10 More Captivating Artists to Watch in 2025

With 2025 less than two weeks away, we're already eagerly anticipating everything the new year will bring—including incredible new music from some of our favorite rising artists.

We're always keeping out eyes peeled for musicians who stand out from the crowd, and in 2024, so many artists had us floored with their captivating sounds, irresistible lyricism and commanding stage presence. Of course, they're just getting started, promising to make 2025 an even bigger year with live performances and new singles, EPs, albums and so much more. Below are 10 more artists everyone should watching in 2025.

1. Jade Lemac 

20-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter Jade LeMac first had us hooked with the release of her viral single "Constellations" and hasn't let us go since. She's the type of artist whose heart and soul shine through in every track, equally adept at expressing raw vulnerability and fearless defiance, and in the process crafting songs that feel universally relatable. Most recently, she tugged on our heartstrings with the release of "Pink Balloon."

Of course, she shows no signs of slowing down in 2025, with plans to put out a lot of new music. No matter what emotion she plans to wring out of us with her next single, we can't wait.

(Photo credit: Laura Harvey)

 

Also read about: Jade LeMac Revisits Her Hit Song 'Constellations' and Its Continued Success

 

2. Izza

We can always count on singer-songwriter and producer Izza's pulse-pounding dance-pop tracks to get us moving, and in 2024, she made waves with her thrilling EP, Because I'm Blonde. Its seven high-energy songs explore the double-edged sword of stereotypes as she steps into the bold confidence of being a blonde, even as others underestimate her.

In 2025, we can expect even more unbridled energy and positivity from the star as she releases her next songs.

(Image courtesy of Izza)

 

3. Hana Giraldo

Hana Giraldo is the definition of a multi-hyphenate, impressing fans not just as a pop sensation but also as an actress, fashion designer and celeb stylist. Hana has music stardom in her blood as the daughter of rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, though she's carved her own path for herself, defining her sound with a provocative edge. Her single "Reputation" feels like a declaration of everything she sets out to do, throwing away all preconceptions.

Expect to see Hana further explore all of her creative talents in the new year.

(Image courtesy of Hana Giraldo)

 

4. Shaney Poo

Haitian American artist Shaney Poo defies categorization, deftly fusing elements of pop, Afro music, hip-hop, R&B and island music to create his own brand of effortlessly catchy tunes. In July, the Boston-based musician released "Pump Up the Volume," a summery celebration of city life, and he's already got big plans in store for 2025.

He's kicking things off in the new year with his next single "Latin Nights," a track tailor-made for clubs and parties, before creating its community-focused music video in the spring. He's also planning a few shows in the summer with a live band on the East Coast, West Coast and Texas, with even more new music to follow.

(Image courtesy of Shaney Poo)

 

5. Alexa Kate

New York-based artist Alexa Kate is also known as a "heartache popstar," and we really couldn't think of a better way to describe her sound, combining honeyed vocals with anthemic soundscapes to tell her story. She captures that unique brand of yearning like no one else, particularly on her lush debut EP, wishing you well, which released in the summer.

Alexa also has a ton of new music coming on the way, including an upcoming EP (or possibly even an album), in addition to many live performances scheduled for the new year in 2025.

(Image courtesy of Alexa Kate)

 

6. NYIKO

Though he's been on a musical hiatus for a couple of years, singer-songwriter, record producer, label owner and visual artist NYIKO truly hasn't ever left. He can't be pinned down to a single genre, releasing new wave, synth-pop and hip-hop music over the last 10 years, and proving himself a master of creating nostalgic, soundtrack-worthy sounds. Beyond the world of music, he also recently went viral with his Halloween "Bratman" costume, racking up two million views.

And he's fully back in the swing of making music, recently returning to the recording studio. He plans to release his next album sometime mid-2025.

(Image courtesy of NYIKO)

 

7. Sciarra

Alt-pop singer-songwriter Sciarra is beloved for her dark and cinematic sound. She quickly garnered attention with her debut EP, which led to songs being featured everywhere from Dancing With the Stars to Basketball Wives.  2024 was another big year for the artist, with more of her music featured in How I Caught My Killer, plus a collaboration with MAC Cosmetics and the debut of her namesake fashion line.

And Sciarra fans won't have to wait long for even more from the star. She's starting 2025 off strong with the next singles from her upcoming EP, diving into a new era with a fresh new anthemic and danceable sound. She'll also be sharing bold new dress designs from her fashion line, in addition to live performances across the U.S. blending music with fashion in new and immersive ways.

(Image courtesy of Sciarra)

 

8. Star2

Singer-songwriter and rapper Star2 has a truly unique story, beginning his life in a refugee camp in Thailand. He is Ka-Ren, from a a persecuted minority from Myanmar, and moved to the U.S. with his grandmother at the age of 5 thanks to a lottery ticket after his family was killed. He's come a long way since then, establishing himself as a hip-hop artist with a powerful story of hope and perseverance. He's also collaborated with some incredible artists including Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Luh Kel and so many more.

In 2025, expect to see even more heartfelt and personal releases from Star2, in addition to more of his personal journey on his Adventures of Star2 YouTube series.

(Image courtesy of Star2)

 

Also read about: Star2 Reveals the Story Behind Romantic Single 'Thinking Bout You' and His Ka-ren Culture

 

9. Summer Brennan

Rising singer-songwriter Summer Brennan has an instantly enthralling presence, with a soulful and evocative voice that brings her powerfully relatable tracks to life. We recommend you start with her 2024 singles "Hear Me" and "Pretty," which are guaranteed to move your heart, capturing her ongoing journey of self-discovery and experiences as a teenage girl in the modern age.

Summer has no plans to stop anytime soon, and we can't wait to see what new tracks and live performances might be awaiting us in 2025.

(Image courtesy of Summer Brennan)

 

10. Olie Beckett

At just 14 years old, rising artist Olie Beckett has talent beyond his years. His musical journey started early, and through he initially dreamed of being a DJ, he soon followed his passions, pursuing music theater and honing his vocals as he also trained with a music coach to learn musical composition and the technical tools of the trade. 2024 was a busy year for Olie, seeing the release of singles romantic singles "Entertaining," "Free," "Effortlessly" and "Track 7."

He's recently been in the studio, recording his debut EP, which is set to release in the first half of 2025. He'll also be sharing his next performance dates in the very near future.

(Image courtesy of Olie Beckett)

 

Curious about who else we'll be watching very closely in 2025? Check out the list HERE.