Last year was full of artists breaking through and achieving mainstream ubiquity, from Chappell Roan to Sabrina Carpenter to Benson Boone — all of whom will compete for Best New Artist at the Grammys on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Already this year, a fresh crop of artists has emerged — all hopeful to achieve a similar feat. And while these seven artists across genres built momentum last year, they’re intent on maintaining it throughout 2025.
Cash Cobain became known for his breakout hit “Fisherrr,” which earned a high-profile collaboration; Gigi Perez scored a viral hit and new label deal, and is now working on an upcoming full-length; indie-rock trio Horsegirl returned to their hometown of Chicago to record its second album, due this year, at a locally renowned studio; Jane Remover has a genre-spinning new album and headlining tour planned; Kapo is plotting a new album after scoring concurrent global hits last year; Lola Young is locking in following her first two Billboard Hot 100 hits, including a Tyler, The Creator track and her own smash “Messy”; and Tucker Wetmore has extended his headlining tour while readying a full-length to arrive this year.
Wetmore best summarizes how it feels to be on the cusp of a major year, having told Billboard: “I don’t want to just be a moment. I want to use the momentum to build something great.”
Thanks to such chart debuts and big-name collaborations — and the promise of new music on the horizon — these talents across genres are worth keeping an eye on.