCX’s Journey to Stardom

Charli XCX is a product of the internet. A teen during MySpace’s peak years, Charli — born Charlotte Aitchison — landed her first gigs thanks to the platform. Her first amateur album, 14, caught the attention of a promoter organizing illegal raves in London, and soon enough, she was performing at those parties as Charli XCX — fittingly, a former online username. Even though 14 never had an official release (and Charli has declared her distaste for it, calling the project “terrible MySpace music”), her earliest beginnings became the throughline to her current work. MySpace was a breeding ground for creativity and Charli used it to explore niche — and unheard-of — genres. To date, she’s touched on every iteration of pop, including electro-pop and dance-pop, even being heralded as the figurehead for hyperpop. As a result, she’s not your stereotypical pop star. Just over a decade after the release of her debut album, 2013’s True Romance, Charli XCX is bringing everything she’s done from her MySpace beginnings to present day with her sixth studio album, Brat. Leaning on the time spent performing at raves and clubs as a young teen, she embodies the same childlike and larger-than-life approach she had when she was first starting.

Charli XCX was signed to Asylum Records in 2010 but felt lost, according to an interview with The Guardian. The process of figuring out her artistry earned her a trip to meet with producers in Los Angeles, where she met American producer Ariel Rechtshaid. After they wrote her eventual single “Stay Away,” everything started falling into place. “I was freaking out: I had found a piece of myself in this crazy world where people are trying to drag you apart and make you into something,” she recalled. “That’s when things started to come together.”

Before she even released her debut album, Charli XCX first found global success as a songwriter. After penning the club-ready song “I Love It,” she opted to give it away to Swedish synth-pop duo Icona Pop because it didn’t suit the sound Charli was leaning into. But she did feature on the 2012 track, which became a global smash and landed at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 — solidifying Charli as an artist to watch. Almost a year later, Charli XCX released her major label debut with True Romance, her first studio album, in 2013. Although it didn’t land on any major charts or spawn any hits, what the album did have was a clear, catchy direction. When reflecting on the album to NME, she stated that she was “just a MySpace kid” inspired by things that seemed out of reach for her, like the plots in teen movies and party photos from club scenes. True Romance was also integral to Charli discovering herself “as a person”; she’s said that the album helped her better understand her voice, confidence, style, and stage presence.

Although True Romance didn’t immediately make Charli XCX into a household name, it did usher in new opportunities for her as an artist. One of those opportunities was working with then-up-and-coming rapper Iggy Azalea on the track “Fancy,” which marked a breakthrough moment for both rising stars. Along with spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and scoring Charli XCX her first two GRAMMY nominations (Record Of The Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance), she has insisted that “Fancy” helped open the doors for her to write for bigger artists. Following the taste of the mainstream after “I Love It” and “Fancy,” Charli XCX seemingly veered towards a poppier and brighter sound — and soon found herself on the charts as a solo act. Charli XCX’s first top 10 solo hit, “Boom Clap,” was first featured in the 2014 film The Fault in Our Stars and eventually became the lead single to Charli XCX’s sophomore record, Sucker. Working with the likes of Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend, Benny Blanco, and more, Sucker showcased XCX’s whip-smart songwriting and tongue-in-cheek aphorism, changing out gritty synths for glittery melodies and infectious hooks.

The Grammy’s New Class: Challengers to the Throne

The slate of best new artist nominees at the 2011 Grammy Awards was the most stacked in recent memory: Justin Bieber, a teen heartthrob who would go on to become the only relevant solo male pop star of the 2010s so far; Drake, at the beginning of his quest to fully meld hip-hop and R&B; Mumford & Sons, a band that delivered roots rock with arena muscle; and Florence & the Machine, glam art-rock innovators. The winner, of course, was none of these artists. It was Esperanza Spalding, a jazz singer and bassist who had released her third intimate album.

The 2025 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be just as diverse and exciting. While we don’t yet know the full list of nominees, there are a number of artists who are generating buzz and have the potential to take home the coveted trophy. These artists represent a new generation of musicians who are pushing boundaries, experimenting with sound, and connecting with audiences in deeply meaningful ways.

Breaking Genre Barriers: Exploring the Diverse Sounds Shaping the 2025 Music Scene

One of the most striking things about the current music landscape is the blurred lines between genres. Artists are no longer confined to traditional categories, and they’re freely blending elements of pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and everything in between. This genre-bending approach is creating a truly exciting and innovative soundscape.

TikTok’s Influence: How Social Media is Powering the Next Generation of Artists

Social media has become an essential tool for artists to connect with fans, promote their music, and build their careers. TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a powerful platform for discovering and launching new talent. Artists can leverage the platform’s viral potential to reach millions of people with their music, and many have gone on to achieve mainstream success after gaining traction on TikTok.

The Indie Darlings: Emerging from the Underground to Claim Their Place on the Stage

While mainstream success is always a goal for many artists, there’s also a vibrant independent music scene that’s thriving. These indie darlings are often characterized by their unique sounds, DIY ethos, and passionate fan bases. They’re proving that it’s possible to achieve success on your own terms, without relying on traditional industry structures.

What Makes a “Best New Artist”? More Than Just Talent

The “Best New Artist” category at the Grammys is meant to recognize artists who are making a significant impact on the music industry, not just those who are technically gifted. While talent is undoubtedly important, there are other factors that contribute to an artist’s success, including originality, innovation, cultural relevance, and business acumen.

The Impact of Social Advocacy: Artists Using Their Platform for Change

In today’s world, artists often use their platforms to speak out on social and political issues. They raise awareness for important causes, advocate for change, and inspire their fans to get involved. This commitment to social advocacy can be a powerful force for good, and it’s something that Grammy voters increasingly value.

The Business of Music: Navigating the Industry and Building a Sustainable Career

The music industry is a complex and challenging business. Artists need to be savvy negotiators, marketers, and entrepreneurs in order to succeed. They need to understand how to protect their intellectual property, build a strong team, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Building a sustainable career in music requires more than just talent; it takes hard work, dedication, and a good understanding of the business side of the industry.

Beyond the Grammys: Recognizing Success Beyond Awards and Chart Positions

While the Grammys are a prestigious award, they are just one measure of success in the music industry. There are many other ways for artists to achieve recognition and build a lasting legacy. Touring, building a dedicated fan base, and creating meaningful music that connects with people on a deeper level are all important aspects of a successful career.