GRAMMYAWARDS
ORLA,^ ROSALÍA:^ EYIKA^ GOLDRING/FILMAAGIC/GETTY^ IMMGES.^ ROGERS:^ TA
LAOR^ HILL/FILMMYGIC/GETTY^ IMAGE.L^ TANK:^ NOAM^ GASAI/GETTY^ IMAGES
.Best New Artist
Three years ago, Rogers participated in a master class at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded M“Alaska” was played for Pharrell Wproducer away. The video of WMAGGIE ROGERSilliams’ emotional reaction went viral, as did illiams — and blew the superstar artist-usic, where the Maryland native’s song
“Alaska” itself — Rogers soon inked a deal with Capitol Records, and released her major-label debut, features production from pop veteran Greg Kurstin, showcases Rogers’ earthy songwriting and knack for delivering major choruses, particularly on standouts like “Light On” and “Burning.” Billboard 200, and Rogers has performed at festivals like Coachella, Governors Heard It in a Past LifeHeard It in a Past Life, in January. The album, which debuted at No. 2 on the
Ball and Lollapalooza, as well as making her 2018. After supporting MNew York to headline Radio City Mumford & Sons and HAIMusic Hall earlier this year.Saturday Night Live on tour, Rogers returned to debut in late
Although New Orleans troupe Tank & The Bangas have been perform-ing their fusion of soul, funk, jazz and hip-hop since the early part of the decade, the triumph of the band’s 2019 full-length, land on The Recording Academy’s radar as the group’s most accomplished TANK & THE BANGASGreen Balloon, helped it
body of work to date. “Tank” is the stage name of Tarriona Ball, who leads the band with a mix of rapping, singing and spoken word; the lattermost was her preferred medium as a slam poetry artist in the Crescent City. Prior to earning the best new artist nod, Tank & The Bangas made their TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonmys ceremony, the kinetic live act will support The Revivalists on the road in the spring. Following the Gram-
in early 2020.
Catalonia, Spain, is home to one of the most vibrant new artists in genre-blurring pop in recent years, as well as one of the rare best new artist nominees who records primarily in Spanish. Rosalía broke through on a global level thanks to her lauded 2018 album, ROSALÍAEl Mal Querer, and its stand-
Mteam-up “Con Altura” and the Ozuna collaboration “Yo x Ti, Tu x Mspent 2019 touring behind the project — including a mainstage performance at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound festival that won international raves — she has also remained prolific, with new singles like “Aute Cuture,” the J Balvin out single, “Mal Querer recently won the album of the year trophy at the Latin Grammy alamente.” And although the flamenco-trained 27-year-old has i.” El
Awards, and along with the best new artist nom, Rosalía’s most recent album is also up for best Latin rock/urban/alternative album.
The rare Americana artist to earn a best new artist nod, Yolanda Quartey, a 35-year-old singer-songwriter who performs as Yola, has garnered acclaim with her fiercely soulful 2019 debut, of Phantom Limb has been an in-demand collaborator while growing her solo YOLAWalk Through Fire. The former member
and Shakey Graves sharing the stage with her, Yola has enjoyed the most fruit-Fireimprint. Wwho produced the LP in Nashville and released it on his Easy Eye Records written with artists like Wcareer: She contributed to The Highwomen’s debut album this year, and has , the most integral A-lister was Dan Auerbach, the Black Keys frontman, ith Elton John giving her a co-sign, and acts such as Lord Huron ill Young and Chase & Status. For Walk Through
ful year in an impressive professional run.Yola, Rogers, and Rosalía.The Bangas From left: Tank &
70 BILLBOARD • DECEMBER 7, 2019