In 2019, Dua Lipa won her first-ever GRAMMYs: one in the Best Dance Recording category, for her song “Electricity,” and a second in the all-genre Best New Artist category.
In this episode of GRAMMY Rewind, revisit the singer’s inspiring Best New Artist acceptance speech, which she used as a platform to celebrate the strides women creators have made.
She was particularly emotional as she took the stage to claim the latter trophy, admitting that she was “nervous” and didn’t quite know what to say. It was easy to see why: For Lipa, the win was a major personal accomplishment, but it also represented a victory for female musical artists as well as anyone who hopes to find stardom without sacrificing their individuality.
“Where I want to begin is by saying how honored I am to be nominated alongside so many incredible female artists,” she said from the podium. “I guess this year we’ve really stepped up.”
Women made up the bulk of the Best New Artist nominees at the 61st GRAMMY Awards; Luke Combs and Greta Van Fleet were the only two male contenders in the category. Plus, the nominees also represented a wide range of genres, backgrounds and identities.
From the sunglass-sporting R&B powerhouse H.E.R. to the Americana mainstay Margo Price to the genre-blending pop phenom Bebe Rexha, each contender brought a well-developed, unique sense of self to their music.
After offering her emotional gratitude to her fans, family and team, Lipa remarked on how the category — and her win — should provide inspiration for anyone making a run at success without letting go of who they are.
“For anyone that hasn’t realized how special they are — to have a different story, a different background, a name that honors their roots — because they just wanna be normal, whatever the hell that means,” Lipa said. “Just know that no matter where you’re from, or your background, or what you believe in, never let that get in the way of you and your dreams, because you deserve it.”
“I’m proof that you can do whatever you put your mind to,” she added. “However hard you work, I really believe in it, and I believe in you.”
The singer’s belief in pursuing dreams and individuality in tandem would continue to serve her well in the years ahead. At the 63rd GRAMMY Awards, she was a GRAMMY winner again — this time for Best Pop Vocal Album for Future Nostalgia.
Watch the video above to see Lipa’s full Best New Artist acceptance speech, and check back for more episodes of GRAMMY Rewind.
Future Nostalgia: How Dua Lipa Rose From Best New Artist To Massive Pop Star