Which artist first won the Top New Artist category in 1994?

Ace of Base was the first winner of the Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, taking the honor in 1994.

The Swedish pop group broke through internationally with its debut album Happy Nation, released in the United States as The Sign. Its blend of dance-pop, reggae influences, and polished hooks produced major hits including “All That She Wants,” “The Sign,” and “Don’t Turn Around.”

Ace of Base’s victory began the award’s 1990s run. Real McCoy won in 1995, while Spice Girls won in 1997 after the category was not listed with a winner in 1996. No Doubt did not win this particular Billboard category.

The wording can cause confusion because “new artist” awards are not always identical across ceremonies. Billboard has used related labels and, from 2000 to 2004, divided its new-artist recognition into male and female categories. For the award’s listed 1994 winner, however, Ace of Base is the canonical answer.