Both artists were rumored to be going head-to-head for the coveted prize but it turns out that neither of them will actually be in the running. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Post Malone was submitted for the category and he met all the criteria, except music industry insiders believe that due to his success with Stoney, which released in 2016, he’s a little past the point of still being considered a new artist. Similar circumstances were handed down to Cardi B as she won’t be in the category because of her prior nominations at the show. The new rules for “Best New Artist” state that any artist that has received previous nominations is disqualified from running.

What was gearing up to be a battle between two of 2018’s heavy hitters has already deflated. Who do you think will be nominated, and ultimately win “Best New Artist?”