Spotify Unveils Heartwarming Short Film Featuring 2026 Grammys Best New Artist Nominees, Narrated by Elton John
As the 68th Annual Grammy Awards approach, Spotify has released an exclusive short film titled "Trust in Your Sound," which chronicles the journey of this year's Best New Artist nominees from childhood to their present day. The film, premiering exclusively on Rolling Stone, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Olivia Dean, Sombr, Addison Rae, Katseye, the Marías, Lola Young, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren as they grew up with music.
The 10-minute short film showcases pivotal moments in each nominee's life, from Thomas recording in the studio to Young running through her vocals. Elton John narrates the film, offering words of wisdom to aspiring artists: "When you start to make music, you just have to follow what’s inside of you. Take a chance. Always be brave. Don’t be cautious. Just go for what you believe in."
The short film will air as a commercial during the Grammy Awards ceremony, which is set to feature performances by all the Best New Artist nominees. The event will also include appearances by Lady Gaga, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Clipse, and Pharrell Williams, among others.
"We've watched the Best New Artist nominees grow on Spotify, from those first moments of discovery to the massive breakthrough years they each had," Marc Hazan, Spotify's SVP of Marketing and Partnerships, comments. "Trust in Your Sound tells that story. It reminds us all that every artist starts the same way: by trusting their sound and taking a chance."
For Elton John, seeing these young artists flourish is a source of joy and inspiration. "I'm still making records, still involved in music, but it's the new artists and how far they've come that continue to make me so happy," he says. "You don't give up on a young artist. Their first or second album might not do well, but if you believe in them, watching them flourish is like watering a plant and seeing it become the most beautiful flower. It's the greatest reward in music, seeing a young artist persevere and blossom. It keeps me alive and inspired."
As the 68th Annual Grammy Awards approach, Spotify has released an exclusive short film titled "Trust in Your Sound," which chronicles the journey of this year's Best New Artist nominees from childhood to their present day. The film, premiering exclusively on Rolling Stone, offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Olivia Dean, Sombr, Addison Rae, Katseye, the Marías, Lola Young, Leon Thomas, and Alex Warren as they grew up with music.
The 10-minute short film showcases pivotal moments in each nominee's life, from Thomas recording in the studio to Young running through her vocals. Elton John narrates the film, offering words of wisdom to aspiring artists: "When you start to make music, you just have to follow what’s inside of you. Take a chance. Always be brave. Don’t be cautious. Just go for what you believe in."
The short film will air as a commercial during the Grammy Awards ceremony, which is set to feature performances by all the Best New Artist nominees. The event will also include appearances by Lady Gaga, Rosé, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Clipse, and Pharrell Williams, among others.
"We've watched the Best New Artist nominees grow on Spotify, from those first moments of discovery to the massive breakthrough years they each had," Marc Hazan, Spotify's SVP of Marketing and Partnerships, comments. "Trust in Your Sound tells that story. It reminds us all that every artist starts the same way: by trusting their sound and taking a chance."
For Elton John, seeing these young artists flourish is a source of joy and inspiration. "I'm still making records, still involved in music, but it's the new artists and how far they've come that continue to make me so happy," he says. "You don't give up on a young artist. Their first or second album might not do well, but if you believe in them, watching them flourish is like watering a plant and seeing it become the most beautiful flower. It's the greatest reward in music, seeing a young artist persevere and blossom. It keeps me alive and inspired."