In 1998, who won the MTV Best New Artist Award for "Torn"?

In 1998, Natalie Imbruglia won MTV’s Best New Artist award for her video “Torn.”

The award was presented at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 10 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. Imbruglia’s “Torn” competed in the category against videos including “Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba, “The Way” by Fastball and “Feel So Good” by Mase.

“Torn” was the breakthrough hit from Imbruglia’s debut album, Left of the Middle, released in 1997. Although the song is strongly associated with her, it was originally written and recorded by the rock band Ednaswap; Imbruglia’s version became an international hit. It topped charts in several countries and helped establish her as a major new pop artist.

Readers sometimes confuse this award with the 1998 MTV Europe Music Award for Best New Act, which Imbruglia was nominated for but did not win. At the Video Music Awards, however, the specific Best New Artist winner connected with “Torn” was Natalie Imbruglia.