{"id":2071195,"date":"2026-07-31T15:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2071195"},"modified":"2026-07-31T15:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:03:42","slug":"billboards-21-under-21-see-who-made-the-2026-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2071195","title":{"rendered":"Billboard\u2019s 21 Under 21: See Who Made the 2026\u00a0List"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21u21-hero-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=1024&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"\n\t\t\t\ta-content lrv-a-floated-parent lrv-a-glue-parent a-font-body-m\n\t\t\t\tu-font-size-19 u-max-width-690 lrv-u-margin-lr-auto pmc_list pmc-paywall\n\t\t\t\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tThis year\u2019s roundup of fast-rising young talent includes solo stars and global groups, familiar names and newcomers \u2014 all of whom have something in common, aside from being under the age of 21. This group of 21 artists are all prioritizing authenticity over anything else \u2014 and proving that\u2019s a winning strategy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAs Disney star Freya Skye shares, \u201cauthenticity doesn\u2019t expire.\u201d It\u2019s a sentiment that current cover star Bella Kay agrees with, noting \u201cit\u2019s really easy to get caught up in what people want you to be.\u201d (Bella appears on the cover of <em>Billboard<\/em>\u2018s Up-And-Comers Issue with fellow rising stars Slayyyter and Trueno. Read their feature here.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tThe idea of remaining true to oneself is a concept underlined by CORTIS and Milo J as well, both of whom received breakout Q&amp;As as part of this year\u2019s 21 Under 21, alongside Violet Grohl and Sienna Spiro. Both Grohl and Spiro released their debuts albums this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tCORTIS\u2019 Juhoon believes \u201csincerity lasts much longer than trying to impress everyone,\u201d while Milo J also stresses the importance of remaining authentic over time, especially as these young artists\u2019 careers continue to escalate at a rapid rate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tFormer 21 Under 21 lists have included superstars who have since aged out of eligibility, such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Xavi, sombr, Ayra Starr and many more artists and acts who continue to climb the charts and festival lineups today.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tRead below to see who else made it onto this year\u2019s 21 Under 21 list.<\/p>\n<div id=\"pmc-gallery-vertical\">\n<div class=\"c-gallery-vertical-loader u-gallery-app-shell-loader\">\n<ul class=\"pmc-fallback-list-items lrv-a-unstyle-list lrv-u-margin-t-2\">\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>KATSEYE<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/katseye-cr-rahul-bhatt-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=225\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"KATSEYE\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/katseye-cr-rahul-bhatt-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=225\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"KATSEYE\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Rahul Bhatt\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Names\/Ages <\/strong>Daniela, 21; Lara, 20; Megan, 20; Sophia, 24; Yoonchae, 18<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>HYBE x GEFFEN<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>HYBE x GEFFEN<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>HYBE x GEFFEN<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tSince forming on 2023\u2019s <em>Dream Academy <\/em>competition series, the global girl group has enjoyed its loftiest year to date, from making its Lollapalooza debut to scoring its first two Grammy nominations (including best new artist) to landing three new Billboard Hot 100 entries following its 2025 debut on the chart: January\u2019s \u201cInternet Girl,\u201d April\u2019s \u201cPinky Up\u201d and June\u2019s \u201cIconic by Mistake\u201d with K-pop powerhouses Le Sserafim and ILLIT. \u201cEvery moment has felt surreal,\u201d Megan says. KATSEYE also embarked on its debut tour in November (\u201cGetting to meet so many EYEKONS along the way meant so much to all of us,\u201d Yoonchae says of the North American <em>Beautiful Chaos<\/em> tour) before launching its first global trek, The Wildworld Tour, this fall. This year also brought some unexpected change, as member Manon announced her \u201cindefinite hiatus\u201d in February. But the for-now-quintet has \u201clearned to confide in each other,\u201d Sophia says. \u201cIt took a big step of honesty to unlock genuine trust and vulnerability with where we\u2019re at.\u201d As they look ahead to the group\u2019s third album, August\u2019s <em>Wild<\/em>, Daniela is hoping she and her groupmates can stay true to what they love \u201ceven when things move really fast.\u201d Understanding that getting to this level is an all-or-nothing pursuit, Lara advises, \u201cYou cannot succeed if you don\u2019t truly want this with everything in you.\u201d <em>\u2014 KATIE ATKINSON<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>North West<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/north-west-cr-lily-lauria-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"North West\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/north-west-cr-lily-lauria-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"North West\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Lily Lauria\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>13<br \/><strong>Label<\/strong> North West\/gamma.<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>AYO Music Group<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Damien Smith<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tBeing the oldest child of Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Kim Kardashian comes with enough pressure and scrutiny; following in the musical footsteps of her hip-hop legend father comes with a whole other level of towering expectations. But North West did just that, becoming one of the youngest acts to ever chart on the Hot 100 in 2024 when <em>Vultures 1<\/em>\u2019s \u201cTalking,\u201d which features West alongside Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, debuted at No. 30. \u201cDon\u2019t wait for permission, don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re older,\u201d West says. \u201cDream the biggest because nobody changes the world by thinking small.\u201d Following collaborations with FKA twigs and Skaiwater, West continued to come into her own in 2026 with the release of her self-produced, emo rage-rap EP, <em>N0rth4evr<\/em>. She performed with her father in front of a sold-out SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in April and was a guest at Rolling Loud Orlando before making her official festival debut with a set at Summer Smash in June \u2014 all before she even became a teenager. \u201cPeople have so much to say about what I\u2019m doing and how I\u2019m doing it,\u201d she says. \u201cAs a young artist, you have to figure out who you are before the world tries to tell you who to be.\u201d <em>\u2014 MICHAEL SAPONARA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Sienna Spiro<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sienna-spiro-cr-mathias-apap-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Sienna Spiro\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sienna-spiro-cr-mathias-apap-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Sienna Spiro\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Mathias Apap\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Capitol Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Sony Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Method Music<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tJust a few years ago, Sienna Spiro was posting videos of herself singing on social media. In the past 12 months, she\u2019s emerged as a major star. That rise reached a peak in July when the London native\u2019s debut album, <em>Visitor<\/em> \u2014 grounded by classic pop and jazz influences and led by her raspy powerhouse vocals \u2014 debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. Before its arrival, in March, she simultaneously charted three songs on the Hot 100: the viral \u201cDie on This Hill,\u201d \u201cYou Stole the Show\u201d and \u201cThe Visitor,\u201d all of which have hit peaks of Nos. 19, 55 and 43, respectively. Following a series of memorable TV and late-night performances, Spiro will set out on a global tour this fall.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>In the last year, what are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tFinishing my album. That might be an obvious choice, but it was a big dream of mine to make an album. I just feel very proud of it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>What\u2019s the biggest challenge for a young artist in today\u2019s music industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tThere\u2019s so much access these days. You can wake up and scroll and see about nine different things in the space of, like, a second, and I think that can be quite overwhelming, and it clouds people\u2019s vision. It\u2019s very hard these days to make sure you\u2019re listening to yourself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Is longevity something you\u2019re already thinking about?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tOh, I\u2019m always thinking about that. When I [talk about] wanting to be timeless, I feel like some people might [misinterpret that] as wanting to be, like, classy or old-school. But it\u2019s more than that. I want to make things that aren\u2019t just for the \u201cnow.\u201d I\u2019m very much always considering what will last. Like, \u201cIs this something that I\u2019ll be proud of in 10 years?\u201d<em> \u2013 HANNAH DAILEY<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Freya Skye<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/freya-skye-cr-mollie-hosmer-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Freya Skye\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/freya-skye-cr-mollie-hosmer-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Freya Skye\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Mollie Hosmer\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>16<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Hollywood Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Disney Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>State of the Art<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tIt took a song called \u201csilent treatment\u201d to make 16-year-old British singer-songwriter Freya Skye feel like \u201cpeople were really hearing what I had to say\u201d for the first time. When the poignant pop hit arrived in December, she had already amassed a Disney-\u00adpowered fanbase from her breakout role in <em>Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires<\/em>; the deeply personal single about getting the romantic cold shoulder widened her audience, becoming Freya\u2019s Hot 100 debut and peaking at No. 14 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. \u201cI feel really lucky that being ghosted and sad would lead me to connect with people all over the world who have been through the same thing,\u201d she says with a laugh. Following the February 2026 release of her debut EP, <em>Stardust<\/em>, and the launch of her Stars Align Tour (not to mention filming 2027\u2019s <em>Zombies 5<\/em>), Freya plans to stay singular while tackling universal teen topics in her music. \u201cIt is so easy to adapt and tweak yourself to become what you think people want,\u201d she says, \u201cbut authenticity doesn\u2019t expire and imperfection is far more interesting.\u201d <em>\u2014K.A.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Wyatt Ellis<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/wyatt-ellis-cr-britt-bossert-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Wyatt Ellis\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/wyatt-ellis-cr-britt-bossert-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Wyatt Ellis\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Britt Bossert\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>17<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Knee High Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Wyatt Ellis Music\/Limited Edition (administered by Warner Chappell Music)<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Red Light Management<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tMandolin prodigy Wyatt Ellis has fast become one of bluegrass music\u2019s most dynamic artists. The East Tennessee native\u2019s 2024 debut album, <em>Happy Valley<\/em>, featured collaborations with artists including Marty Stuart and Sierra Hull and topped the Bluegrass Albums chart. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023 and has since shared stages with Billy Strings and Peter Rowan. Through it all, he remains clear-eyed about the hurdles that come with being a new artist. \u201cOne of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to grow while staying true to yourself,\u201d Ellis says. \u201cYoung artists have more opportunities than ever, but there are also a lot of opinions, expectations and business decisions that come with building a career. Finding the right team while maintaining your own vision can be difficult, but it\u2019s essential.\u201d \u2014 <em>JESSICA NICHOLSON<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Milo J<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"220\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/milo-j-cr-violeta-capasso-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=220\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Milo J\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"220\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/milo-j-cr-violeta-capasso-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=220\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Milo J\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Violeta Capasso\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Sony Music Latin<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Sony Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Milo J Management<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAt 19, the Argentine artist born Camilo Joaqu\u00edn \u00adVillarruel has a voice with real weight \u2014 dusky, weathered, intimate \u2014 and he knows how to wield his skill in multiple directions, from sharp rap cadences to the folkloric sounds of <em>chacarera<\/em>, <em>chamam\u00e9<\/em>, <em>zamba<\/em> and Uruguayan <em>murga<\/em>. Milo J showcased that range on his third album, 2025\u2019s <em>La Vida Era M\u00e1s Corta<\/em>; an NPR <em>Tiny Desk<\/em> performance followed (it\u2019s now been viewed over 14 million times), as did his 10-country global <em>La Vida Era M\u00e1s Corta<\/em> tour that included a closing 21,000-attendee show at Mexico City\u2019s Palacio de los Deportes on June 6. \u201cWe\u2019re touring in places I never thought we\u2019d tour, and we\u2019re going to places I never thought we\u2019d be,\u201d Milo says. \u201cThe album is crossing borders I never thought it would cross. I\u2019m in a really beautiful moment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>In the last year, what are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tIt\u2019s the whole journey from this year and the end of the last one \u2014 the album that represents me, my country and my life in general, and everything that happened as a result. If I had to say one thing, I think the tour that came after the album is what I\u2019m most proud of \u2014 and what I\u2019ll keep being proud of, because we\u2019re still touring this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>What does growing up in public ask of a young artist?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tI think the biggest challenge is having to mature quickly. You\u2019re maturing as a person at the same time that you\u2019re growing as an artist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>What advice would you give a young artist who\u2019s just starting out?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tI\u2019d say to try to stay original and to keep questioning whether you\u2019re doing things right all the time. Because sometimes, with so many things happening, you can think you\u2019re doing everything right even when your personal life is a mess. So I\u2019d say keep rethinking things all the time, keep creating all the time and stay authentic as the years pass. <em>\u2014 ISABELA RAYGOZA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Ty Myers<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ty-myers-cr-libby-danforth-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Ty Myers\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ty-myers-cr-libby-danforth-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Ty Myers\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Libby Danforth\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>RECORDS Nashville\/Columbia<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Universal Music Publishing Group<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Starstruck Entertainment<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAs a nod to recently turning 18, Ty Myers kicked off his headlining The Legal Tour in June that included a sold-out show at New York\u2019s The Rooftop at Pier 17. Following his 2025 debut album, <em>The Select<\/em> \u2014 highlighted by his breakthrough <em>Billboard<\/em> chart entry, \u201cEnds of the Earth,\u201d which peaked at No. 11 on Country Airplay \u2014 Myers released his second album,<em>Heavy on the Soul<\/em>, in March. With his uncompromising, soulful songwriting, the Austin native continues on the path of generations of troubadours from his home state. \u201cI have stayed rooted to the music and live performance,\u201d he says. \u201cBeing an artist means focusing on the art and trusting my instincts. I\u2019m proud that I know this early on and leave no room for regret. Life is too short for regret.\u201d <em>\u2014 MELINDA NEWMAN<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Bella Kay<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bella-kay-cr-katia-temkin-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Bella Kay\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bella-kay-cr-katia-temkin-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Bella Kay\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Katia Temkin\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Bella Kay\/Atlantic Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Warner Chappell Music<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Immersive Management<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tBefore she\u2019d even officially dropped her breakout single in January, the prerelease virality of Bella Kay\u2019s emotionally charged \u201ciloveitiloveitiloveit\u201d had already made her one of music\u2019s most promising young artists. As the song climbed to No. 17 on the Hot 100 in April, Bella continued to build momentum, embarking on a run of intimate headline dates in the United Kingdom and the United States earlier this year and nabbing an opening stint on Noah Kahan\u2019s upcoming European arena trek \u2014 all leading up to the July release of her debut album, <em>My Reckless Abandon<\/em>. \u201cIt\u2019s really easy to get caught up in what people want you to be,\u201d she says of maintaining authenticity amid the whirlwind of rising stardom. \u201cStay true to yourself. That\u2019s the one thing you always have and can always count on. Don\u2019t betray that.\u201d (See Bella\u2019s cover story, page 32.) <em>\u2014 H.D.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>GIRLSET<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/girlset-cr-linus-johnson-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"GILRSET\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/girlset-cr-linus-johnson-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"GILRSET\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Linus Johnson\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Names\/Ages <\/strong>Camila Ribeaux Valdes, 20; Lexi Vang, 20; Kendall Ebeling, 20; Savanna Collins, 19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>JYP America x Republic Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>JYP America, JYP Entertainment<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>JYP America<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAfter rebranding as a quartet last summer, GIRLSET launched singles featuring hip-hop legend Missy Elliott (\u201cLittle Miss\u201d) and sampling R&amp;B icons SWV (\u201cTweak,\u201d which reached No. 22 on Digital Song Sales). The pop group is keeping busy thus far in 2026, with Collins sharing the members have \u201ctaken a larger role in [its] writing sessions this past year.\u201d With increased creative control, Ebeling hopes GIRLSET\u2019s upcoming music emphasizes the importance of knowing \u201cwhat you want with your music, what you stand for, how you want your music to be perceived and what genres you are inspired to do.\u201d <em>\u2014 KYLE DENIS<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Laila!<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/laila-cr-dylan-dejong-dougherty-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Laila!\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/laila-cr-dylan-dejong-dougherty-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Laila!\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Dylan DeJong Dougherty\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Three Times Louder\/Warner Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Sony Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Lailabug Productions<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tSince breaking big in 2024 with her viral hit \u201cLike That!,\u201d which hit No. 3 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50; debuting on Hot R&amp;B Songs with \u201cNot My Problem\u201d; and dropping her first album, <em>Gap Year!<\/em>, Brooklyn rapper Laila! has continued rising. Last year, she went on her first 10-city headlining tour and landed opening gigs for Kali Uchis and Mariah the Scientist; so far this year, she released her single \u201cMiss Mango\u201d in June. Yet, she\u2019s most proud of being able to \u201cbuy my mom a Benz,\u201d she says. \u201cMy mom had a beat-up Honda all my life, and I really wanted to be able to give her something I knew she needed.\u201d Laila! is paying it forward in other ways, too, advising young artists to \u201cstick to it and don\u2019t feel like things need to happen at a certain time,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s going to all happen exactly as it should as long as you believe in yourself and you don\u2019t give up on that vision.\u201d <em>\u2014 ANGEL DIAZ<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>FloyyMenor<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/floyymenor-cr-diego-andrade-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"FloyyMenor\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/floyymenor-cr-diego-andrade-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"FloyyMenor\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Diego Andrade\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>UnitedMasters<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Sony Music Publishing Chile<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>YTSQS<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAt 18, FloyyMenor made history with his provocative reggaet\u00f3n song \u201cGata Only,\u201d released in 2024 with Cris MJ. That same year, the viral track hit No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart (and stayed there for 14 consecutive weeks) and won top Latin song at the Billboard Music Awards \u2014 a historic feat for a Chilean artist. Since \u201cGata Only,\u201d the urban artist born Alan Cepeda Galleguillos has released collaborations with J Balvin and Gabito Ballesteros, among others, and has dropped two studio albums: <em>YTSQS<\/em>, which peaked at No. 34 on Top Latin Albums, in 2025 and <em>Man in Black<\/em> in 2026. \u201cIt\u2019s easy to get lost in the numbers, the comments or the people who only approach you when you are at the top,\u201d he says. \u201cThat\u2019s why the real challenge is keeping your feet on the ground, looking after your mental health and remaining true to your essence.\u201d <em>\u2014 JESSICA ROIZ<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Trim<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/trim-cr-akhbar-khan-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=240\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Trim\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/trim-cr-akhbar-khan-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=240\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Trim\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Akhbar Khan\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>BuVision<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>N\/A<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Jordan Ayoub<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tHailing from South Carolina, rapper Trim has been bubbling since \u201cTimbs\u201d put her on the BuVision team\u2019s radar in 2025, helping her land a distribution deal. She broke through later that same year with the twerk anthem \u201cBoat,\u201d which debuted at No. 48 on the Hot R&amp;B\/Hip-Hop Songs chart in April. The music video has racked up nearly 7 million YouTube views \u2014 her most to date \u2014 and her current single, \u201cCoconut Water,\u201d has reached No. 23 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, both of which helped her earn the title of <em>Billboard<\/em>\u2019s Hip-Hop Up-and-Comer in May. \u201cThe biggest challenge is continuing to push my boundaries to create new music that tops what I have already given my fans,\u201d she says of what fans can expect from her in the future \u2014 including her already-teased <em>Pass the Tiara<\/em> EP. \u2014A.D.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Violet Grohl<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/violet-grohl-cr-bella-newman-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Violet Grohl\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/violet-grohl-cr-bella-newman-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Violet Grohl\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Bella Newman\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Auroura Records\/Republic<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Morphine Music\/Sony Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Silva Artist Management<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tIn March, rising rocker Violet Grohl made her chart debut with the melodic \u201cTHUM,\u201d which entered <em>Billboard<\/em>\u2019s Triple A Airplay chart at No. 38. Two months later, in May, she \u00adcelebrated the arrival of her debut album, <em>Be Sweet to Me<\/em> \u2014 a collection of sweet-tempered songs and volcanic production \u2014 with a gig at Los Angeles venue The Moroccan Lounge. \u201cIt was our first show,\u201d she recalls, \u201cwhich was fucking awesome.\u201d She\u2019s since banked some more, notably opening for The Breeders; in August, she\u2019ll tour Europe before returning stateside for a handful of festival \u00adperformances.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Before you released your debut album, what was the best advice you got and who was it from?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tMy dad [Foo Fighters\u2019 Dave Grohl] and my dad\u2019s mom, Virginia, have both been these massive pillars of influence for me in all aspects of my life. They both really pushed self-expression and individuality and autonomy when it comes to work \u2014 and just being able to advocate for yourself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>How did you know this was the right time to launch your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tI had been wanting to start working on an album for years. Even in middle school, once I started learning how to use a recording program, I was like, \u201cThis is all I want to do.\u201d I had so many conversations with my parents about dropping out to make music. And they were like, \u201cNo. You need to finish high school.\u201d Once I finished, I had all this free time. My dad had gone to see Kim Gordon play up in Copenhagen, two years ago now \u2026 They started talking about Justin [Raisen, who produced Gordon\u2019s 2024 album, <em>The Collective<\/em>]. My dad got his number and sent it to me. We hung out \u2026 it was six hours of conversation, listening to music, talking about making art and how much we loved it. And at that moment, I was like, \u201cThis is exactly what I\u2019ve been waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>In the last year, what are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tI just finished opening up for The Breeders, which was a fucking dream come true. The Deal sisters are truly my idols. It really made me feel very proud of how far we\u2019ve come from the recording process. I still can\u2019t even believe it. <em>\u2014 LYNDSEY HAVENS<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>JayDon<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"242\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/jaydon-cr-ben-allen-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=242\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"JayDon\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"242\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/jaydon-cr-ben-allen-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=242\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"JayDon\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Ben Allen\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Mega\/gamma.<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Warner Chappell Music<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Pen Play Ent\/Invisible Ink<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAfter announcing in March 2025 that he\u2019d signed to mentor Usher (and Antonio \u201cL.A.\u201d Reid\u2019s) Mega label, in partnership with Larry Jackson\u2019s gamma., JayDon spent the following months reimagining the traditional R&amp;B playbook for a new generation. The singer-\u00adsongwriter \u2014 who scored an early guest feature with Childish Gambino in 2016, followed by a breakout role in 2019\u2019s <em>The Lion King<\/em> \u2014 hit a new career high last year when he reached No. 4 on Mainstream R&amp;B\/Hip-Hop Airplay with \u201cLullaby\u201d from his 2025 debut mixtape, <em>Me, My Songs &amp; I<\/em>. The track\u2019s Usher-assisted remix affirmed JayDon\u2019s R&amp;B bona fides while another remix with South Korea-based artist Jay Park bolstered his global appeal. Stressing the importance of \u201chaving a solid team,\u201d JayDon has spent 2026 barreling through his headlining Flamed Up Tour, which brought him to intimate venues across New York, Chicago, Atlanta and more.<em> \u2014 K.D.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Najeeriii<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/najeeriii-cr-courtesy-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Najeeriii\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/najeeriii-cr-courtesy-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Najeeriii\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy of Najeeriii\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>20<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>N\/A<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>N\/A<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>N\/A<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAfter closing out last year with his <em>Book of Bob <\/em>debut album \u2014 on which he linked with Caribbean superstars like Govana, Popcaan, Skillibeng and Yung Bredda \u2014 Najeeriii has kept his foot on the gas. So far in 2026, the Jamaican dancehall deejay has dropped a pair of EPs (February\u2019s <em>Gyalentine\u2019s <\/em>and May\u2019s <em>Heatwavs<\/em>) and linked up with cross-genre producer and Drake collaborator MXSSIVH for the resilient single \u201cStill Standing.\u201d From the Afrobeats-informed \u201cLagos\u201d to the steamy, R&amp;B-\u00adinfused trap dancehall of \u201cVictoria\u2019s Secret,\u201d Najeeriii remains committed to expanding his sound, helping him to earn a best new dancehall artist nomination at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards. <em>\u2014 K.D.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Maddox Batson<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/maddox-batson-cr-aaron-meighan-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=240\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Maddox Batson\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"240\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/maddox-batson-cr-aaron-meighan-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=240\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Maddox Batson\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Aaron Meighan\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>16<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Warner Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Warner Chappell Music<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Prosper Entertainment<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tIn 2024, Maddox Batson broke through with his viral hit \u201cTears in the River\u201d and scored a co-write on Quavo and Lana Del Rey\u2019s \u201cTough\u201d; in 2025, he released the EP <em>First Dance<\/em> and its deluxe edition,<em>First Dance<\/em><em>(The After Party)<\/em>. This year, the rising country singer embarked on the 44-city Live Worldwide Tour and in May made his acting debut in comedy <em>The Breadwinner<\/em>, starring Nate Bargatze. \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid,\u201d Batson advises. \u201cIf you are passionate about something, go for it. I was 13 when I posted my first-ever video. I\u2019m now 16 traveling the world, doing what I love. Never in a million years did I think that my job would be music. And I couldn\u2019t be more grateful.\u201d <em>\u2014 J.N.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>CORTIS<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cortis-cr-bighit-music-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"CORTIS (left to right: SEONGHYEON, JAMES, KEONHO, JUHOON, MARTIN).\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cortis-cr-bighit-music-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"CORTIS (left to right: SEONGHYEON, JAMES, KEONHO, JUHOON, MARTIN).\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: BIGHIT MUSIC\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Names\/Ages <\/strong>Martin, 18; James, 20; Juhoon, 18; Seonghyeon, 17; Keonho, 17<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>BigHit Music<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>HYBE\/Republic Records<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>BigHit Music<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tVibrant South Korean pop quintet CORTIS is one of the fastest-growing pop acts on the <em>Billboard<\/em> charts. The group has already leapfrogged the chart debut of its first EP, <em>Color Outside the Lines<\/em>, at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 with this year\u2019s follow-up, <em>GreenGreen<\/em>, which entered at No. 3. The new set\u2019s lead single, the throbbing dancefloor banger \u201cRedRed,\u201d has also served as a breakout streaming hit for CORTIS, reaching No. 38 on the Billboard Global 200 and becoming the group\u2019s first entry on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>In the last year, what are you most proud of and why?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>SEONGHYEON <\/strong>When our first EP, <em>Color Outside the Lines<\/em>, entered the Billboard 200. It was something we had dreamed about \u2026 Then our second EP reached the top three, which still feels unreal. Moments like this made us realize that our music is starting to reach people far beyond where we began, and we\u2019re truly grateful for that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>KEONHO <\/strong>A moment I\u2019m especially proud of was the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Halftime Show. We performed \u201cYoungcreatorcrew\u201d there for the first time, even before it was officially released. Seeing the crowd surprised was fun, but what I really liked was how \u00adquickly they got into the moment even though it was their first time hearing the song. It\u2019s something that stuck with me.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>What\u2019s the biggest challenge for a young artist in today\u2019s music industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>MARTIN <\/strong>There\u2019s a lot of pressure to keep showing results instead of really taking time to grow, and since we\u2019re still figuring things out, our direction can change and shake our confidence sometimes. I think learning how to grow at our own pace is one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the most important lessons.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>What\u2019s your best advice for aspiring young artists?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>JAMES <\/strong>Nobody really knows exactly what they\u2019re doing, including me. So try new things and don\u2019t be too scared to do so. People care way less than you think.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>JUHOON <\/strong>I think it really comes down to having fun \u2026 People can tell when you\u2019re being authentic, and I think that kind of sincerity lasts much longer than trying to impress everyone. Even when things get physically or mentally exhausting, that sense of fun is what brings me back and keeps me going. <em>\u2014 ANDREW UNTERBERGER<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>BabyChiefDoIt<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/babychiefdoit-cr-virisa-yong-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=221\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"BabyChiefDoit\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/babychiefdoit-cr-virisa-yong-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=221\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"BabyChiefDoit\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Virisa Yong\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>18<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Artist Partner Group<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Whittier-Jones Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Fred Jay<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tLike Chief Keef and G Herbo before him, BabyChiefDoIt is part of a lineage of Chicago drill rappers who left their mark on hip-hop as teenagers. The Chi-Town rapper born Jayden Jones broke out in 2024 with his viral \u201cRollin,\u201d which topped the TikTok Billboard Top 50, and he carried that momentum into 2025: He notched his first Hot 100 entry that July with the punchy \u201cWent West,\u201d which peaked at No. 71, and earned a co-sign from fellow Chicago native Chance the Rapper with an appearance on Chano\u2019s <em>Star Line<\/em> (\u201cDrape\u00adtomania\u201d). This June, BabyChiefDoIt dropped his debut album, <em>Rise Against My Broken Odds<\/em> \u2014 his most cohesive project to date \u2014 and is now on a North American headlining trek. \u201cFrom top to bottom, I\u2019d like to think [my debut album] showcases how I\u2019ve evolved over time as a human and as an artist,\u201d he says. \u201c[It\u2019s] a testament and a big \u2018fuck you\u2019 to everyone who bet against me.\u201d <em>\u2014 M.S.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Waylon Wyatt<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/waylon-wyatt-cr-cole-silberman-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Waylon Wyatt\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"245\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/waylon-wyatt-cr-cole-silberman-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Waylon Wyatt\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Cole Silberman\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Music Soup\/Darkroom Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Sony Music Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Pretty Sweet Management<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tIt has been a busy few months for Waylon Wyatt, who released his debut full-length album, the often searing, raw <em>Dustpiles<\/em>, on July 17; was set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on July 22 (though delayed due to illness); and is now preparing for his world headlining tour that begins in August. \u201cIn the last year, we\u2019ve gone from being in a van towing a U-Haul trailer and now I got my own tour bus,\u201d Waylon says. He\u2019s well aware that standing out is harder than ever for emerging artists and advises, \u201cOne of the biggest things you can do in order to find success is be that difference and not copy-paste everyone else. With it being so hard to find originality out there, you should be that change.\u201d <em>\u2014 M.N.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>The Linda Lindas<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/linda-lindas-cr-jaxon-whittington-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"The Linda Lindas\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/linda-lindas-cr-jaxon-whittington-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=300\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"The Linda Lindas\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Jaxon Whittington\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Names\/Ages <\/strong>Lucia de la Garza, 19; Mila de la Garza, 15; Bela Salazar, 21; Eloise Wong, 18<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Reprise\/Warner Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Warner Chappell Music<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>Fly South Music Group<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAt the end of August, punk band The Linda Lindas will release its third studio album, <em>Gotta Get Out <\/em>\u2014 its first since signing a major-label deal in June with Reprise\/Warner Records. \u201cWe\u2019re much more intentional with everything we do now,\u201d says Mila, with her sister, Lucia, adding that part of the band\u2019s new contract dictates that the group will own its masters in 12 years. Listeners can expect that mentality reflected in the new music, too; from the band\u2019s aptly titled major-label debut single, \u201cBurning Out,\u201d to its Hayley Williams-assisted coming-of-age song, \u201cCloser.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s difficult thinking about how many people are watching us and having opinions on us as we grow, make mistakes and change,\u201d Wong says. \u201cBut what\u2019s great about being in a band is we have each other to lean on.\u201d <em>\u2014 JOSH GLICKSMAN <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item-wrap lrv-u-margin-b-2\">\n<article class=\"pmc-fallback-list-item\">\n<h2>Chino Pacas<\/h2>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chino-pacas-cr-street-mob-records-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Chino Pacas\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chino-pacas-cr-street-mob-records-21u21-2026-bb8-billboard-1200.jpg?w=200\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Chino Pacas\"><figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Street Mob Records\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"pmc-not-a-paywall\">\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \"><strong>Age <\/strong>19<br \/><strong>Label <\/strong>Street Mob Records<br \/><strong>Publisher <\/strong>Street Mob Publishing<br \/><strong>Management <\/strong>N\/A<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph larva \/\/ lrv-u-margin-lr-auto  lrv-a-font-body-m   \">\n\tAfter breaking through with 2023\u2019s \u201cEl Gordo Trae El Mando,\u201d which became Chino Pacas\u2019 first Hot 100 entry (peaking at No. 58), the artist born Cristian Humberto \u00c1vila Vega has kept building. That same year, \u201cQu\u00e9 Onda\u201d with Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida reached No. 5 on Hot Latin Songs, his highest-charting entry to date. His 2024 debut album, <em>Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas<\/em>, reached No. 7 on Top Latin Albums and No. 6 on Top Regional Mexican Albums. And last year, Pacas returned with <em>Cristian<\/em>, which debuted at No. 10 on Top Regional Mexican Albums. So far in 2026, he\u2019s maintained a steady run of singles, including the drill- and reggaet\u00f3n-leaning \u201cMadrugada\u201d with Flcvkka and the <em>corridos<\/em> track \u201cJajaja.\u201d After appearances at festivals including Sue\u00f1os 2026, Pacas says he\u2019s most proud of \u201cthe legacy I am creating, because this is only the beginning.\u201d <em>\u2014 I.R.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/lists\/21-under-21-music-2026-list\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/21u21-hero-2026-bb8-billboard-1800.jpg?w=1024&#8243;] This year\u2019s roundup of fast-rising young talent includes solo stars and global groups, familiar names and newcomers \u2014 all of whom have something in common, aside from being under the age of 21. This group of 21 artists are all prioritizing authenticity over anything else \u2014 and proving that\u2019s a winning strategy. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[48,226],"class_list":["post-2071195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-billboard-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2071195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2071195"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2071195\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2071195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2071195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2071195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}