Billboard’s 21 Under 21: See Who Made the 2026 List

This year’s showcase of breakout prodigies highlights a dynamic blend of solo virtuosos and international ensembles, combining familiar trailblazers with visionary newcomers. Despite their diverse backgrounds, all twenty-one artists share a defining principle: they value unwavering authenticity above fleeting trends, proving that staying true to one’s artistic vision remains the ultimate formula for success.

As Disney breakout star Freya Skye notes, “authenticity never goes out of style.” This sentiment resonates deeply with cover star Bella Kay, who reflects on how effortlessly one can lose themselves in external expectations. (Bella graces the cover of Billboard’s Up-And-Comers Issue alongside fellow disruptors Slayyyter and Trueno. Dive into their full feature here.)

The philosophy of steadfast individuality is echoed by CORTIS and Milo J, both of whom earned feature Q&As in this year’s 21 Under 21 roster, sharing the spotlight with Violet Grohl and Sienna Spiro following their landmark debut album releases.

Juhoon of CORTIS believes that “genuine sincerity vastly outlives any temporary attempt to please the masses,” while Milo J emphasizes the vital need to protect one’s core identity as their careers accelerate at a breathtaking pace.

Previous editions of the 21 Under 21 franchise have celebrated luminaries who have since graduated from the eligibility threshold, including Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, Xavi, sombr, and Ayra Starr—all of whom continue to dominate global charts and festival headlining slots.

Explore the complete list below to discover the brilliant minds shaping the future of music on this year’s 21 Under 21 countdown.

• KATSEYE

  
  

  Names/Ages Daniela, 21; Lara, 20; Megan, 20; Sophia, 24; Yoonchae, 18
  Label HYBE x GEFFEN
  Publisher HYBE x GEFFEN
  Management HYBE x GEFFEN

  Since emerging from the 2023 Dream Academy competition series, the international girl group has experienced a landmark year, highlighted by a historic Lollapalooza debut, dual Grammy nominations (including best new artist), and three consecutive Billboard Hot 100 entries following their 2025 chart breakthrough: January’s “Internet Girl,” April’s “Pinky Up,” and June’s “Iconic by Mistake” alongside K-pop powerhouses Le Sserafim and ILLIT. “Every single milestone feels completely surreal,” Megan shares. KATSEYE embarked on their maiden North American trek, the Beautiful Chaos tour, in November—an experience Yoonchae describes as deeply profound for connecting with their devoted fanbase, EYEKONS—before launching their expansive global headline run, The Wildworld Tour, this fall. The collective also navigated unexpected transitions when member Manon announced an indefinite hiatus in February. Yet, the temporary quintet has cultivated an unbreakable bond, as Sophia notes: “It took profound honesty to unlock true vulnerability and trust within our current dynamic.” As they prepare their highly anticipated third album, Wild, slated for August, Daniela remains committed to preserving their artistic integrity despite the whirlwind pace. Recognizing that reaching this echelon demands total dedication, Lara offers a final piece of wisdom: “You cannot achieve true success unless you want it with every fiber of your being.” — KATIE ATKINSON

• North West

  
  

  Age 13
  Label North West/gamma.
  Publisher AYO Music Group
  Management Damien Smith

  Being the eldest child of global icons Ye and Kim Kardashian inherently attracts intense scrutiny, but stepping into the sonic footprint of a hip-hop pioneer introduces an entirely different tier of expectations. North West met this challenge head-on in 2024, cementing her legacy as one of the youngest artists in history to enter the Hot 100 when “Talking” from Vultures 1—featuring her alongside Ye and Ty Dolla $ign—debuted at No. 30. “Never wait for approval, and never wait until you’re older,” West declares. “Dream on a grand scale because true changemakers never settle for small thoughts.” Following striking collaborations with FKA twigs and Skaiwater, West truly defined her signature sound in 2026 with the release of her self-produced emo-rage-rap EP, N0rth4evr. She delivered an electrifying performance alongside her father at a packed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, appeared as a special guest at Rolling Loud Orlando, and made her official festival debut at Summer Smash in June—all before entering her teens. “Everyone has an opinion on my path and my methods,” she notes. “As an emerging artist, you have to discover who you are before the outside world dictates your identity.” — MICHAEL SAPONARA

• Sienna Spiro

  
  

  Age 20
  Label Capitol Records
  Publisher Sony Music Publishing
  Management Method Music

  Scarcely a few years ago, Sienna Spiro was uploading vocal covers to social platforms. Over the past twelve months, she has transformed into a dominant musical force. Her ascent reached a zenith in July when the London-born songstress unveiled her debut album, Visitor—anchored by vintage pop and jazz sensibilities and propelled by her distinctive, gravelly powerhouse vocals—which debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. Ahead of its release in March, she simultaneously landed three tracks on the Hot 100: the viral sensation “Die on This Hill,” “You Stole the Show,” and “The Visitor,” peaking at Nos. 19, 55, and 43 respectively. Following a string of acclaimed television appearances, Spiro is set to embark on an extensive global tour this autumn.

  Over the past year, what achievement brings you the greatest pride and why?

  Completing my album. It might sound straightforward, but realizing a full-length record was my ultimate aspiration. I am profoundly proud of the final result.

  What constitutes the primary hurdle for young artists within today’s music landscape?

  The sheer volume of accessibility. You wake up, open your feed, and consume a dozen pieces of information in the blink of an eye. That constant barrage can become suffocating and cloud your perspective, making it exceptionally difficult to listen to your own inner voice.

  Is musical longevity something you actively consider?

  Unquestionably, it’s constantly on my mind. When I express a desire to be timeless, some people might misinterpret that as aiming for a traditional or old-school aesthetic. It runs much deeper than that. I want to create work that transcends the immediate moment—art that I will look back on with immense pride a decade from now. – HANNAH DAILEY

• Freya Skye

  
  

  Age 16
  Label Hollywood Records
  Publisher Disney Music Publishing
  Management State of the Art

  It took a resonant track titled “silent treatment” for 16-year-old British singer-songwriter Freya Skye to feel like her voice was truly registering with audiences for the first time. When the poignant pop anthem dropped in December, she had already cultivated a devoted, Disney-backed following through her breakout performance in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. The deeply personal single concerning romantic isolation expanded her demographic, marking Freya’s maiden Hot 100 appearance and peaking at No. 14 on the Mainstream Top 40. “I feel incredibly fortunate that experiencing heartbreak and being ghosted allowed me to connect globally with listeners who shared those exact feelings,” she reflects with a smile. Following the February 2026 release of her debut EP, Stardust, and the initiation of her Stars Align Tour (alongside filming commitments for 2027’s Zombies 5), Freya remains dedicated to addressing universal adolescent themes with singular artistic clarity. “It’s so tempting to bend and reshape yourself to match perceived expectations,” she notes, “yet authenticity never expires, and human imperfections are infinitely more compelling.” —K.A.

• Wyatt Ellis

  
  

  Age 17
  Label Knee High Records
  Publisher Wyatt Ellis Music/Limited Edition (administered by Warner Chappell Music)
  Management Red Light Management

  Mandolin virtuoso Wyatt Ellis has swiftly established himself as one of contemporary bluegrass music’s most electrifying performers. The East Tennessee native’s acclaimed 2024 debut record, Happy Valley, featured high-profile collaborations with legends such as Marty Stuart and Sierra Hull, surging straight to the summit of the Bluegrass Albums chart. Following his historic Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023, he has shared stages with icons like Billy Strings and Peter Rowan. Throughout this meteoric rise, he retains a grounded perspective regarding the complexities of breaking into the industry. “One of the primary obstacles is learning how to expand your artistic footprint while remaining entirely faithful to your roots,” Ellis explains. “Young creators encounter unprecedented opportunities today, accompanied by an overwhelming influx of opinions, corporate expectations, and commercial pressures. Assembling the right team while protecting your creative vision can prove demanding, yet it remains fundamentally indispensable.” — JESSICA NICHOLSON

• Milo J

  
  

  Age 19
  Label Sony Music Latin
  Publisher Sony Music Publishing
  Management Milo J Management

  At just 19 years old, Argentine singer Camilo Joaquín Villarruel possesses a vocal instrument of remarkable gravity—dusty, weathered, and deeply intimate—and commands an expansive stylistic palette ranging from sharp rap cadences to the traditional folkloric textures of chacarera, chamamé, zamba, and Uruguayan murga. Milo J demonstrated this versatility on his third studio collection, 2025’s La Vida Era Más Corta. A widely viewed NPR Tiny Desk concert followed (accumulating over 14 million views), alongside a sprawling 10-nation global tour culminating in a massive, 21,000-person capacity finale at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes on June 6. “We are performing in venues I never imagined visiting, reaching territories I never thought possible,” Milo shares. “The album is shattering geographic boundaries I never anticipated. I am experiencing a truly extraordinary chapter.”

  Looking back over the past year, what achievement makes you most proud?

  The continuous journey encompassing the past year and the closing months of the previous one—releasing an album that genuinely mirrors my identity, my homeland, and my personal experiences, alongside everything that transpired as a consequence. If I had to isolate one pinnacle, it would undoubtedly be the subsequent tour, a source of immense pride that extends directly into our current concert schedule.

  What demands does coming of age in the public eye place upon a young artist?

  The primary challenge is the forced acceleration of personal maturity. You are compelled to mature as an individual concurrently with your development as a professional artist.

  What guidance would you offer an emerging creator taking their first steps?

  I would advise them to prioritize originality and maintain a habit of constantly questioning their methods. Amidst endless external chaos, it’s easy to assume everything is functioning smoothly even when your personal life is unraveling. Therefore, continuously reevaluate your path, maintain an unyielding creative output, and preserve your core essence as the years unfold. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

• Ty Myers

  
  

  Age 19
  Label RECORDS Nashville/Columbia
  Publisher Universal Music Publishing Group
  Management Starstruck Entertainment

  Celebrating his recent transition to adulthood, Ty Myers launched his headline trek, The Legal Tour, in June, featuring a sold-out triumph at New York’s The Rooftop at Pier 17. Following his 2025 introductory album, The Select—highlighted by his breakout Billboard chart entry, “Ends of the Earth,” which peaked at No. 11 on Country Airplay—Myers unveiled his sophomore full-length, Heavy on the Soul, in March. Driven by uncompromising, soulful songwriting, the Austin native continues to honor the enduring tradition of troubadours from his home state. “I have maintained an unwavering commitment to the music and live performance,” he reflects. “Being an artist requires total devotion to the craft and absolute trust in my instincts. I take immense pride in realizing this truth early on, leaving no space for regret. Life is simply too fleeting for second-guessing.” — MELINDA NEWMAN

• Bella Kay

  
  

  Age 20
  Label Bella Kay/Atlantic Records
  Publisher Warner Chappell Music
  Management Immersive Management

  Before her official lead single dropped in January, the pre-release viral traction of Bella Kay’s emotionally charged track “iloveitiloveitiloveit” had already established her as one of the industry’s most exciting young talents. As the composition climbed to No. 17 on the Hot 100 in April, Bella sustained her momentum by undertaking an intimate series of headline dates across the United Kingdom and United States, followed by securing a prestigious supporting slot on Noah Kahan’s forthcoming European arena tour—culminating in the July release of her debut studio album, My Reckless Abandon. “It’s remarkably easy to become consumed by what others expect you to be,” she observes regarding the maintenance of authenticity within the storm of rising stardom. “Remain faithful to yourself. That is the singular anchor you will always possess and rely upon. Never compromise that truth.” (Explore Bella’s cover profile on page 32.) — H.D.

• GIRLSET

  
  

  Names/Ages Camila Ribeaux Valdes, 20; Lexi Vang, 20; Kendall Ebeling, 20; Savanna Collins, 19
  Label JYP America x Republic Records
  Publisher JYP America, JYP Entertainment
  Management JYP America

  Following their summer rebrand as a dynamic quartet, GIRLSET unveiled impactful singles featuring hip-hop legend Missy Elliott (“Little Miss”) and incorporating interpolations of R&B royalty SWV (“Tweak,” which surged to No. 22 on Digital Song Sales). The pop powerhouse has maintained a rigorous schedule throughout 2026, with Collins noting that the members have “assumed a much more central role in our writing camps this past year.” Armed with expanded creative autonomy, Ebeling hopes GIRLSET’s upcoming catalog underscores the significance of understanding “precisely what you want from your music, your core values, how your art is received, and the musical genres that fuel your passion.” — KYLE DENIS

• Laila!

  
  

  Age 20
  Label Three Times Louder/Warner Records
  Publisher Sony Music Publishing
  Management Lailabug Productions

  Since capturing public attention in 2024 with her viral anthem “Like That!”—which soared to No. 3 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50—making her Hot R&B Songs debut with “Not My Problem,” and issuing her premiere album, Gap Year!, Brooklyn rapper Laila! has maintained an unstoppable trajectory. Last year saw her headline her inaugural 10-city tour alongside securing coveted opening slots for Kali Uchis and Mariah the Scientist; she has continued this momentum in 2026 with the June release of her single “Miss Mango.” Yet, her personal pinnacle remains deeply familial: “Being in a position to purchase a Benz for my mother,” she shares. “My mom drove a battered Honda my entire life, and it was my ultimate dream to provide her with something she truly deserved.” Laila! extends this empowering philosophy to her peers, advising aspiring artists to “remain persistent and resist the pressure to force milestones on a rigid timeline,” she notes. “Everything unfolds precisely as intended provided you maintain faith in yourself and refuse to abandon your vision.” — ANGEL DIAZ

• FloyyMenor

  
  

  Age 20
  Label UnitedMasters
  Publisher Sony Music Publishing Chile
  Management YTSQS

  At just 18 years old, FloyyMenor etched his name into history with the infectious reggaetón anthem “Gata Only,” released alongside Cris MJ in 2024. That same year, the viral powerhouse secured the No. 1 spot on the Hot Latin Songs chart—maintaining dominance for 14 consecutive weeks—and claimed top Latin song honors at the Billboard Music Awards, a monumental milestone for a Chilean artist. In the wake of “Gata Only,” the urban prodigy born Alan Cepeda Galleguillos has collaborated with luminaries such as J Balvin and Gabito Ballesteros, alongside delivering two studio records: YTSQS, which peaked at No. 34 on Top Latin Albums in 2025, and Man in Black in 2026. “It is remarkably simple to lose your bearings amidst the metrics, the comments, or fair-weather acquaintances who materialize only when you reach the summit,” he observes. “Consequently, the ultimate challenge lies in keeping your feet firmly planted, guarding your mental health, and protecting your foundational essence.” — JESSICA ROIZ

• Trim

  
  

  Age 19
  Label BuVision
  Publisher N/A
  Management Jordan Ayoub

  Hailing from South Carolina, rapper Trim has generated significant industry buzz since her track “Timbs” caught the attention of the BuVision executive team in 2025, facilitating a major distribution partnership. She achieved mainstream breakthrough later that year with the dynamic club anthem “Boat,” debuting at No. 48 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in April. The accompanying music video has amassed nearly 7 million YouTube views—her most extensive visual reach to date—while her current single, “Coconut Water,” has climbed to No. 23 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, collectively earning her the designation of Billboard’s Hip-Hop Up-and-Comer in May. “The core challenge resides in continuously pushing my creative boundaries to deliver material that surpasses what I have already shared with my supporters,” she states regarding future projects, which include her heavily teased Pass the Tiara EP. —A.D.

• Violet Grohl

  
  

  Age 20
  Label Auroura Records/Republic
  Publisher Morphine Music/Sony Music Publishing
  Management Silva Artist Management

  In March, rising rocker Violet Grohl secured her maiden chart appearance with the melodic single “THUM,” entering Billboard’s Triple A Airplay chart at No. 38. Two months later in May, she celebrated the arrival of her debut full-length record, Be Sweet to Me—a dynamic fusion of melodic warmth and volcanic production—with an intimate performance at Los Angeles’ iconic venue, The Moroccan Lounge. “It marked our debut concert,” she recalls, “and it was unequivocally incredible.” She has since expanded her live resume significantly, most notably opening for The Breeders, and is scheduled to tour Europe in August prior to returning stateside for a run of festival appearances.

  Prior to unveiling your debut album, what constituted the most valuable guidance you received, and who provided it?

  My father [Foo Fighters icon Dave Grohl] and my paternal grandmother, Virginia, have both served as towering pillars of inspiration across every dimension of my life. They consistently championed self-expression, individuality, and creative autonomy in the professional sphere—teaching me the fundamental importance of self-advocacy.

  How did you recognize that this was the opportune moment to launch your professional journey?

  I had harbored aspirations of recording an album for years. Even during middle school, upon mastering basic recording software, I knew instantly, “This is my sole ambition.” I engaged in countless conversations with my parents about leaving school early to pursue music, to which they sensibly responded, “No, you must finish high school.” Once I graduated, my schedule opened completely. My father attended a Kim Gordon performance in Copenhagen two years ago… where he connected with Justin Raisen [who produced Gordon’s 2024 album, The Collective]. Dad secured his contact info and forwarded it to me. We met up… spending six uninterrupted hours conversing, sharing music, discussing artistic philosophy, and celebrating our shared passion. At that exact juncture, I realized, “This is precisely what I’ve been anticipating.”

  Reflecting on the past year, what accomplishment fills you with the greatest pride?

  Wrapping up my run supporting The Breeders, which felt like an absolute fever dream realized. The Deal sisters are genuine idols of mine. It instilled in me profound pride regarding how far our creative vision has traveled since those initial studio sessions. I still pinch myself. — LYNDSEY HAVENS

• JayDon

  
  

  Age 19
  Label Mega/gamma.
  Publisher Warner Chappell Music
  Management Pen Play Ent/Invisible Ink

  Following his March 2025 announcement regarding his signing to mentor Usher and Antonio “L.A.” Reid’s Mega label in partnership with Larry Jackson’s gamma., JayDon spent the subsequent months re-engineering the traditional R&B blueprint for a modern generation. The singer-songwriter—who secured an early guest feature alongside Childish Gambino in 2016 followed by a memorable voice acting role in 2019’s The Lion King—reached a new career pinnacle last year by surging to No. 4 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay with “Lullaby,” lifted from his 2025 introductory mixtape, Me, My Songs & I. The track’s Usher-assisted remix validated JayDon’s R&B credentials, while a secondary remix featuring South Korean artist Jay Park amplified his international footprint. Emphasizing the necessity of “maintaining an unshakeable team,” JayDon has powered through his headline Flamed Up Tour throughout 2026, captivating audiences in intimate rooms across New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and beyond. — K.D.

• Najeeriii

  
  

  Age 20
  Label N/A
  Publisher N/A
  Management N/A

  After concluding last year with his debut full-length project, Book of Bob—collaborating extensively with Caribbean luminaries such as Govana, Popcaan, Skillibeng, and Yung Bredda—Jamaican dancehall deejay Najeeriii has maintained peak momentum. Throughout 2026, he has dropped a pair of EPs (February’s Gyalentine’s and May’s Heatwavs) while partnering with cross-genre producer and Drake collaborator MXSSIVH on the resilient single “Still Standing.” Ranging from the Afrobeats-infused rhythms of “Lagos” to the sultry, R&B-tinted trap dancehall of “Victoria’s Secret,” Najeeriii remains relentlessly dedicated to expanding his sonic boundaries, earning him a nomination for best new dancehall artist at the 2026 Caribbean Music Awards. — K.D.

• Maddox Batson

  
  

  Age 16
  Label Warner Records
  Publisher Warner Chappell Music
  Management Prosper Entertainment

  In 2024, Maddox Batson achieved viral stardom with “Tears in the River” while securing a coveted co-writing credit on Quavo and Lana Del Rey’s “Tough”; by 2025, he followed up with his EP First Dance and its expanded deluxe edition, First Dance (The After Party). This year, the rising country singer embarked on an extensive 44-city Live Worldwide Tour and made his cinematic acting debut in May within the comedy film The Breadwinner, starring Nate Bargatze. “Discard all fear,” Batson encourages. “If you feel a genuine passion for something, pursue it wholeheartedly. I was 13 when I uploaded my inaugural video, and today at 16, I am touring the globe doing what I adore. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine music would become my profession, and I am endlessly grateful.” — J.N.

• CORTIS

  
  

  Names/Ages Martin, 18; James, 20; Juhoon, 18; Seonghyeon, 17; Keonho, 17
  Label BigHit Music
  Publisher HYBE/Republic Records
  Management BigHit Music

  Vibrant South Korean pop quintet CORTIS stands among the fastest-climbing acts on the Billboard charts. The ensemble surpassed the impressive chart placement of their premiere EP, Color Outside the Lines (which debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200), with this year’s follow-up, GreenGreen, entering directly at No. 3. The project’s lead single, the throbbing dancefloor anthem “RedRed,” has also blossomed into a breakout streaming phenomenon, climbing to No. 38 on the Billboard Global 200 and securing the group’s inaugural entry on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.

  Reflecting on the past year, what milestone fills you with the greatest pride?

  SEONGHYEON When our premiere EP, Color Outside the Lines, cracked the Billboard 200. It represented a long-cherished dream… Then witnessing our second EP claim a top-three position still feels utterly surreal. Moments of this magnitude make us acutely aware that our music is resonating far beyond our initial borders, and we feel profoundly thankful.

  KEONHO A highlight that stands out vividly was performing during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Halftime Show. We debuted “Youngcreatorcrew” on that stage prior to its official commercial release. Witnessing the audience’s genuine surprise was incredible, but what truly resonated with me was how rapidly they engaged with the music despite hearing it for the very first time. That experience has stayed with me.

  What represents the most significant hurdle for young artists within the contemporary music ecosystem?

  MARTIN There is constant pressure to instantly deliver measurable results rather than allowing genuine time for artistic evolution. Because we are still discovering our identity, our creative direction can shift, occasionally inducing self-doubt. Learning to cultivate your growth at your own natural tempo is certainly a formidable challenge, but it is equally one of the most vital lessons.

  What is your best guidance for aspiring emerging creators?

  JAMES Nobody possesses absolute certainty regarding their path, including myself. Therefore, experiment fearlessly and don’t hesitate to take risks. People invest far less critical judgment than you might fear.

  JUHOON Ultimately, it centers entirely on sustaining the enjoyment… Listeners instantly sense true authenticity, and that innate sincerity outlasts any superficial attempt to court universal approval. Even during periods of severe physical and mental fatigue, that core sense of joy is what continually draws me back and fuels my journey. — ANDREW UNTERBERGER

• BabyChiefDoIt

  
  

  Age 18
  Label Artist Partner Group
  Publisher Whittier-Jones Publishing
  Management Fred Jay

  Following in the influential footsteps of Chicago drill architects like Chief Keef and G Herbo, BabyChiefDoIt carries forward a lineage of teenage visionaries who left an indelible stamp on hip-hop. The Chi-Town rapper born Jayden Jones achieved widespread recognition in 2024 via his viral smash “Rollin,” which conquered the TikTok Billboard Top 50, subsequently translating that momentum into 2025: He captured his maiden Hot 100 entry that July with the punchy composition “Went West,” peaking at No. 71, alongside securing a coveted endorsement from fellow Chicago legend Chance the Rapper via a feature on Chano’s Star Line project (“Drapetomania”). This June, BabyChiefDoIt unveiled his debut full-length record, Rise Against My Broken Odds—his most cohesive statement to date—and is currently journeying across North America on a headline trek. “From start to finish, I believe [my debut album] illustrates my evolution as both a human being and an artist,” he states. “[It serves] as a definitive testament and a direct message to every single doubter who bet against me.” — M.S.

• Waylon Wyatt

  
  

  Age 19
  Label Music Soup/Darkroom Records
  Publisher Sony Music Publishing
  Management Pretty Sweet Management

  It has been an intensely demanding period for Waylon Wyatt, who dropped his searing, visceral debut studio record, Dustpiles, on July 17; was scheduled to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on July 22 (temporarily postponed due to illness); and is currently finalizing preparations for an expansive world headline tour launching in August. “Over the past year, our reality shifted from touring out of a van hauling a U-Haul trailer to finally having my own dedicated tour bus,” Waylon notes. Fully cognizant of how fiercely competitive the modern landscape is for emerging acts, he advises: “A vital strategy for achieving genuine success is embodying differentiation rather than mirroring everyone else. Since originality is increasingly scarce, you should strive to be that distinct catalyst for change.” — M.N.

• The Linda Lindas

  
  

  Names/Ages Lucia de la Garza, 19; Mila de la Garza, 15; Bela Salazar, 21; Eloise Wong, 18
  Label Reprise/Warner Records
  Publisher Warner Chappell Music
  Management Fly South Music Group

  In late August, punk powerhouse The Linda Lindas will unveil their third studio collection, Gotta Get Out—marking their inaugural release since securing a landmark major-label partnership in June with Reprise/Warner Records. “We approach everything we do now with far greater intentionality,” Mila explains, while her sister Lucia highlights a crucial contractual stipulation ensuring the group secures ownership of their master recordings within 12 years. Listeners will experience this elevated mindset reflected directly throughout the fresh material, from their aptly titled major-label introductory single, “Burning Out,” to the Hayley Williams-assisted coming-of-age track, “Closer.” “It can feel daunting recognizing how many eyes are fixed on you, passing judgment as you navigate growth, make errors, and evolve,” Wong reflects. “Yet the profound beauty of being in a band is knowing we have each other to lean on through it all.” — JOSH GLICKSMAN

• Chino Pacas

  
  

  Age 19
  Label Street Mob Records
  Publisher Street Mob Publishing
  Management N/A

  Following his mainstream breakout with 2023’s “El Gordo Trae El Mando,” which became Chino Pacas’ inaugural Hot 100 appearance (peaking at No. 58), the artist born Cristian Humberto Ávila Vega has continued constructing his empire. That same year, “Qué Onda” alongside Calle 24 and Fuerza Regida soared to No. 5 on Hot Latin Songs, marking his highest-charting placement to date. His 2024 debut studio record, Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas, claimed No. 7 on Top Latin Albums and No. 6 on Top Regional Mexican Albums. Last year, Pacas returned with Cristian, which debuted at No. 10 on Top Regional Mexican Albums. Throughout 2026, he has maintained a consistent run of singles, featuring the drill- and reggaetón-inflected “Madrugada” with Flcvkka alongside the traditional corridos track “Jajaja.” Following high-profile festival appearances at events including Sueños 2026, Pacas emphasizes that he is most intensely proud of “the enduring legacy I am actively building, because this represents merely the beginning.” — I.R.

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