Alex Warren wins breakthrough artist of the year at first TikTok Awards in Los Angeles

Alex Warren was named breakthrough artist of the year at the inaugural TikTok Awards, held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 18.

The ceremony marked TikTok’s first official awards show, recognising creators, artists and cultural moments that gained traction on the platform over the past year.

Warren, known for songs including “Ordinary”, prevailed in a category that also featured KATSEYE, Laufey, Ravyn Lenae and sombr. The win adds to a year of industry recognition for the artist, who previously received the best new artist award at the MTV Video Music Awards in September.

He is also nominated for best new artist at the upcoming Grammy Awards, where the category includes KATSEYE, sombr, Olivia Dean, The Marías, Addison Rae, Leon Thomas and Lola Young. The Grammy winner will be announced on February 1.

The TikTok Awards were streamed live on TikTok and on Tubi, the event’s official streaming partner, with the ceremony scheduled to be available on demand the following day.

Other honours presented during the evening included Paris Hilton being named Muse of the Year, while LawbyMike received the I Was Today Years Old Award. Keith Lee won Creator of the Year, Bretman Rock took Video of the Year, and Jeremiah Brown was named Rising Star of the Year.

Additional awards recognised creators across storytelling, social impact, live streaming, fashion, beauty, sport, film and television.

The event highlighted TikTok’s growing influence across music, entertainment and digital culture, with winners spanning established public figures and creators who built their audiences primarily through the platform.