It’s been an incredible year for female artists. We’ve had Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Dean and more dominating the charts. And the momentum isn’t slowing down. Here we look at the women that the Daily Star predicts will rule the next twelve months.
ABSOLUTELY:
More than just Raye’s little sister, Absolutely is carving out her own space with a genre-blurring sound. A hit-maker for Jesy Nelson and Normani, she is now in the spotlight with debut album, Paracosm, which helped reconnect with her “childlike imagination”. Fans will get a front-row seat to the sisterhood in 2026 when Absolutely, real name Abby-Lynn Keen, and her youngest sister Amma join Raye on tour. She admitted: “I’m feeling really grateful and really excited.” Abby has been working incredibly hard in the studio and has teased she has “plenty” in store for the next twelve months including the highly-anticipated album.
ROSE GRAY:
This BRITS Critics’ Choice nominee is the full package – a distinctive voice,bags of personality and a hunger to perform anywhere. Louder, Please is a debut album that does what it promises: You turn it up and move. She channels an electric, rebellious energy like a young Charli XCX and audiences are catching on. She said:“I’ve been making the same music for five, six years, but now people understand it. It’s not an underground niche any more – it’s on the radio. It’s a good time to be making the music I’m making.”
MAYA DELILAH:
Jazz fiend Maya is on a mission to reshape the image of women guitarists. Debut album The Long Way Round has already earned praise from John Mayer, who reached out personally – a moment she describes as “extra, extra special,” adding “he’s been my inspiration since I was 10”. A deluxe edition of her album arrives on January 9, with “lots and lots of music” still to come.
JESY BLACKMORE:
This Reading-born alt-R&B talent uses music as her journal and,combined with intricate guitar work, creates a unique ambiance. Her breakout moment arrived with Shiloh Type Beat and soon attracted praise from Billie Eilish, Stormzy, SZA, Idris Elba and Dave. Later she teamed up with US rapper Russ on the effortlessly cool Recognize before spellbinding the world with debut EP If You Need Me, I’m A Few Missed Calls Away. The project explores “caring about someone despite their growing apathy and disappointing choices”.
ALESSI ROSE:
This Derby-born singer has a knack for killer hooks and has made waves supporting Dua Lipa and Tate McRae on tour. Alessi writes with zero filter, which is why her songs land so powerfully. And she’s not fussed about pleasing everyone: “I don’t want to be the most consumable, safe artist for people. I’m going to write the way that I want to.” Her third EP Voyeur has an incredible range, from rock and folk to wondrous 80s dance pop throwback. An album is on the horizon.
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