As we turn the page to a new year, it’s clear that the next wave of music stars is ready to make their mark. From country trailblazers to pop powerhouses, these artists have dominated 2024 with chart-topping hits, viral moments, and unforgettable performances. Whether they’re bringing heartache to life with soul-stirring ballads or lighting up stages with electrifying energy, these artists are the ones you’ll want to keep on your radar. Get ready to fall in love with their stories, their sounds, and their unstoppable rise. Here’s our list of the Artists to Watch in 2025—you’ll want to say you knew them before they were everywhere!

Alexandra Kay

This past year, Alexandra Kay proved why she’s on the path of becoming one of the queens of country music. With a voice that stops you in your tracks and a hustle that never quits, Alexandra rocked her first-ever arena tour alongside Jelly Roll on his Beautiful Broken tourl, making fans fall even harder for her heartfelt lyrics and powerhouse performances. But what really sets her apart? Her absolute love for her fans. Whether she’s dropping hilarious TikToks, sharing raw moments on Instagram, or belting out her soul in sold-out shows, Kay doesn’t just sing to her audience—she connects with them.

Payton Smith

In 2024, country sensation Payton Smith has been making significant strides in the music industry. He released his heartfelt single "Camouflage Town," a tribute to his hometown of Houma, Louisiana, celebrating small-town pride and rural America. Earlier in the year, Smith unveiled his EP Up From Here, featuring tracks like "Wouldn't Put It Past Me" and "In That Case," further showcasing his dynamic range and storytelling prowess. Adding to his impressive year, Smith is set to join Brantley Gilbert's The Tattoos Tour 2025 as a special guest, sharing the stage with fellow artist Travis Denning. The tour includes a stop at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza on April 26, 2025. With these accomplishments, Smith continues to solidify his presence in the country music scene, captivating audiences nationwide.

Hayden Coffeman

In 2024, country music's rising star Hayden Coffman has been captivating audiences with a series of dynamic releases. His singles "Not My Problem," "Never Goin’ Back Story (Lex’s Song)," and "Only Smoke When I Drink" showcase his versatility and storytelling prowess. The official music video for "Not My Problem" has garnered significant attention on YouTube, further solidifying his growing presence in the country music scene. Coffman's engaging performances and authentic lyrics continue to resonate with fans nationwide, marking 2024 as a pivotal year in his burgeoning career.

Alex Warren

In 2024, Alex Warren has solidified his status as a dynamic force in the music industry with a series of heartfelt releases and a viral sensation. His debut album, You'll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1), released on September 27, showcases his emotive storytelling and musical versatility. The album features standout tracks like "Burning Down," which quickly became a viral hit, amassing over 90,000 clips on TikTok within weeks of its teaser release. Another poignant single, "Carry You Home," written as a wedding song for his wife, Kouvr Annon, added a personal touch to his repertoire. Warren's heartfelt performances and authentic lyrics have resonated with a broad audience, marking 2024 as a breakthrough year in his burgeoning career.

Tucker Wetmore

In 2024, country music's rising star Tucker Wetmore has taken the industry by storm with his authentic storytelling and viral hits. His debut single, "Wine Into Whiskey," released in February, quickly gained traction on TikTok, amassing over 6.5 million views and charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Following this success, Wetmore released "Wind Up Missin' You," which debuted in the Top 5 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts, further solidifying his presence in the country music scene. In October, he unveiled his debut EP, Waves on a Sunset, featuring the standout track "Silverado Blue." Wetmore's rapid ascent is marked by his heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes, resonating with a broad audience and establishing him as a notable figure in contemporary country music.

Hudson Westbrook

In 2024, country music's rising star, Hudson Westbrook made a remarkable impact with his authentic storytelling and viral hits. His debut single, "Take It Slow," released in April while he was still a student at Texas Tech University, quickly surpassed 14 million streams, solidifying his position in the genre. Following this success, Westbrook released "Two-Way Drive," a windows-down anthem that further showcased his song-crafting growth. His single "5 to 9" became a viral sensation, amassing over 1 million streams on Spotify and securing a spot on the platform's Viral Top 50 USA chart. In November, he unveiled his self-titled debut EP, featuring seven tracks, including the standout "House Again," which accumulated over 11 million streams within a month of its release. Westbrook's rapid ascent is marked by his heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes, resonating with a broad audience and establishing him as a notable figure in contemporary country music.

CeCe

In 2024, emerging country artist CeCe made significant waves in the music scene with her dynamic releases and viral successes. Partnering with EMPIRE, she unveiled her debut EP, All Boots, on October 25, featuring standout tracks like "Cowboy Cry" and "Pretty Red Lights." The single "Cowboy Cry," released on August 9, quickly gained traction, amassing over a million streams across platforms and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok.

Brooke Alexx

In 2024, pop sensation Brooke Alexx captivated audiences nationwide with her debut album, Big Mouth, released on October 4. The album features standout tracks like "Super Famous," "Never Liked Your Name," and the viral hit "Younger Guys," an upbeat anthem celebrating the thrill of dating younger men. Following the album's release, Alexx embarked on her first headlining tour, the "Big Mouth North American Tour," performing in 15 cities, including Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville, and New York City. Her energetic performances and relatable lyrics have solidified her status as a rising star in the pop music scene, with fans eagerly anticipating her next move.

Dasha

In 2024, pop-country sensation Dasha captivated audiences with her debut album, What Happens Now?, released in February. The album features the standout track "Austin," which became a viral sensation on TikTok, amassing over 10 billion views and earning RIAA platinum certification in multiple countries. The song's popularity propelled Dasha to No. 23 on Billboard's Global Excl. U.S. Chart, marking a significant achievement for a rising artist. Following this success, she released the deluxe edition, What Happens Now? Deluxe, in October, offering fans additional tracks that showcase her authentic storytelling and emotive vocals. 

Zach John King

In 2024, country artist Zach John King made significant strides in his musical career. He joined Conner Smith's "The Storyteller Tour" as a special guest, performing across the U.S. and Canada from October through December. On May 24, King released his debut EP, Wannabe Cowboy, a six-track collection that blends country, Americana, and indie rock influences to explore themes of love and loss. The EP has garnered over six million streams, reflecting his growing popularity. 

Tayler Holder

In 2024, country music sensation Tayler Holder ignited the stage at major festivals nationwide, including the Rise Up Music Festival in McHenry, Illinois, where he shared the spotlight with artists like Old Dominion and Lauren Alaina. On November 22, he released his heartfelt single "Dyin' Flame," a poignant exploration of a fading relationship that seamlessly blends country storytelling with pop sensibility. The track quickly resonated with fans, amassing impressive streaming numbers and showcasing Holder's emotive vocal delivery.

Ryan Waters

In 2024, Ryan Waters is turning up the heat in country music, delivering bangers that have everyone talking! With tracks like the fiery “Shadow of the Doubt” and the tear-jerking “Leavin’ a Little,” they’ve shown they can serve both raw energy and heartfelt emotion. Their latest release, “Whiskey Talkin’,” is already shaping up to be the ultimate bar anthem of the year, getting fans belting it out with a drink in hand. And the best part? It’s all leading up to their debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, dropping January 2025. With over 40 million streams and a buzz that’s spreading like wildfire, Waters isn’t just making music – they’re making waves. If you’re not already on this ride, you’re missing out!

Drew Green

Drew Green is owning 2024 like a true country trailblazer! After teaming up with RECORDS Nashville earlier this year, he’s been on a hot streak, dropping bangers that mix heartbreak, humor, and a whole lot of soul. His single “Town Drunk” has fans feeling all the feels, while his EP Whiskey On Whiskey proves he can effortlessly blend country vibes with pop and R&B swagger. And just when you thought he couldn’t get more iconic, Green gave us the holiday jam we didn’t know we needed with “All I Want For Christmas Is an Open Bar.” From party anthems to gut-punching ballads, Green is keeping playlists fresh and fans obsessed. If you’re not streaming him yet, what are you even doing?

Ashley Ryan 

Ashley Ryan is lighting up 2024 and proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in country music! After signing with ONErpm Nashville earlier this year, she wasted no time making her mark. Kicking off with her fierce single “Them Cowboys,” she had fans hooked with its modern country swagger. Then came “Stunt Double,” an anthem packed with high-energy vibes that had everyone hitting repeat. And just when we thought she couldn’t top it, Ryab dropped “Better Than Leavin’,” a heartfelt banger that feels like it’s written straight from the soul. With each release, Ryan's carving her own lane and making it clear she’s here to stay.