Overview
- Editors frame 2025 as a fearless year of experimentation across pop, rap, R&B and electronic music, with artists expanding styles and storytelling.
- Billboard confirms Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl posted the modern-era’s biggest debut and placed all 12 tracks in the Hot 100’s top 12 simultaneously.
- Ambitious projects earned strong critical notice, including Rosalía’s orchestral Lux with the London Symphony Orchestra and Caroline Shaw, and Lady Gaga’s expansive Mayhem.
- Nylon’s “artists of the year” emphasize multiple paths to fame through TikTok virality, high-profile tour slots and inventive publicity, citing momentum from PinkPantheress, Addison Rae and others.
- British Vogue names UK talents to watch in 2026 — among them Demae, COBRAH, Skye Newman, Alessi Rose, EsDeeKid, Absolutely and TTSSFU — highlighting rising charts, streams and sold-out shows.