The Grammy for Best New Artist has been awarded since 1960 (Bobby Darin being the first artist to win it.) Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for records released in the previous year. The award was not presented in 1967. The official guidelines are as follows: (For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.) Note that this is not necessarily the first album released by an artist.

Supposedly, winning the "Best New Artist" award is considered by many to be a curse, as several award winners never have been able to duplicate the success they received in their debut year. Though many have not, a few artists who have won the award have remained successful, including The Beatles, Bobby Darin, Sheryl Crow, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Norah Jones, LeAnn Rimes, Tom Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Evanescence, Carrie Underwood and Toni Braxton.

The category is also notable for being the only category in which a Grammy Award was revoked. This occurred in 1990 after it was revealed winners Milli Vanilli did not do their own vocals on their debut album. The award was revoked, but was not handed out to another artist. In addition, LeAnn Rimes was the first Country Artist to win this award.