As we kick off 2026,  it’s clear that the next era of music isn’t waiting in the wings – it’s already unfolding. Across country, pop, folk, and genre-blurring spaces, these artists spent 2025 building real momentum through viral moments, touring wins, streaming growth, and deeply engaged fanbases.

From traditionalists keeping roots music alive to boundary-pushers redefining the rules, these are the fan-favorite artists shaping what comes next. Before diving into this year’s list, it’s worth noting just how accurate last year’s Artists to Watch proved to be.

In 2025, names like Alexandra Kay, Alex Warren, Tucker Wetmore, Hudson Westbrook, and Zach John King quickly turned early buzz into tangible success. From charting singles and viral breakthroughs to packed tour schedules and growing fanbases. What began as promise became proof.

With that track record in mind, this year’s selections aren’t predictions – they’re artists already building careers fans are actively investing in.

ELIZABETH NICHOLS

Elizabeth Nichols spent 2025 proving that virality can turn into longevity. After breaking through early in the year with "I Got a New One," she followed it up with the Tough Love EP, showcasing her ability to balance clever, tongue-in-cheek songwriting with emotional depth. Her single "Oh The Things Men Do" further cemented her reputation for saying what others won’t, all while staying rooted in traditional country sounds like pedal steel and twang-forward melodies. Nichols now stands at the forefront of a new wave of artists embracing classic country textures without compromise, and fans are clearly buying in.

STEPHEN WILSON JR.

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s ascent has been anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. Following the release of his critically acclaimed double album søn of dad, which earned top honors from outlets and widespread praise across the industry, Wilson’s profile exploded. In 2025, he expanded that momentum with a deluxe edition, a widely streamed rendition of "Stand By Me," a collaboration with Shaboozey, and a high-visibility performance of the national anthem at the NFL Draft. Add in his first CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year and a successful national tour, and Wilson has firmly established himself as one of the most vital voices in modern Americana.

MOLLY GRACE

Molly Grace kicked off a bold new chapter with "Bow Wow," a sharp, funny, early-2000s-tinged pop track that marked her first release since her debut album Blush. The song arrived after a whirlwind year that included a 40-date headline tour, a sold-out London show, and a main-stage performance at All Things Go DC. With new music signaling a louder, more confident era, she’s entering 2026 ready to expand far beyond her already dedicated fanbase.

TYLER NANCE

Tyler Nance’s rise in 2025 was fueled by authenticity and undeniable fan connection. Drawing directly from his blue-collar roots, Nance broke through with "Keeps Me Sane,"which amassed over a million streams in just days and went on to land him on Spotify’s Viral 50 Global chart. His EP I’m Not Him further showcased his storytelling strength, blending traditional instrumentation with emotionally grounded lyrics. With festival appearances at Rock the South and Cattle Country and tour support slots already on the books, Nance is heading into 2026 with momentum that feels both organic and hard-earned.

KAITLIN BUTTS

Kaitlin Butts had one of the most dominant years on this list. Her viral anthem You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me) racked up massive streaming numbers and hundreds of millions of TikTok views, but her success didn’t stop there. In 2025, Butts toured extensively with Lainey Wilson, Molly Tuttle, and Ella Langley, reunited with Flatland Cavalry, and earned spots in both the Opry Next Stage Class and CMT’s Next Women of Country. She capped the year with her major-label debut, The Yeehaw Sessions, capturing the electric energy of her live show and setting the stage for an even bigger 2026.

BODIE

Bodie’s breakout year was defined by risk-taking and relentless work ethic. His debut album NO SKIPS lived up to its name, earning critical praise and fueling a year packed with touring – from headlining his own Murder My Ego Tour to sharing stages with Elevation Rhythm and Seph Schlueter. His hit "whisper and the wind" cracked the Top 10 on Billboard Airplay and Mediabase, earned Dove Award nominations, and even took home the grand prize at the International Songwriting Competition. With a deluxe album release and another full year of touring ahead, bodie is entering 2026 with serious momentum.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS

Emily Ann Roberts has spent years earning her stripes, and 2025 was a culmination of that dedication. With more than 88 million global streams, a debut album (Can’t Hide Country) praised by Billboard, People, and MusicRow, and a follow-up EP released this fall, Roberts continues to bridge bluegrass tradition and modern country polish. Her touring résumé includes runs with Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, and Clint Black, while her inclusion in CMT’s Next Women of Country and appearances at the Grand Ole Opry further solidify her standing as one of country music’s most trusted traditional voices.

SPENCER HATCHER

Spencer Hatcher is part of the growing resurgence of traditional country, and he’s doing it without chasing trends. His debut EP Honky Tonk Hideaway showcases twang-heavy honky-tonk, vivid storytelling, and a commitment to the genre’s roots that has earned early radio attention and a rapidly growing fanbase. Now based in Nashville, Hatcher’s relentless touring and clear artistic vision suggest he’s laying the groundwork for a long-term career, with 2026 shaping up to be a major step forward.

MCCOY MOORE

McCoy Moore is quietly building momentum through thoughtful songwriting and emotional honesty. His recent EP highlights a writer deeply committed to sincerity, crafting songs that feel personal while remaining widely relatable. With growing visibility in Nashville and a sound that bridges classic country foundations with modern storytelling, Moore feels poised to break beyond the indie circuit and into wider recognition in the year ahead.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND

The Jack Wharff Band have steadily built one of the most impressive grassroots movements in country and Americana. Through nonstop touring, festival appearances, and emotionally resonant releases, the Virginia-based band has cultivated a fast-growing national fanbase. Their blend of Appalachian influence, classic storytelling, and modern energy feels perfectly aligned with country music’s renewed embrace of its roots – making 2026 a potential breakout year.

ASHLEY ANNE

At just 21, Ashley Anne has already distinguished herself through emotionally observant songwriting and a coastal, atmospheric sensibility. Early releases and collaborations highlighted her ability to write with intimacy and restraint, while her live performances proved she can command larger stages. As she looks toward 2026, Anne appears ready to push deeper emotionally and sonically, signaling a new chapter of artistic growth.

FAITH SCHUELER

Faith Schueler continues to win over country fans with heartfelt storytelling and emotionally rich vocals. Her breakout track "Getting Over You" helped establish her as a writer to watch, while newer releases like "Goodbye Thing" further showcase her nostalgic, soul-forward approach. With multiple singles and an EP planned, Schueler is positioning herself for a significant creative leap in the year ahead.

PEECH.

Utah-born artist Peech. has built a loyal following through emotionally driven songwriting and a sound that blends country-folk with subtle hip-hop influences. His breakout track "Tell Me" has surpassed millions of streams, and his debut EP Small Town America laid the foundation for what’s shaping up to be an ambitious next chapter. With new versions, collaborations, and a full-length album on the horizon, Peech is steadily expanding his reach.

TYRA MADISON

Tyra Madison’s voice and storytelling have set her apart from the start. Born in Kentucky and now based in Nashville, her music reflects a deep connection to country tradition paired with modern emotional clarity. Songs like "Right Girl Wrong Time" and her holiday release "Santa, Can You Fix a Broken Heart" showcase both her vocal strength and versatility. With new music and a major announcement on deck, Madison is entering 2026 with undeniable momentum.

ERIN KIRBY

Erin Kirby’s journey from American Idol alum to respected country vocalist reached a new milestone with the release of her debut EP In and Out of Love. Known for her powerful, "Adele country" vocal style, Kirby has performed everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to SXSW and earned millions of streams through collaborations like Kameron Marlowe’s "I Can Lie (The Truth Is).” With multiple releases planned, 2026 is shaping up to be her biggest year yet.