The 2024 Grammy Best New Artist Race: Why Victoria Monét’s ’15-Year Pursuit’ Triumphed Over Viral Sensations

The 66th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 4, 2024, delivered one of the most compelling and diverse lineups in the history of the Best New Artist category, pitting viral sensations and streaming titans against industry veterans finally achieving mainstream recognition. This year’s race was a fascinating study in the modern music landscape, where a 15-year journey to the spotlight ultimately claimed the prize.

The winner was the R&B singer-songwriter Victoria Monét, whose victory was a powerful testament to perseverance and the quality of her breakthrough album, Jaguar II. While the headlines often focus on overnight successes, Monét's win highlighted the Recording Academy's appreciation for a slow-burn, meticulously crafted career. Her emotional acceptance speech, referencing her "15-year pursuit," instantly became one of the night's most memorable moments.

The Winner: Victoria Monét's Biography and Historic Grammy Wins

Victoria Monét, born Victoria Monét McCants, has carved a unique path in the music industry, transitioning from a highly successful behind-the-scenes songwriter to a celebrated solo artist.

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• Full Name: Victoria Monét McCants
• Born: May 1, 1989 (Age 35 as of late 2024)
• Hometown: Sacramento, California, U.S.
• Genre: R&B, Pop
• Career Start: Began her career as a songwriter in the early 2010s, notably for artists like Ariana Grande, Fifth Harmony, and Nas.
• Breakthrough Album: Jaguar II (2023)
• Signature Song: "On My Mama"
• 2024 Grammy Wins: Best New Artist, Best R&B Album (for Jaguar II), and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
• Key Narrative: Her win was framed as a "15-year pursuit," emphasizing her long road to solo stardom.

Monét’s success at the 2024 Grammys was a multi-category sweep, signaling her arrival as a major force in R&B. The album Jaguar II, released in August 2023, was a critical darling, blending classic R&B and funk with a modern, sensual edge. The single "On My Mama" became a cultural moment, earning her a nomination for Record of the Year and solidifying her status as a mainstream star.

The Diverse Field: Analyzing the Eight Best New Artist Nominees

The 2024 Best New Artist category was arguably the most eclectic in years, showcasing the fragmentation and diversity of contemporary music. The nominees spanned R&B, Pop, Country, Folk, Drill, and Electronic music, each with a unique claim to the "breakthrough" title.

The Folk-Pop Phenomenon: Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan’s nomination was a nod to the immense, grassroots success of his album Stick Season. The Vermont singer-songwriter saw his folk-pop anthems, characterized by raw, honest lyrics about mental health and small-town life, explode in popularity throughout 2023.

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The title track, "Stick Season," became a global smash, even reaching number one on the U.K. singles chart in early 2024, demonstrating a slow-burn viral success that culminated in a major Grammy nod. His music resonated deeply with listeners who appreciated a return to lyrical depth and authentic storytelling, making him a major contender for the award.

The Multi-Genre Crossover Star: Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) presented the most compelling narrative of transformation and crossover appeal. The Nashville artist, who started in rap and rock, achieved massive success with his 2023 country debut album, Whitsitt Chapel.

His music, which often addresses themes of addiction, redemption, and mental struggle, struck a chord across multiple genres, giving him a unique position in the race. His nomination acknowledged a career that, while long-standing, had only recently broken into the mainstream consciousness of the wider music industry.

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The Viral Drill Princess: Ice Spice

Ice Spice (Isis Gaston) was the definitive representation of the modern, TikTok-driven viral breakthrough. She gained major recognition in late 2022 with the single "Munch (Feelin' U)," and her star power only grew throughout 2023.

Her signature flow, distinct aesthetic, and collaborations with major artists like Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift cemented her as the "Princess of Drill." Her nomination was a clear recognition of the power of social media to launch artists into the mainstream at an unprecedented speed, representing the antithesis of Monét’s long journey.

The Remaining Contenders: Depth and Diversity

The depth of the 2024 class was further demonstrated by the strength of the other four nominees, each dominating their respective genres.

The R&B Renaissance: Coco Jones

Coco Jones, known for her early career as a Disney Channel star, completed a stunning professional renaissance with her EP What I Didn't Tell You. Her music brought a mature, soulful sound to contemporary R&B, earning her critical praise and demonstrating a successful pivot from child star to serious artist.

The Indie-Pop Darling: Gracie Abrams

Gracie Abrams, the daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams, emerged as a leading voice in vulnerable, introspective indie-pop. Her debut album, Good Riddance (2023), and her high-profile role as an opening act on Taylor Swift's massive Eras Tour provided her with unparalleled visibility and a dedicated fanbase, making her a strong contender.

The Electronic Music Master: Fred again..

Fred again.. (Fred Gibson) represented the electronic music world. The British producer and DJ, known for his unique "Actual Life" trilogy of albums (2021-2023), uses voice notes and samples from everyday life to create deeply emotional, communal dance music. His explosive live performances, including a major set at Glastonbury 2023, validated his place among music's elite.

The Americana Soul Duo: The War And Treaty

The husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, known as The War And Treaty, brought a powerful Americana and Soul blend to the category. While they have been active for a decade, their continued rise in visibility and critically acclaimed albums like Healing Tide and Hearts Town earned them the nomination, highlighting their electrifying, gospel-infused performances.

Topical Authority: The Significance of Victoria Monét's Win

Victoria Monét's victory in the 2024 Best New Artist category is a significant marker for the music industry. It was a decisive win that favored artistic commitment and a high-quality, fully realized album over sheer viral momentum.

In a year where the competition included the undisputed streaming powerhouse Ice Spice and the folk-pop juggernaut Noah Kahan, Monét’s win for an R&B project, Jaguar II, demonstrates the enduring value the Recording Academy places on the craft of songwriting and album construction. Her success wasn't just about a single hit like "On My Mama," but about a cohesive, multi-award-winning body of work. By also taking home Best R&B Album, Monét solidified her status not just as a "new" artist, but as a leading voice in her genre, proving that sometimes, the most rewarding breakthroughs are those that take the longest to achieve.