ACN 10 Artists To Watch in 2026
- All Country News
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
The next wave of country stars is already here! As 2026 quickly approaches, All Country News is excited to put a spotlight on the 10 rising country music artists who we predict will make it a big splash in 2026! Whether they are gearing up to release new music or have a big tour around the corner, in no particular order, here are our ACN 10 Artists to Watch in 2026!
Jason Scott & The High Heat
Born and bred in Oklahoma City, Jason Scott & The High Heat are blazing a trail that’s all their own. With a sound that fuses Americana soul, heartland rock muscle, and country grit, they’ve earned praise from around the industry for their storytelling and sound. Their latest album, American Grin, is a roaring collection of songs that find beauty in imperfection and humor in the human condition On stage, the band delivers a wildfire of energy, lighting up festivals like Stagecoach, Born & Raised, and Mile 0 Fest, and sharing bills with Wyatt Flores, Blackberry Smoke, and 49 Winchester. Named Texas Emerging Group of the Year at the 2025 Texas Music Awards, Jason Scott & The High Heat continue to push boundaries and prove that some of the best country music out there doesn’t fit neatly into a box, it burns right through it.
Kaitlin Butts
Kaitlin Butts is country music’s fearless firecracker, a Tulsa-born, Nashville-based artist redefining what it means to blend heart, humor, and honesty. Her 2024 album Roadrunner! cemented her as one of the genre’s most imaginative storytellers, offering a modern twist on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! that landed on multiple best-of-the-year lists. That same year, she hit the road with Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, and Flatland Cavalry, and made her Lollapalooza debut, proving her sound resonates just as powerfully on a big stage as it does in the heartland. In 2025, Butts has kept her momentum blazing. Her viral anthem “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me)” amassed over 150 million TikTok views and 67 million streams, while her addition to the Opry Next Stage Class and the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025 solidified her as one of Nashville’s brightest new lights. Now signed to Republic Records and gearing up for her Yeehaw Sessions EP, Kaitlin Butts continues to turn every heartbreak, laugh, and high note into pure country gold.
Zach John King
With the poetic soul of a roots storyteller and the grit of a rock frontman, Zach John King is one of country music’s most compelling new voices. Hailing from Fayetteville, Georgia, and now signed to Sony Music Nashville, King brings a fresh, emotionally raw edge to modern country, one that’s both introspective and unflinchingly real. His breakout singles “Wannabe Cowboy” and “Slow Down” have racked up millions of streams and earned coveted spots on Spotify’s Hot Country and New Boots playlists, as well as Apple Music’s Today’s Country.Raised on a mix of George Jones, Otis Redding, and Third Eye Blind, King blends traditional storytelling with indie-rock honesty, a sound that’s quietly shaking up Nashville’s landscape. With over 24 million global streams, national radio play on SiriusXM’s The Highway, and his Slow Down EP on the horizon, King’s 2025 is shaping up to be a breakout year. Authentic, unpolished, and undeniably magnetic, Zach John King isn’t chasing trends, he’s chasing truth, one lyric at a time.
Hannah McFarland
Alabama native Hannah McFarland is carving her name among country’s most captivating new voices. The daughter of a cowboy and a portrait artist, she blends poetic storytelling with soulful vocals that turn heartbreak into beauty. After sharing stages with Kelsea Ballerini, Travis Tritt, and Zach Bryan, and signing with The Core Records/Capitol Records , McFarland made waves with her debut EP Broken Hearts and breakout single “Hey Highway.” She’s already collaborated with Riley Green, Brett Young, and Chase Rice, and is now touring alongside country heavy-hitters like Rice and Green. McFarland’s mix of heart, grit, and timeless charm makes her one of the most exciting rising stars in country music.
Elizabeth Nichols
Texas-born, Kentucky-raised, and globally influenced, 23-year-old Elizabeth Nichols is already making waves in country music. Since moving to Nashville, she’s racked up millions of streams with her clever storytelling, sweet Southern drawl, and sharp cultural observations. From the viral hit “I Got a New One” to fan favorites like “Trailer Treasure” and “Mama” (7.5M views online), Nichols blends playful cheek with heartfelt honesty, think Kacey Musgraves meets Toby Keith. Her debut EP Tough Love introduced a bold new voice, and follow-ups like “Daughter” and “Little Birds” showcase her knack for balancing humor, vulnerability, and wit. Nichols’ talents haven’t gone unnoticed, Kelly Clarkson covered her breakout single, and she’s co-written with Nashville talents like Sam Barber. A regular on iconic stages including Bluebird Cafe, CMA Fest, and the Kentucky Derby, Nichols is an undeniable rising star, carving her own path in modern country.
Clayton Mullen
Clayton Mullen is one of country music’s most exciting rising voices, blending back-porch storytelling with radio-ready hooks. Born on the West Coast, raised on the East, and honed in Texas’ vibrant music scene, Clayton spent his college years touring small towns in a ‘06 E-350 van, sharing stages with Chris Lane, Corey Kent, Randall King, and the Josh Abbott Band. Since moving to Nashville, he’s racked up 25M+ streams for his independently released sophomore album START AT THE END, a 13-track coming-of-age journey that’s equal parts journal and record. With tours alongside Sam Hunt, Billy Currington, and Warren Zeiders under his belt, Clayton is carving a sound that’s authentic, grounded, and unmistakably his own.
SJ McDonald
SJ McDonald is a rising country artist with grit, heart, and a deep love for 90s-country storytelling. Hailing from Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, the farm-raised singer-songwriter cut her teeth performing across the Southeast, playing over 75 shows a year and fronting bands from a young age. Her breakout single, Honky Tonk Pie, channels the hustle of chasing a dream in Music City, while her live shows, whether acoustic or full band, leave lasting impressions. A first-place winner in American Songwriter’s Traditional Country category, and currently touring with Emily Ann Roberts, John Anderson, and Cooper Alan, SJ is bringing blue-collar charm and bold energy to the next generation of country fans.
Preston Cooper
Preston Cooper’s voice commands attention. At just 22, the Fredericktown, Ohio native blends country grit with bluesy rock power, drawing comparisons to Chris Stapleton and Bob Seger. Known locally as “The Singing Mailman,” he earned his chops performing hundreds of shows while delivering mail across town, until songwriting legends Brad and Brett Warren discovered him at a Toledo songwriter’s round. His debut album, Toledo Talkin’, showcases 12 raw, full-band tracks that mix organic country with edgy alt-rock, including standout songs like Weak and One More Place I’ve Never Been. Fresh off tours with Kameron Marlowe and Riley Green, Preston is poised to define the next generation of Country Rock.
Blake Whiten
Blake Whiten is the pride of Six Mile, South Carolina, and carving out a space where country storytelling meets Southern rock grit. With a voice that’s both raspy and raw, Blake has drawn comparisons to the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd while maintaining a sound uniquely his own. He first gained major attention with his breakout track, “Rollin’ Stone,” a song that showcased his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with driving melodies. Since then, he’s been steadily building momentum, releasing new music like “Hard to Break” and hitting the road to bring his energetic performances to audiences everywhere. In 2026, Blake will join Morgan Wallen on select tour dates, further cementing his status as one of country music’s most promising new voices. With his combination of Southern rock edge, modern country sensibility, and undeniable charisma, Blake Whiten is an artist to watch closely as he continues to rise.
Tyler Nance
Missouri-born singer-songwriter Tyler Nance is quickly emerging as one of country music’s most exciting new voices. This year, he captured widespread attention with his breakout single, “Keep Me Sane,” a song that resonated with fans long before its official release. So much excitement surrounded the release that Tyler pushed it forward, seizing a career-defining moment that signaled he was ready for the next step in his journey. With a sound that blends heartfelt storytelling, catchy melodies, and a sincerity that feels immediate, Tyler is connecting with fans in a way that few newcomers do. As anticipation continues to build for his debut project, it’s clear that Tyler Nance is more than just a rising artist, he’s a songwriter poised to make a lasting impact on the country music landscape. Keep an eye on him, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
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