Sombr closed out a stacked Best New Artist medley at the 2026 Grammys with a high-energy take on his I Barely Know Her track “12 to 12,” delivering one of the night’s most talked-about moments as Olivia Dean ultimately won the trophy. The short set mattered: it showcased why Sombr is one of the breakout singer-songwriters of the year.

What happened — the performance

On Feb. 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Sombr descended on a lowering platform in a spangly, angular suit and fired up the crowd with the command, “Grammys, get up!” He moved through the audience while singing “12 to 12,” ending the Best New Artist segment by dancing among fans and closing the medley that featured all nominees.

Who else was on stage

The medley included performances from The Marías, Addison Rae, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren, Lola Young and Olivia Dean. Each nominee had a moment — from The Marías’ moody “Nobody New” to Dean’s glittering rendition of “Man I Need” — before Sombr finished the run.

Why it matters now

Sombr’s appearance highlighted the commercial momentum behind him: his Hot 100 hits “Back to Friends” and “Undressed” have racked up a combined billion streams, and his presence in the Best New Artist spotlight keeps him on the Recording Academy’s radar even though his debut album received no nominations.

Industry context

The 2026 Grammys — hosted by Trevor Noah — featured big-name contenders across categories, with Kendrick Lamar leading nominations. The Best New Artist prize went to Olivia Dean, whose 2025 album The Art Of Loving reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Sombr’s medley slot, however, reinforced his visibility at a moment when live TV showcases still shape streaming and touring interest.

Reaction and social buzz

Coverage from outlets including Billboard and Pitchfork highlighted Sombr’s Valentino look and energetic stagecraft, while clips of the medley circulated quickly on social platforms. Industry observers flagged the medley as a rare TV moment where multiple emerging acts share a single, narrative-driven showcase — a boost for artists who rely on viral hits and streaming numbers to build careers.

What’s next

With the Grammys spotlight now on him, audiences can expect Sombr to capitalize on the attention through streaming, potential festival bookings and live dates. For now, the performance cements him as part of a new crop of artists climbing charts and social feeds — even as Olivia Dean takes home this year’s Best New Artist honor.

Full Grammys coverage continues as winners and nominees regroup after the Feb. 1 ceremony; fans and industry watchers will be monitoring award-season momentum and how it translates to tours, collaborations and future releases.