Pandora has revealed its highly anticipated annual list, “Artists to Watch 2026: The Pandora Ten,” identifying ten emerging artists across all genres poised to break through and shape the sound of the coming year. For the past decade, Pandora has utilized a combination of advanced listening data and human curation to accurately predict the launch of stars like Post Malone, Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, The Kid Laroi, and Tyla. The 2026 selections showcase artists whose voices embody the creativity, innovation, and passion of the future of music.
Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Music Programming at SiriusXM and Pandora, affirmed the platform’s dedication, stating, “Powered by human tastemakers and data-driven listener insights, this year’s selections feature a variety of artists we believe are ready to break out and resonate in a big way.” The list reflects Pandora’s long-standing tradition as a destination for music discovery, continuing to elevate the next wave of breakthrough talent across the industry.
Colorado-born, Los Angeles-based singer Cil leads the R&B pop movement on the list. Her hard-hitting, yet hypnotic sound resonates strongly on Pandora, especially songs from her latest EP, Don’t Hold Me Accountable, as she tackles messy relationships and mental health with unflinching honesty. Joining her are Cortis, the first boy band to debut under BigHit Music in six years; their debut album, Color Outside the Lines, is already performing well, with the track “Go!” showing significant traction across the platform.
The list features significant talent from the rock and country scenes. Kami Kehoe, a 22-year-old Los Angeles–based singer, songwriter, and drummer, brings a chameleonic, hard-charged rock sound that has garnered 1.2 million Pandora streams and dedicated support on the hard rock flagship station, Decibel. On the country side, Gavin Adcock, the face of the country rock revival, has surpassed 135 million Pandora streams and was hand-selected by Morgan Wallen as direct support on his 2025 and 2026 tour runs, channeling a bold, rebellious Southern grit.
Global influence is represented by several artists. Producer Ian Asher has rapidly risen in the dance music scene with his signature house beats, gaining massive recognition with his viral remix of Jain’s “Makeba” and collaborations with Oliver Heldens and Galantis. Kane Rodriguez, a rising star from Houston, represents the new wave of regional Mexican music, connecting with a bicultural generation through authentic storytelling and sustained chart success on Pandora’s Activados station.
The final spots highlight a diverse range of genres and backgrounds. Memphis-based soul singer EJ Jones is rapidly emerging in the Southern soul genre, with his latest single “Gas Station Love” showcasing a powerful, timeless old-soul feel. Indie rock is represented by the thrilling Irish band Florence Road, whose strong social media following and oaky vocals have earned momentum with their songs “Break the Girl,” “Goodnight,” and “Miss.” Atlanta-based Pluto, who gained popularity from her 2025 viral single “Whim Whamiee,” is making her mark in hip-hop, while California-based worship leader Peter Burton shares a powerful message of hope through his Christian music.
