Emerging artist Alex Warren, a nominee for Best New Artist at the prestigious 2026 Grammy Awards, recently unveiled a charming secret: his deep-seated fandom for pop icon Justin Bieber. This revelation came amidst his own burgeoning success, prompting him to erase years of digital interactions with his idol to maintain a professional facade. Warren's candidness extends to his fellow nominees, as he proactively connects with them, showcasing a warm and community-oriented spirit within the competitive music industry.
Alex Warren's Candid Grammy Debut: From Fan Mail to Red Carpet Encounters
At the illustrious 2026 Grammy Awards, rising star Alex Warren, celebrated for his track "Ordinary," unveiled a humorous secret from his past. During his red carpet debut, when conversing with Entertainment Weekly's editor-in-chief Patrick Gomez and PEOPLE editor-at-large Janine Rubenstein, Warren confessed his long-standing admiration for Justin Bieber. He shared a candid anecdote about emailing Bieber during his formative years, hoping for a shared skateboarding session, and the subsequent need to delete hundreds of direct messages upon his own ascent to fame. "There's probably a restraining order I don't know about," he quipped lightheartedly.
This year's Grammy nomination for Best New Artist brought Warren a unique opportunity: a close encounter with his idol. He noted, with a hint of excitement, that their tables were merely "two tables away" during the ceremony. Beyond his personal fanboy moment, Warren, a former member of the Hype House, exemplified his outgoing personality by initiating contact with his fellow Best New Artist nominees, including Lola Young, Katseye, The Marías, Leon Thomas, Olivia Dean, and Sombr. He explained that he FaceTimed many of them to offer congratulations, emphasizing his "people person" nature. Warren expressed appreciation for the diverse artistic styles among the nominees, stating, "I love how everyone's art, like, if you look at the best new artists, all of us are different, and I love that so much. And I know I was s----ing myself, so I wanted to make sure everyone else was good." The 68th Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah for his final time, aired on Sunday, February 1st, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+.
Alex Warren's journey from an avid fan to a Grammy-nominated artist offers a refreshing perspective on authenticity and camaraderie in the entertainment world. His willingness to share his past admiration for Justin Bieber humanizes his celebrity status and reminds us that even stars have their heroes. Furthermore, his genuine effort to connect with and support his fellow nominees highlights the importance of community and mutual encouragement in a typically competitive industry. This approach not only fosters a more positive environment but also inspires aspiring artists to pursue their passions while staying true to themselves.