Rising Pop Girls of 2026: Predictions For The Next Big Artist 

Every year we see a new pop girl emerge, here are my predictions for the new year. 

Adéla

Adéla is without a doubt a star and you better start paying attention to her. Adéla is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and producer from Slovenia, who you may recognize for the Netflix series Dream Academy. In 2025 she released her debut EP titled The Provocateur, which ended up being one of my personal favorite projects of last year. With absolute hits like “Superscar“, “SexOnTheBeat“, and my personal favorite “Homewrecked“, it is clear that Adéla is pure pop perfection and someone who has something to say. Not only is the music superb, but her on-stage presence and impeccable dancing ability give her a clear edge. She will be opening up for Demi Lovato’s It’s Not That Deep Tour this year and is rumored to be dropping her first album as well. 

Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean is sort of a given. She already had an enormous rise in 2025, securing her first entry into the Billboard Hot 100 with her song “Man I Need”. A song that went platinum in the United States. Yet, I do not think this is the peak for her. In 2026, she will be going on a tour around the world, which will only increase her exposure and showcase her natural charisma. She has a very timeless and effortless quality that comes across in everything she does. Her songs sink into your bones and get stuck in your head. I only hope that she will release a deluxe to her album The Art of Loving You, in order to keep this momentum going. 

Slayyyter 

As a long time fan of Slayyyter, I am pleading with the pop fans to open their eyes and embrace this exuberant, fun, and witty diva. Last year, Slayyyter released three singles, titled “Beat Up Chanel$”, “Cannibalism!”, and “Crank”, which showed an obvious tonal shift from her last record S********R. She went from 80’s influenced electronic pop to an almost corroded, messy, aggressive, grungy, hard pop sound. It is hard to put a label on it, but though different for her, she fits so perfectly into this new style. On January 13th, she announced her new album, called Wor$t Girl In America, that is set to release on March 27 of this year. With three perfect pre-released singles, and more surprises sure to come, Slayyyter is coming in hot this year. 

Eli

You may have come across one of Eli’s posts on TikTok last year showcasing one of her dreamy pop confections. What is really special about her music is that she is a trans artist and that brings unique ideas to the writing. An especially interesting written song on her debut album from 2025, titled Stage Girl, is the song “Somebody I’m Not” where she expresses not wanting to die in a body she does not belong in. It is a conversation that not a lot of pop girls have brought to the table, because we simply have not had a lot of transgender pop stars. Not only is it lyrically layered, but Eli showcases some beautiful, breathy, almost Ariana Grande esc vocals. Very early 2000’s in the best way. At the end of the year Eli released, in my opinion, her best song yet, “Glitter”. Showing that the great debut album was not a fluke, and she has so much more to bring to the table. 

Natanya

During the latter half of 2025 I discovered Natanya and have been obsessed ever since. She produces her own music, making lush alt-R&B influenced pop reminiscent of Janet Jackson and Ravyn Lenae. Her debut album Feline’s Return was full of interesting, crisp beats. Some highlights of her discography to check out would be “Sofa Joy”, “Meet You Once (The End)”, and “Moviestar”. Natanya is one to watch, with her aesthetic visuals and delicious melodies. 

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