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Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance
Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance
from Wikipedia

Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance
"Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter is the most recent recipient
Awarded forquality vocal and instrumental pop recordings
CountryUnited States
Presented byNational Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
First award2012
Currently held bySabrina Carpenter – "Espresso" (2025)
Most winsAdele (4)
Most nominationsTaylor Swift
Billie Eilish (5 each)
Websitegrammy.com

The Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance is an award presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards.[1] According to the 54th Grammy Awards description guides, the Best Pop Solo Performance Award as being designed for a solo performance pop recording (vocal and instrumental) and is limited to singles or tracks only.[2]

The category was introduced at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012 and combined the previous categories for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Instrumental Performance. The restructuring of these categories was a result of the Recording Academy's wish to decrease the list of categories and awards and to eliminate the distinctions between male and female (and in some cases, solo instrumental) performances.

The award goes to the performing artist. The producer, engineer and songwriter can apply for a Winners Certificate.[3]

Adele has the most victories (with four wins), and is the only act so far to win this category for consecutive years. Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish lead all performers with five nominations. The current holder of the award is Sabrina Carpenter for "Espresso", which won at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

Recipients

[edit]

2010s

[edit]
Adele was the first recipient of this award, and won it four times in 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2023.
2014 winner Lorde.
Two-time winner Ed Sheeran.
2019 winner Lady Gaga.
2020 winner Lizzo.
2021 winner Harry Styles.
2022 winner Olivia Rodrigo.
2024 winner Miley Cyrus.
2025 winner Sabrina Carpenter.
Year Performing artist(s) Work
2012
[4]
Adele "Someone Like You"
Lady Gaga "You and I"
Bruno Mars "Grenade"
Katy Perry "Firework"
Pink "Fuckin' Perfect"
2013
[5]
Adele "Set Fire to the Rain" (Live)
Kelly Clarkson "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Carly Rae Jepsen "Call Me Maybe"
Katy Perry "Wide Awake"
Rihanna "Where Have You Been"
2014
[6]
Lorde "Royals"
Sara Bareilles "Brave"
Bruno Mars "When I Was Your Man"
Katy Perry "Roar"
Justin Timberlake "Mirrors"
2015
[7]
Pharrell Williams "Happy" (Live)
John Legend "All of Me" (Live)
Sia "Chandelier"
Sam Smith "Stay with Me" (Darkchild version)
Taylor Swift "Shake It Off"
2016
[8]
Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud"
Kelly Clarkson "Heartbeat Song"
Ellie Goulding "Love Me Like You Do"
Taylor Swift "Blank Space"
The Weeknd "Can't Feel My Face"
2017
[9]
Adele "Hello"
Beyoncé "Hold Up"
Justin Bieber "Love Yourself"
Kelly Clarkson "Piece by Piece" (Idol version)
Ariana Grande "Dangerous Woman"
2018
[10]
Ed Sheeran "Shape of You"
Kelly Clarkson "Love So Soft"
Kesha "Praying"
Lady Gaga "Million Reasons"
Pink "What About Us"
2019
[11]
Lady Gaga "Joanne (Where Do You Think You're Goin'?)"
Beck "Colors"
Camila Cabello "Havana" (Live)
Ariana Grande "God Is a Woman"
Post Malone "Better Now"

2020s

[edit]
Year Performing artist(s) Work
2020
[12]
Lizzo "Truth Hurts"
Beyoncé "Spirit"
Billie Eilish "Bad Guy"
Ariana Grande "7 Rings"
Taylor Swift "You Need to Calm Down"
2021
[13]
Harry Styles "Watermelon Sugar"
Justin Bieber "Yummy"
Doja Cat "Say So"
Billie Eilish "Everything I Wanted"
Dua Lipa "Don't Start Now"
Taylor Swift "Cardigan"
2022
[14]
Olivia Rodrigo "Drivers License"
Justin Bieber "Anyone"
Brandi Carlile "Right on Time"
Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever"
Ariana Grande "Positions"
2023
[15]
Adele "Easy on Me"
Bad Bunny "Moscow Mule"
Doja Cat "Woman"
Steve Lacy "Bad Habit"
Lizzo "About Damn Time"
Harry Styles "As It Was"
2024
[16]
Miley Cyrus "Flowers"
Doja Cat "Paint the Town Red"
Billie Eilish "What Was I Made For?"
Olivia Rodrigo "Vampire"
Taylor Swift "Anti-Hero"
2025
[17]
Sabrina Carpenter "Espresso"
Beyoncé "Bodyguard"
Charli XCX "Apple"
Billie Eilish "Birds of a Feather"
Chappell Roan "Good Luck, Babe!"

Artists with multiple awards

[edit]
4 wins
2 wins

Artists with multiple nominations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance is an accolade presented annually by as part of the to recognize excellence in new vocal or pop recordings by a solo , limited to singles or tracks only. Introduced at the held on February 12, 2012, the category honors standout solo contributions in contemporary . The award emerged from a major restructuring of Grammy categories announced in April 2011, which eliminated gender-specific distinctions across genres to promote inclusivity and streamline the process, reducing the total number of categories from 109 to for the 2012 ceremony. Specifically, it combined the prior Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance categories—last awarded in 2011—with provisions for instrumental works previously recognized under Best Pop Instrumental Performance, creating a unified, gender-neutral platform for solo pop artistry. This change reflected broader efforts by to evolve with the music industry's shifting landscape, emphasizing artistic merit over traditional divisions. Over its history, the category has celebrated iconic pop moments, with British singer-songwriter holding the record for the most wins at four: "Someone Like You" in 2012, "" (live) in 2013, "Hello" in 2017, and "" in 2023. Other multiple winners include with two victories for "" in 2018 and "Bad Habits" in 2022. Recent recipients highlight the category's focus on chart-topping hits and innovative vocal deliveries, such as for "Flowers" in 2024 and for "" in 2025, underscoring pop's enduring global influence.

History

Establishment

The Recording Academy announced a major overhaul of the Grammy Awards categories on April 6, 2011, introducing the Best Pop Solo Performance as a new gender-neutral category to modernize the structure and reduce distinctions based on performer gender. This change was part of a broader effort to consolidate categories from 109 to 78, aiming to streamline the awards process and eliminate gender-specific separations in fields like pop, R&B, rock, and country, thereby promoting inclusivity in recognition. The rationale emphasized adapting to evolving music industry practices, where gender divisions were seen as outdated and limiting for solo artists. The new category merged the existing Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Instrumental Performance awards, allowing both vocal and solo pop recordings to compete together without or format biases. This consolidation reflected the Academy's goal to focus on artistic excellence in pop solo works, regardless of the performer's or whether the entry was vocal or , thereby simplifying submissions and voting. Prior to this, the -specific categories had been in place since the 1950s, but the merger addressed criticisms of inherent biases by creating a unified platform for pop solo achievements. The Best Pop Solo Performance category debuted at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 12, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Adele became the inaugural recipient, winning for her vocal performance on "Someone Like You" from the album 21, marking a significant moment in the category's launch as it highlighted the emotional depth of contemporary pop solo artistry. This first award underscored the category's immediate impact in celebrating standout individual pop contributions.

Evolution and Changes

Following the category's introduction in 2011 for the 2012 , subsequent adjustments began to refine its scope to better accommodate evolving recording practices. Live recordings were eligible provided they met commercial release standards, as demonstrated by Adele's win for "Set Fire to the Rain" (live) at the 2013 awards. Entering the , the category saw increased emphasis on digital singles and streaming platforms for eligibility, aligning with industry shifts toward non-physical releases. A pivotal update announced in 2016—effective for the 2017 awards and carrying forward—made streaming-only recordings fully eligible, provided they were commercially available during the eligibility period and adhered to solo pop performance standards. This adaptation broadened access for contemporary pop artists relying on , with ongoing refinements in subsequent years to incorporate metrics like in evaluations. By 2025, these changes had solidified the category's relevance to modern pop trends without major structural overhauls. The Recording Academy continues to conduct periodic reviews of pop categories, including Best Pop Solo Performance, to assess alignment with emerging music consumption patterns and artistic innovations as of November 2025. These evaluations ensure the award remains adaptive while preserving its core emphasis on solo excellence.

Award Overview

Category Description

The Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance recognizes artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence in a solo pop performance from new vocal or instrumental recordings released during the eligibility period. Limited to singles or individual tracks, the category highlights standout contributions within the pop genre, focusing on the performer's vocal or instrumental delivery, melodic structure, and lyrical expression. Established at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012, this category unified the prior separate honors for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance into a gender-neutral solo recognition. It distinguishes itself from related pop categories, such as Best Pop Vocal Album, which awards full-length releases, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, which celebrates collaborative works.

Eligibility and Submission

The eligibility period for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance encompasses new vocal or instrumental solo pop recordings released during a specified timeframe, currently set from August 31 of the prior year through August 30 of the award year—for instance, August 31, 2024, to August 30, 2025, for the 2026 Grammys. Entries must consist of singles or tracks only, focusing on solo performances in the pop genre, and qualify only if they have been commercially released or made available for purchase or streaming to the general public in the United States during this period. Submissions are handled exclusively through the 's Online Entry Process (OEP) portal, accessible to registered media companies—such as record labels—and Recording Academy members, including both voting and professional members. Independent artists without affiliation to a registered media company or Academy membership cannot submit entries independently and must partner with an eligible entity to enter their work. The OEP window typically opens in mid-July and closes in late of the year preceding the awards ceremony. While the Grammy trophy is awarded solely to the eligible solo performer in this category, producers, engineers, and songwriters credited on a winning recording receive honorary participation certificates from , recognizing their contributions without granting the statuette. These certificates are available to all appropriately credited individuals involved in Grammy-winning or nominated works from the past five years.

Selection Process

Nomination Procedure

The nomination procedure for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance begins with first-round voting, conducted exclusively by voting members in the Pop Field, comprising experts in vocal and instrumental production and performance. These members, who must be in , are directed to vote only in categories within their areas of expertise to maintain voting integrity. Up to five nominees are selected per category, determined by the top-voted eligible entries, with ballots tabulated by an independent firm like to ensure accuracy. Prior to voting, the Academy's awards and nominations committee, along with field-specific screening committees, reviews all submissions for eligibility disputes, proper genre classification, and compliance with rules, such as release dates and format requirements; however, the final nominees are decided solely by the member votes. The first-round voting period typically occurs in early to mid-October, with nominations announced the following November—for instance, the 2026 Grammy nominations were revealed on November 7, 2025.

Voting and Presentation

The final round of voting for the , like all categories, is conducted exclusively by voting members of , who number nearly 15,000 as of 2025. These members, comprising music professionals across various disciplines, are eligible to vote once per category in the final round, which typically occurs from mid-December to early January—such as December 12, 2024, to January 3, 2025, for the 67th Annual . Voting is conducted through a secure platform provided by the , with members required to base their selections on artistic merit and eligibility criteria, without influence from or external pressures. The winner is determined by the nominee receiving the most votes in the category, with no minimum threshold required beyond a plurality. In the event of a tie, all tied nominees are recognized as co-winners, and the results are kept confidential until the ceremony, with vote tallies verified by an independent firm like to ensure integrity. This process applies uniformly to the category, emphasizing the collective judgment of the Academy's diverse membership. The award is presented during the annual Grammy ceremony, a high-profile event held in February— for instance, the 67th Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 2, 2025, at in . Winners receive a golden gramophone trophy onstage, often accompanied by acceptance speeches that highlight the solo artist's contributions to . The ceremony is broadcast live on and streamed on Paramount+, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and amplifying the visibility of the Best Pop Solo Performance recipients. Nominees in this category frequently perform live during the telecast, showcasing their winning or nominated tracks to a global audience and enhancing the award's cultural impact.

Recipients

2010s

The Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance was introduced in to honor outstanding solo vocal or instrumental pop recordings. Over the decade, the category highlighted diverse pop styles, from soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, with winners often reflecting chart-topping hits and critical darlings. In , won for her emotive ballad "Someone Like You" from the album 21, marking the category's debut. Key nominees included for the explosive "" and for the hit "." The 2013 award went to again for her live rendition of "" from Live at the Royal Albert Hall. Notable nominees were for the introspective "" and for the country-pop crossover "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." claimed the 2014 prize for her minimalist breakthrough "Royals," a defining track from her debut studio album . Among the nominees were with the heartfelt "" and for the sweeping "Mirrors." In 2015, took home the award for the live version of his ubiquitous feel-good single "Happy." Key contenders included for the soul-stirring "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)" and for the synth-driven "." Ed Sheeran won in 2016 for "," a romantic acoustic pop standout from x. Prominent nominees featured 's narrative "" and Meghan Trainor's body-positive "." Adele secured her third win in 2017 with the piano-led epic "Hello" from 25. The field included Beyoncé's bold "Hold Up" and ' funky "24K Magic." For 2018, repeated as winner with "," a global phenomenon from ÷. Standout nominees were Kesha's empowering "Praying" and Lady Gaga's vulnerable "." The decade closed in 2019 with earning the award for the title track "Joanne (Where Do You Think You're Goin'?) " from her fifth studio album. Key nominees comprised Camila Cabello's Latin-infused "" and Grande's moody "."

2020s

The 2020s have seen the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance increasingly recognize tracks that achieve massive streaming success and viral popularity on digital platforms, reflecting shifts in eligibility rules that accommodate online releases and social media-driven hits. In 2020, won for "Truth Hurts," a empowering anthem from 2017 that surged via in , beating nominees including for "Bad Guy," for "," for "Spirit," and for "." took the award in 2021 for "," a summery track from his album Fine Line, with nominees such as for "," for "," for "," for "Yummy," and for "Cardigan." The 2022 ceremony honored Olivia Rodrigo's "," a raw that launched her to stardom, over contenders like Ariana Grande's "Positions," Billie Eilish's "," Justin Bieber's "Anyone," and Brandi Carlile's "Right On Time." claimed the prize in 2023 for "," the lead single from her album , defeating nominees including for "," for "," for "," for "," and for "." Miley Cyrus won in 2024 for "Flowers," an uplifting self-empowerment song from Endless Summer Vacation, with key nominees Taylor Swift for "Anti-Hero," Billie Eilish for "What Was I Made For?," Doja Cat for "Paint the Town Red," and Olivia Rodrigo for "Vampire." Sabrina Carpenter received the 2025 award for "Espresso," a catchy debut single from her album Short n' Sweet, surpassing nominees like Taylor Swift for "Fortnight," Billie Eilish for "Birds of a Feather," Beyoncé for "Bodyguard," and Charli XCX for "Apple."
YearWinnerSongKey Nominees
2020Lizzo"Truth Hurts""Bad Guy" (Billie Eilish), "7 Rings" (Ariana Grande), "You Need to Calm Down" (Taylor Swift)
2021Harry Styles"Watermelon Sugar""Everything I Wanted" (Billie Eilish), "Don't Start Now" (Dua Lipa)
2022Olivia Rodrigo"Drivers License""Positions" (Ariana Grande), "Happier Than Ever" (Billie Eilish)
2023Adele"Easy on Me""As It Was" (Harry Styles), "About Damn Time" (Lizzo)
2024Miley Cyrus"Flowers""Anti-Hero" (Taylor Swift), "What Was I Made For?" (Billie Eilish)
2025Sabrina Carpenter"Espresso""Fortnight" (Taylor Swift), "Birds of a Feather" (Billie Eilish)

Record Holders and Notable Artists

Multiple Award Winners

Adele holds the record for the most wins in the Best Pop Solo Performance category with four, demonstrating her enduring dominance in vocal pop through emotionally resonant ballads that achieved both critical acclaim and massive commercial success. Her victories include "Someone Like You" in 2012, which marked her breakthrough in the pop solo space with its raw piano-driven delivery, earning recognition for its heartfelt storytelling. She followed with a consecutive win in 2013 for the live version of "Set Fire to the Rain," the only artist to achieve back-to-back triumphs in this category, underscoring her vocal prowess and live performance impact during a period of vocal recovery and career resurgence. Adele's third win came in 2017 for "Hello," a global anthem that highlighted her ability to blend pop accessibility with profound introspection, further solidifying her as a leading figure in solo pop. Her fourth victory arrived in 2023 with "Easy on Me," reinforcing her status as the category's most awarded artist by capturing themes of personal reflection amid widespread chart dominance. Ed Sheeran is the only other artist with multiple wins, securing two for his versatile songwriting and acoustic-infused pop style that bridges intimate lyrics with broad appeal. His first win was in 2016 for "Thinking Out Loud," a romantic slow-burn track that showcased his guitar-driven narrative, reflecting the commercial and artistic peak of his early career. Sheeran claimed his second in 2018 for "Shape of You," a upbeat, rhythmically infectious hit that exemplified his evolution toward dance-pop elements while maintaining solo vocal focus. These wins highlight how Sheeran's solo performances have consistently resonated with Grammy voters, emphasizing his role in modernizing pop through relatable, hit-making compositions. The multiple wins by Adele and Sheeran illustrate the category's emphasis on solo artists who deliver standout vocal or instrumental pop recordings, often tying into broader narratives of commercial triumph and artistic innovation in the genre.

Multiple Nominees

Taylor Swift holds the record for the most nominations in the Best Pop Solo Performance category with five, all without a win, spanning her transition from country-influenced pop to mainstream dominance. Her nods include "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" in 2013, "" in 2015, "" in 2016, "" in 2020, and "Anti-Hero" in 2024. Similarly, has earned five nominations without securing a victory, reflecting her consistent innovation in pop introspection and production. These include "" in 2021, "" in 2022, "TV" in 2023, "What Was I Made For?" in 2024, and "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" in 2025. Ariana Grande follows with four nominations and no wins, underscoring her vocal prowess and chart success in contemporary pop. Her entries feature "Dangerous Woman" in 2017, "God is a Woman" in 2019, "7 Rings" in 2020, and "positions" in 2022. These artists exemplify the category's emphasis on solo vocal deliveries that resonate commercially and culturally. Among other notable figures, has received two nominations, including a win for "Watermelon Sugar" in 2021, demonstrating his blend of rock-edged pop appeal. Emerging artists like and have gained recognition through recent nods, signaling the influx of fresh voices in pop's competitive landscape. Nominations in this category frequently align with chart-topping singles from leaders, illustrating pop music's evolution through diverse, high-impact solo performances by rising and established stars. This pattern highlights the Recording Academy's focus on tracks that capture broad audience engagement and artistic .

References

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