Who will win for best new artist at the 2021 BET Awards on June 27? Unlike some years where there’s a clear favorite, this year’s contest seems wide open. The nominees are evenly split between male artists (Giveon, Jack Harlow and Pooh Shiesty) and female artists (Coi Leray, Flo Milli and Latto). All six nominees are in their early to mid 20s.
The three male nominees have all reached the top five on the Billboard 200. (Not so the female nominees.) Giveon and Harlow both received Grammy nominations in November.
The last two winners in the category — Lil Baby (2019) and Roddy Ricch (2020) — were both male rappers. Leray, Flo Milli or Latto would be the first female winner since SZA three years ago. Giveon would be the first non-rap winner since SZA.
Here’s a closer look at the nominees. They’re listed in alphabetical order.
