Spotify has released its annual lists highlighting artists and songwriters expected to shape the year ahead. The 2026 selections focus on emerging names already building momentum across streaming, touring, and songwriting credits.
The Artists to Watch list spans multiple genres, including pop, hip hop, country, dance, R and B, Latin, rock, and Afrobeats. Each artist is paired with a key track that reflects their current direction and growing audience. The goal is to give listeners a clear snapshot of where new energy is forming across the global music landscape.
Alongside performers, Spotify also spotlighted Songwriters to Watch. This group includes writers and producer-writers working behind the scenes on records across pop, hip hop, country, Latin, dance, Punjabi, and Afropop. Each songwriter is featured with selected tracks to highlight their recent work and influence.
The combined lists underline how discovery happens today, not only through artists in the spotlight, but also through the writers shaping the sound before it reaches the charts.