The Best New Artist category is often the first the general public hears about the new kids on the block shaking up the music charts. Looking back through a few of the more recent past winners of this Grammy award, it’s hard to imagine a time before these artists dominated the soundtrack of our lives.

With five new artists nominated for this year, only history can tell what the future could hold.

2011
[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Esperanza Spalding[/lastfm]

Esperanza was the first jazz artist to snag the Best New Artist award. She has a new album called Radio Music Society coming out in March.

2011 Nominees:
Drake
Florence + The Machine
Justin Bieber
Mumford & Sons