Country music is having one of its most exciting moments in years. From honky-tonk traditionalists to genre-bending pop-country crossovers, the next wave of talent is arriving fast in 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic twang or you discovered the genre through a TikTok rabbit hole, there has never been a better time to dig into rising country music acts. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Here are the 15 best new country artists you need to hear in 2026.
- Abbie Callahan
If you only discover one new country artist this year, make it Abbie Callahan. The young singer-songwriter has been described as a pioneer of what fans are calling “Kaleidoscope Country,” a sound that blends Americana, folk, and classic country into something entirely her own. Her debut EP Grossly Aware produced viral standouts like “Marry Jane” and “Strawberry, California,” and her follow-up single “Simon Says” has only added to the buzz heading into 2026. She is one of the most talked-about rising artists in the genre right now. Learn more about Abbie Callahan at https://holler.country/lists/essentials/20-new-country-and-americana-artists-for-2026/
- Faith Hopkins
Faith Hopkins kicked off 2025 with her single “Am I The Only One?” and never looked back. Her debut EP Love & Insanity delivered a string of sharp, catchy, and emotionally honest country pop songs that drew comparisons to artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Dasha. Hopkins has a rare gift for wrapping complex emotions in irresistibly singable melodies. Keep an eye on her throughout 2026. Check out more rising artists like Faith at https://countrynow.com/country-next-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026/
- Tyce Delk
New Mexico-born Tyce Delk made a serious impression in 2025 with his country-soul ballad “Adaline,” and the momentum has only built since then. His voice has been described as packaging old-school feelings in a new-school coating — rooted in the tradition of Chris Stapleton but very much his own man. Delk is exactly the kind of artist that reminds you why country music has lasted for generations. Discover more about Tyce at https://countrycentral.com/features/ten-artists-poised-to-have-a-big-break-in-2026/
- Ava Hall
Made in Michigan and ready for the world, Ava Hall has been turning heads with a small but stunning catalog of songs. Her track “What About Yours” features a vocal performance that listeners are still raving about months after its release, and “Georgia Heat” is the kind of front-porch country song that gets into your bones and stays there. With more music on the way, 2026 could be the year Ava Hall becomes a household name in country music. Read more at https://holler.country/lists/essentials/20-new-country-and-americana-artists-for-2026/
- Blake Whiten
South Carolina native Blake Whiten has drawn comparisons to Lynyrd Skynyrd for his raspy voice and Southern rock edge, but he is carving out a sound that is distinctly his own. His breakout track “Rollin’ Stone” showcased his ability to blend driving melodies with heartfelt storytelling, and follow-up singles like “Hard to Break” have kept fans hungry for more. In 2026, Whiten is set to join Morgan Wallen on select tour dates, which should introduce him to a massive new audience. Find out more about Blake Whiten at https://www.allcountrynews.com/post/acn-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026
- Kaitlin Butts
Tulsa-born and Nashville-based, Kaitlin Butts is one of the genre’s most imaginative storytellers. Her 2024 album Roadrunner! earned end-of-year list placements from multiple publications, and her viral anthem “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” racked up over 150 million TikTok views and 67 million streams. Named to the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025, Butts enters 2026 with serious momentum and an audience that is growing by the day. Read more at https://www.allcountrynews.com/post/acn-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026
- Elizabeth Nichols
At just 23 years old, Elizabeth Nichols has already racked up over 60 million streams, performed at the Grand Ole Opry, signed a record deal, and watched Kelly Clarkson send her debut single to number one on iTunes with a Kellyoke cover. Her Tough Love EP and a string of follow-up singles including “Daughter” and “Little Birds” have shown she is not a one-hit wonder. With Stagecoach 2026 already on her calendar, Nichols is stepping into a major chapter of her career. Learn more at https://countrynow.com/country-next-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026/
- Jacob Hackworth
Jacob Hackworth is proof that the best songwriters eventually belong in front of the microphone too. Already holding more than 20 major label writing credits in Nashville, the Missouri native debuted as a solo artist in 2025 and immediately earned a standing ovation at the Ryman Auditorium. His sophomore single “You Ain’t” and a string of promising live performances have made him one of the most buzzed-about new voices in the genre. In 2026, he rejoins Tucker Wetmore on tour, which is a major vote of confidence. More on Jacob at https://countrynow.com/country-next-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026/
- Jason Scott & The High Heat
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Jason Scott & The High Heat are blending Americana soul, heartland rock muscle, and country grit into something that refuses to be boxed in. Their album American Grin has earned widespread praise for its storytelling and raw energy, and their live performances at festivals like Stagecoach have been described as wildfire. They were also named Texas Emerging Group of the Year at the 2025 Texas Music Awards. This band is the real deal. Catch up with them at https://www.allcountrynews.com/post/acn-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026
- Maggie Antone
Maggie Antone is drawing comparisons to some of Nashville’s finest female storytellers, and for good reason. With a drawl that can effortlessly cover John Prine and a Broadway-caliber stage presence, she brings something layered and nuanced to modern country music. Her single “The Devil’s Not In Hell” has been turning heads, and a full-length album is anticipated in 2026 that could push her onto major festival stages. She is an artist who rewards close listening. Discover more at https://countrycentral.com/features/ten-artists-poised-to-have-a-big-break-in-2026/
- Waylon Wyatt
Waylon Wyatt delivered standout performances at Stagecoach and Cavendish Beach in 2025, and opened for Zach Bryan at London’s Hyde Park before completing his debut Australian tour. His raw songwriting and authentic delivery have won over fans on multiple continents, and in 2026 he is set to hit Europe for the C2C Festival circuit, covering Berlin, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, and London. If you have not heard Waylon Wyatt yet, now is the time. More at https://countrynow.com/country-next-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026/
- Madden Metcalf
Twenty-year-old Floridian Madden Metcalf is mixing beach-country romance with a Morgan Wallen-influenced cool that feels completely fresh. His debut EP Saltwater Southern arrived via MCA in early 2026, and the opening track “Kinda Paradise” is the kind of song that makes you want to roll down your car windows and let the sun in. He is young, he is talented, and he is just getting started. Read more at https://holler.country/playlists/playlist/best-new-country-playlist/
- Sam Stoane
Sam Stoane’s debut album Tales of the Dark West arrived in May 2025 and immediately made a case for her as one of the most compelling new voices in country and western songwriting. Her elegant vocals and deeply detailed, poetic lyricism set her apart from the pack. If you are a fan of storytelling-first country music with real craft behind it, Stoane is an artist you need to know. Many observers believe 2026 could be the year she makes a major splash. Discover Sam Stoane at https://www.whiskeyriff.com/2026/01/15/15-must-listen-country-artists-that-were-new-to-me-in-2025/
- The Creekers
The Creekers were thrust into the spotlight in 2025 thanks to their viral love song “Tennessee,” and they have more than backed it up with a full catalog that rewards deep listening. This bluegrass-leaning band brings rich instrumentation and infectious melodies to everything they do, and the consensus among fans who have gone down the rabbit hole is that their best work is still ahead of them. They are not a one-song act — they are a band built to last. Read more at https://www.whiskeyriff.com/2026/01/15/15-must-listen-country-artists-that-were-new-to-me-in-2025/
- Chandler Walters
A GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Chandler Walters made the jump from acclaimed Nashville songwriter to solo artist in 2025 and immediately proved he belongs in front of the camera just as much as he does behind it. His traditional storytelling approach and extraordinary live performances have made him a favorite among fans of classic country craftsmanship. In 2026, he is poised for even bigger milestones. Keep his name on your radar. More at https://countrynow.com/country-next-10-artists-to-watch-in-2026/
The Bottom Line
Country music in 2026 is overflowing with fresh talent. Whether you are drawn to the polished pop-country sound of Faith Hopkins, the traditional grit of Chandler Walters, or the genre-defying energy of Jason Scott & The High Heat, there is something on this list for every kind of country fan. The best way to support these artists is simple: stream their music, follow them on social media, and get out to a show if they roll through your town. The next great country star could already be on your playlist — you just might not know it yet.
Looking for more new country music? Check out the regularly updated Best New Country playlist at Holler: https://holler.country/playlists/playlist/best-new-country-playlist/ and the Country Artists to Watch list at Country Evolution: https://countryevolution.com/country-artists-to-watch/
