From TikTok virality to radio breakthroughs, these 7 rising country artists are making serious noise in 2026. Rodell Duff, Nate Smith, Hannah Hokit, and more names you need right now.
Ashley Wineland’s Wineland album and 60-city Love + Heartbreak Tour make her one of country music’s most exciting rising acts of 2026. Watch this name for 2027.
Reece Gustafson is a 25-year-old rising country artist from Orlando, Florida with over 100,000 streams and a growing national following. The Sunset Stage Series spotlights his sound for 2027.
Warren Zeiders is on his first world tour, releasing three 2026 singles and crossing 4.2 billion career streams. Watch this name for 2027.
Zach John King debuts I’m What You Get on August 28, 2026, with 51 million streams on “Get to Drinkin’,” Billboard Country Rookie of the Month for March 2026, and stadium tours with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, and Riley Green.
Corey Kent’s Heartland Rock and Roll arrives September 25, 2026. The Oklahoma native is country music’s most compelling one-to-watch right now.
Jacob Hackworth broke country radio records with his debut single in April 2026 and just released Help Yourself. Here is why he is one to watch for 2027.
Elizabeth Nichols is one of country music’s most momentum-carrying artists in 2026, going from debut EP to CMA Fest stages and a first headlining tour in the span of a year. Here’s why she’s one to watch for 2027.
Florida-born McCoy Moore releases his debut album Sunshine State, makes his Grand Ole Opry debut at 25, and tours with HARDY in 2026. The Sunset Stage Series is watching closely.
MacKenzie Carpenter is one of country music’s most exciting rising voices in 2026. In this Sunset Stage Series installment, we spotlight her story, her album Hey Country Queen, and her 2026 tour with Riley Green.
Julia Cole hits the road on the Love You To Death Tour through summer 2026. Here is why she is one to watch for Sunset Country Fest 2027.
Wyatt Flores announces Scared of Heights, arriving July 31, 2026, via Island Records/MCA. The Sunset Stage Series spotlights one of country music’s most compelling rising voices.