The Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded to some of the music industry's most talented newcomers since 1959, with Billie Eilish (2020) being the current award holder. According to the official guidelines of the Grammys, the award is intended to recognize new artists who "release, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording that establishes the public identity of that artist."
However, for some, the Grammy's Best New Artist award could feel like a "kiss of death," because not every awarded musician manages to replicate the success they made after receiving such praise. "We got two of the five Grammys – one was Best New Artist. So that was basically the kiss of death and I feel sorry for everyone who's gotten it since," Taffy Danoff, a former member of Starland Vocal Band who scored one of the highest-selling singles of the 1970s and won the award, told VH1.
Whether their success continued or they never lived up to the awarded title, here's what the Grammy Award winning Best New Artists of the 2000s are up to now.
10 Christina Aguilera, 2000
Powerhouse singer Christina Aguilera rose to fame after her debut self-titled album catapulted her to stardom in 2000.
Now, Xtina is one of the most iconic personas of the 2000s and the 2010s, with several Grammys and even a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her albums have been sold over 75 million times, making her a very successful artist, according to Atlantic City Weekly.
9 Shelby Lynne, 2001
Pop-rock and country starlet Shelby Lynn landed the Best New Artist Grammy after the success of her breakthrough 1999 pop-rock album I Am Shelby Lynne. Even though the album was her sixth, Lynne still managed to snatch the prize from Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Papa Roach, and Sisqó.
Unfortunately, her later career wasn't as bright. She's now focused on her independent record label, Everso Records. She's also released three studio albums since her big win in 2001.
8 Alicia Keys, 2002
Alicia Keys made the headlines when she won the Best New Artist in 2002 against Nelly Furtado, Linkin Park, India Arie, and David Gray for her debut album Songs in A Mirror.
Now, Alicia Keys is just as active as ever. She released her latest album, Alicia, in 2020, with collaborations from Khalid and Miguel. Unfortunately, her upcoming world tour to propel the album has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic.
7 Norah Jones, 2003
One of the most iconic acts of the 2000s, Norah Jones has picked up a total of nine Grammy Awards in her career and secured a spot on Billboard's 'Artists of the Decade' list.
Jones still makes music. Her latest album, Pick Me Up Off the Floor, hit the market in June 2020. Despite not being as commercially successful as her other albums, it was met with positive reviews.
6 Evanescence, 2004
Rock band Evanescence rose to prominence after their hit single, Bring Me to Life, from their debut album Fallen, quickly gained popularity. The band's win for the 2004 Grammy for Best New Artist wasn't a piece of cake, though, as they went head-to-head against the likes of 50 Cent and Sean Paul.
Unfortunately, 17 years later, things aren't looking as good as they once were for Evanescence. Although the band is still active in the music industry, they have been going through several formation shifts.
5 Maroon 5, 2005
For many, Maroon 5 brings back feelings of nostalgia. The band won the Best New Artist in 2005 against Kanye West and Joss Stone for their debut album Songs About Jane.
Now, Maroon 5 is still as strong as ever. Despite bassist Mickey Madden's departure last year after domestic abuse allegation, Maroon 5 hopes to release new music in 2021, according to Deadline.
4 John Legend, 2006
John Legend enjoyed his breakthrough success in the early 2000s when his debut album, Get Lifted, was released through Kanye West's then-new label GOOD Music in 2004. It debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 with a whopping 116,000 copies sold within the first week.
Now, Legend has been active in philanthropic and charity works. Last year, he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, according to Boston Globe. In addition, Legend also released his latest album Bigger Love in 2020.
3 Carrie Underwood, 2007
Thanks to her win during the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood's career reached new heights. Her debut album, Some Hearts, catapulted her into the best-selling solo female act in country music history, with three Grammy Awards following.
Now, the country singer has been focused on other ventures. She released her debut Christian-themed book last year, and she's gearing up to release her gospel cover album, My Savior, later this year, according to People.
2 Amy Winehouse, 2008
Iconic singer Amy Winehouse was at the height of her career when she held the then-record for most wins by a female artist in a night during the 2008's Grammy Awards. Her sophomore album, Back to Black, was a massive commercial success.
Unfortunately, Winehouse passed away, in 2011, at 27-years-old, due to alcohol poisoning.
1 Adele, 2009
The last Grammy Awards recipient for Best New Artist of the 2000s was Adele. Statistically speaking, the British singer is the most commercially successful among all the Best New Artists of the 2000s, according to Billboard.
After years of hiatus, Adele recently shocked everyone with her weight loss and announced the forthcoming album, 30, coming real soon.