5 Emerging Pop Artists To Watch in 2025
The music scene in 2025 is bursting with fresh talent, and pop music is no exception.
Pop is about to be completely redefined, and it’s all thanks to a new wave of artists who are bringing fresh perspectives and bold sounds to the forefront. Last year saw the rise of country, but in 2025, it’s time to flip the switch again. These emerging voices aren’t just following trends – they’re creating them, blending genres, experimenting with new sounds, and breaking through the noise to carve out their own unique spaces in pop.
You’ll want to keep an eye on these talents as they take center stage and prove why they’re the ones to watch in 2025.
Myles Smith
26-year-old Myles Smith has swiftly emerged as one of the most promising talents in the music industry. His breakout single, Stargazing, captured widespread attention and acclaim after earning a coveted spot on Barack Obama’s prestigious summer playlist – a moment that catapulted him into the global spotlight.
Renowned for his soulful, velvety voice and deeply emotive lyrics, Smith has a rare ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. This unique artistry has not gone unnoticed; he was recently honored with the BRIT Rising Star award for 2025. Adding to his meteoric rise, Smith is slated to join Ed Sheeran on his upcoming tour, a high-profile opportunity that is sure to cement his place among pop music’s elite while broadening his already expanding fanbase.
Iona Luke
Drawing inspiration from the lush, atmospheric textures of dream-pop and infusing them with modern, relatable themes, Iona Luke has created a sound that feels both transcendent and deeply grounded in human experience. Her music balances ethereal melodies with raw, introspective lyrics, offering listeners a journey that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is emotionally resonant. Luke’s unique artistry has earned her praise from none other than Lana Del Rey, who described her work as “stunning,” a testament to her growing influence in the genre.
By combining her delicate, otherworldly soundscapes with an authenticity that speaks to universal emotions, Luke is establishing herself as a fresh and compelling voice in the dream-pop world. Her upcoming debut album, set for release later this year, is already generating buzz among critics and fans alike. With its promise to a generation seeking both escapism and emotional connection, her debut album is se to bridge the gap between the ethereal and the intimate in a way that feels entirely her own.
Maya Delilah
Maya Delilah, a proud graduate of the renowned Brit School, has been making waves as a singer-songwriter and guitarist with a knack for blending intricate guitar work with soulful, pop melodies. What makes Delilah especially captivating is her ability to balance musical sophistication with a relatable charm that pierces through to people’s hearts.
Leveraging platforms like TikTok, she has already successfully broadened her reach, captivating listeners with both polished studio releases and intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process. Her short, candid performances and musical snippets have gone viral, allowing her to connect with fans on a global scale and solidify her place as a rising star.
Elmeine
Drawing from the lush grooves and emotional depth of ’90s neo-soul, Elmiene has emerged as a magnetic force in contemporary pop. His voice – rich, velvety, and brimming with soul – carries the kind of timeless quality that instantly captivates. With performances that feel as intimate as they are powerful, Elmiene has quickly drawn the attention of industry heavyweights who recognise his potential to reshape the genre.
What sets Elmiene apart is his ability to honor the legacy of classic soul while reimagining it for today’s listeners. By blending the warm, textured sounds of the past with modern production and innovative songwriting, he creates music that feels both nostalgic and new. As he prepares to release new material in 2025, Elmiene’s fresh take on the genre is reinvigorating its place in pop culture, building a legacy that feels as enduring as the music that inspired him.
CATTY
CATTY is an electrifying new force in pop music, redefining the genre with her fearless authenticity and undeniable star power. Emerging from the quiet confines of a small town in Wales, she has managed to amplify her voice to a global scale, embodying the ambition and creativity of a true trailblazer. Her music seamlessly fuses razor-sharp lyricism, alluring vocals, and genre-bending production to deliver an edge not seen in pop for some time.
With a string of singles already under her belt and her debut album, Healing Out of Spite already released, CATTY is fast becoming a name synonymous with the future of pop.