Zara Larsson rejects Grammy Best New Artist category

Swedish singer Zara Larsson has expressed her refusal to be considered for the Best New Artist category at the upcoming 2027 Grammy Awards. In an interview with Perfect Magazine, Larsson revealed that her former record label had discussed submitting her for the category following the global success of her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun.

Larsson rejected the idea, stating, “I don’t even want that. That would downplay the 13 years of me being an artist. I’m not a new artist.” Having won the Swedish version of America’s Got Talent at age 10 and released multiple successful singles like “Lush Life” and “Symphony,” she prefers to be described as a “breakthrough” artist rather than a newcomer.

Regardless of her personal preference, Larsson would be ineligible for the Best New Artist category under Recording Academy rules. She previously received a Grammy nomination in 2026 for her single “Midnight Sun” in the Best Dance Pop Recording category, and the Academy prohibits artists with prior performance nominations from competing for the Best New Artist award.