Music industry insiders are predicting that 2026 will be a landmark year for a fresh wave of talent, with artists like Olivia Dean and Rosalia poised to achieve global superstardom. The forecast follows a year of diverse breakthroughs in 2025, fuelled by social media and strategic airplay.
The Breakout Acts Set for Major Success
Among the most anticipated names is London-born singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards, Dean's star has risen sharply following her second studio album, 'The Art Of Loving'. The record shot to the top of the UK albums chart in October 2025, spawning the UK number one single 'Man I Need' and other top 10 hits.
Her 2026 schedule is packed, kicking off the Art Of Loving Tour in Glasgow in April, with stops at iconic venues including New York's Madison Square Garden and London's O2 Arena, before concluding in Auckland, New Zealand, in October. With support slots for Sam Fender and Sabrina Carpenter under her belt, 2026 is widely seen as her year for international breakthrough.
Global Recognition for Established Stars
Meanwhile, Spanish sensation Rosalia is also tipped for a colossal 2026. Her fourth album, 'Lux', made her the most successful female Spanish artist in UK albums chart history, peaking at number four. The album's single 'Berghain', featuring Bjork and Yves Tumour, became her highest-charting UK single.
With two Grammy Awards already to her name, speculation is rife that Rosalia is gearing up for a major tour in 2026, which would be her first since the 2022 Motomami World Tour. This move is expected to cement her status beyond the Latin music scene and into the global pop mainstream.
Other Artists to Watch Closely
The list of talent set to explode extends far beyond these two headliners. New York electroclash duo Fcukers, endorsed by stars like Julian Casablancas and Charli XCX, have built a formidable live reputation with sold-out London shows and a Glastonbury slot, despite only forming in 2023.
Fellow New Yorkers Geese were crowned 2025's indie band of the year following their album 'Getting Killed'. With a sound inspired by iconic NYC bands and a fan in actor Cillian Murphy, they have already sold out two London gigs for 2026.
Finally, Brighton-based quartet The New Eves made a striking entrance with their debut album 'The New Eve Is Rising', which fused feminist punk, folk, and krautrock into a uniquely atmospheric sound, earning them Rough Trade's album of the month.
As the new year approaches, the stage is set for these artists to transition from critical acclaim and cult followings to mainstream, chart-topping success on a worldwide scale.
