Nine Young Artists Who Earned Grammy Nominations Before Age 11, Plus Two New 2026 Nominees
Stephen Marley, 10 years, 309 days (1983)
Category: Best ethnic or traditional folk recording
Nominated entry: Reggae Sunsplash ’81, A Tribute to Bob Marley (Various Artists)
Notes: Marley’s nomination came as a member of The Melody Makers. The album also featured notable artists such as Steel Pulse, I-Threes, The Wailers, Eek-A-Mouse, Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru, Sheila Hylton, Gregory Isaacs, Carlene Davis, Mighty Diamonds, and Third World.
Stephen Marley, the second son of reggae icon Bob Marley and Rita Marley, is a nine-time Grammy winner. His first Grammy was awarded in 1989 as a member of Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers for the album Conscious Party, which celebrated best reggae recording. His most recent Grammy was won earlier this year for producing Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired by the Film (Deluxe), recognized as best reggae album.
Hayden Panettiere, 10 years, 136 days (2000)
Category: Best spoken word album for children
Nominated entry: A Bug’s Life Read-Along
Notes: A Bug’s Life, Pixar’s second feature-length film following Toy Story (1995), featured voice performances by Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Panettiere. The film’s narrative was inspired by Aesop’s fable The Ant and the Grasshopper.
Joya, 10 years, 110 days (2026)
Category: Best children’s music album
Nominated entry: Ageless: 100 Years Young (Joanie Leeds & Joya)
Notes: Joanie Leeds previously won in this category five years prior for All the Ladies, an album highlighting female empowerment through original songs, including RBG, about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the title track sung with Lisa Loeb.
Blue Ivy Carter, 8 years, 322 days (2021)
Category: Best music video
Nominated entry: “Brown Skin Girl,” Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & WizKid
Notes: Blue Ivy, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, whose combined Grammy wins total 60, made history with the “Brown Skin Girl” video, which won on March 14, 2021. She became the second-youngest Grammy winner at the age of 9 years and 66 days, holding the title of the youngest recipient with individual credit. LeAnn Rimes remains the youngest winner with solo and unshared billing, having won her Grammys at 14 years and 182 days in 1997.
Bobby Bare Jr., 8 years, 246 days (1975)
Category: Best country vocal performance by a duo or group
Nominated entry: “Daddy What If,” Bobby Bare, Bobby Bare Jr.
Notes: Bobby Bare is renowned for his 1963 hit “Detroit City,” which earned a Grammy for best country & western recording in 1964. His rendition of Shel Silverstein’s “Daddy What If” reached No. 2 on the Hot Country Singles chart in 1973 and No. 41 on the Hot 100. While his son was not credited on the single, official Grammy records recognize his contribution.
DeLeon Richards, 8 years, 160 days (1986)
Category: Best soul gospel performance – female
Nominated entry: DeLeon
Notes: Richards stands as the youngest individual nominee, having built a successful career following her nomination with several gospel albums, including Don’t Follow the Crowd (1987) and My Life (1996).
Aura V, 8 years, 125 days (2026)
Category: Best children’s music album
Nominated entry: Harmony by FYÜTCH & Aura V
Notes:FYÜTCH, also known as Harold Simmons II, is an artist and educator whose social justice curriculum is taught in schools across the country. He co-hosts the podcast Once Upon a Beat and, with his daughter, has appeared at prominent venues including Lincoln Center and Lollapalooza.
Leah Peasall, 8 years (2002)
Category: Album of the year
Nominated entry: O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack as a member of The Peasall Sisters
Notes: The Peasall Sisters, which included Leah, Hannah (11), and Sarah (14), provided the vocal performances for “the Wharvey Girls,” the daughters of a character played by George Clooney in the film. Their contributions to songs like “In the Highways” and “Angel Band” helped the soundtrack achieve sleeper hit status, topping the Billboard 200 for two weeks and winning album of the year. Leah remains the youngest Grammy winner to date.
Hazel Monét, 2 years, 348 days (2024)
Category: Best traditional R&B performance
Nominated entry: “Hollywood,” Victoria Monét featuring Earth, Wind & Fire & Hazel Monét
Notes: “Hollywood” is featured as the penultimate track on JAGUAR II, Victoria Monét’s debut full-length album, which garnered her three Grammy wins, including best new artist.
