The music industry has introduced us to some of the legends that we know today. However, many of these legends started as an unknown. Who still remembers Lady Gaga performing in the parking lot of a retail store or Taylor Swift with her guitar at a cafe?
These music superstars didn’t just suddenly become the legends that they are known for today. It took hard work, talent, charisma, and many other factors to become the music icons of the modern world.
With that in mind, here are some of the best music artists you need to watch out for in 2025 that may just become the next music icon in the coming decades.
Chappell Roan
Probably one of the biggest music stars to come out in 2024, Chappell Roan shot to stardom earlier this year with hits from her 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess.
Songs like Casual, Red Wine Supernova, Hot to Go!, Pink Pony Club and so much more began to climb the charts. She started as a measly singer and songwriter from Missouri whose dreams were far too big for the Midwest.
However, her dreams felt amiss during the pandemic as she struggled to take off. She later took another risk, and it paid off in dividends with her latest albums.
Her penchant for funny yet soulful songwriting, combined with powerful, one-of-a-kind vocals, makes her one of the music artists to watch out for in 2025 and in the years to come. This is a superstar in the making.
KAYTRANADA
You might have already heard about KAYTRANADA in the New York scene, but for many, he is still one of those music figures who have yet to gain popularity.
Raised in Montreal, this music producer arrived on the scene in the early 2010s, but it wasn’t until recently that this amazing DJ deserved recognition. His latest album
Timeless proves that he can go toe-to-toe with some of the big leagues in the music industry.
With a simple melody, KAYTRANADA recalls the early 90s beats. It redefines what it means to have a very specific signature style in a music industry filled with generic sounds.
Jersey
When one French techno duo hangs up their helmets, another takes on the mantle.
Jersey is a Paris-based sibling duo that burst onto the scene last year with their raw energy. They went viral through their underground sets around Paris and soon after became one of the staples in underground club culture all over Europe.
They may have drawn comparisons to many others that came before them but watch out, Jersey is about to become the real deal in 2025 with their first EP The World I’m Searching For.
Vayda
If you truly want to stand out in the music industry, you must have a distinct voice and a very specific style of music.
This is where Vayda comes in. With her airy vocals and unique music production choices, she is easily recognizable among so many new faces in 2024 and 2025.
Vayda is a very versatile music artist. Her discography explores different musical styles with her flexible voice.
One moment she’s singing jazz and the next she’s doing club bangers. Watch out for her in 2025 and she’s ready to take on the world.
Tate McRae
Easily the most recognizable music artist on this list, Tate McRae already has seen the spotlight in the past few years but she still needs a little bit of a push.
This Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer combo has it all. She can sing and dance and knows how to work in a crowd.
Just look at her latest productions and TV guestings, but it still seems like there is not enough for people to embrace her as a popstar powerhouse truly. She already has a very distinct voice and style coupled with great stamina for dance breaks.
You can easily see her as the next Britney Spears, as that role has not yet been filled in the past couple of years. Look for Tate McRae to be the top contender for the next pop star dancing diva.
Rema
With his collaboration with Selena Gomez achieving global recognition, Rema has yet to prove to himself that he can stand alone on his own.
The Afrobeat sensation and Calm Down singer continues to produce very distinct sounds from his native continent.
Only time will tell when we’ll see him next, but we all know it is going to be another hit.
Ethel Cain
Another very familiar songstress who does not get enough recognition but is brimming with charisma and talent is Ethel Cain.
Her most recent album Preacher’s Daughter goes to show that she can bring melancholia and an expansive experience to the table.
What truly makes her an outstanding musician worthy of praise is her lyricism and instrumentation. It is very different from what we’re used to and her entire album demands attention for its careful storytelling.
Allen Haley
From his successful debut of You Don’t Know What’s Next, Allen Haley is about to conquer the music industry.
Haley is predicted to be one of the upcoming music stars of 2024 and beyond. Covering different genres of music, including pop and R&B, Haley is meant to be listened to by the broader audience.
The EP alone is full of interesting sounds that should be at the top of the music charts today.
Chrissy Chlapecka
If there is one to watch out for in the realm of girly pop that follows the likes of Katy Perry and many other divas, it’s Chrissy Chlapecka.
This 24-year-old performer was destined to be on Broadway but it wasn’t until recently that she had to change course from her personal experience and became this hyperfem popstar in the making.
She is fun and sexy with electro-pop songs that you can dance to, like I’m Really Pretty and 10 Boyfriends. You can just see her headlining her tour in the next few years.
KATSEYE
Girl groups are the craze nowadays, and the Western world couldn’t truly embrace one until KATSEYE.
All six girls are stars in the making. Hailing from different parts of the world, they have done vocal training and released several pieces of music for their target audience.
Look for them on many platforms now that they have properly debuted. Set to inspire many people to reach for their dreams after months of dedication and effort; it is time for KATSEYE to rule the world.
Conclusion
Every day, a new music artist debuts their own songs and sounds to the world, but not everyone is successful enough to reach stardom. These artists are set to become the next music icons, and only time will tell until they reach legendary status within the music industry. Go ahead and check them all out today!