This year has marked an exciting time for both up-and-coming musicians and long-standing artists making their return after some time away. From viral TikToks to sold-out shows, what makes something mainstream isn’t always the same anymore. As 2024 comes to a close, many artists have had breakout moments, and others have been introduced to us. With that being said, here are the top artists of 2024.
1. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has made a significant splash in the music industry, with six studio albums under her belt including the Grammy-nominated album Short n’ Sweet, her recent album released earlier this year, which has received universal acclaim. She became the first female artist to hold the number one and number two positions on the UK singles chart for three consecutive weeks with her songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” respectively.
With a Netflix holiday special, “A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter,” set to air on Dec. 6 in which she will also serve as a producer, Carpenter is poised to make a statement after what has been her most exciting year yet thanks to her playful innuendos and powerful vocals.
2. Chappell Roan
Known for her dreamy, melodic and mesmerizing stage presence, Chappell Roan has skyrocketed into pop charts, even a year after releasing her campy debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Nominated alongside Carpenter and Benson Boone, Roan has been in the business for a decade now garnering a significant cult-following, largely thanks to her role as a supporting act on Olivia Rodrigo‘s Guts World Tour.
3. Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan has had a monumental 2024. On Sept. 19, Vermont Governor Phil Scott honored him with “Noah Kahan’s Busyhead Project Day,” recognizing his contributions to mental health awareness and his powerful storytelling. His hit single “Stick Season” soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking a career milestone and becoming the first chart-topper of the year. The singer’s blend of folk and introspective lyrics has resonated with fans worldwide, with heartfelt performances selling out arenas and even leading to the release of a live album, marking both a career-defining year and an exciting time for modern folk music.
4. Lady Gaga
Iconic singer Lady Gaga has continued to solidify her status as a global superstar in music, film and philanthropy. Known for her versatility, genre-bending collaborations and Oscar-worthy acting performances, Gaga remains unparalleled. This year, Gaga surprised fans with the Billboard Global 200 number one single “Die With a Smile” and her involvement in projects like Joker: Folie à Deux, which also prompted the companion album Harlequin. Gaga’s ability to champion mental health through her Born This Way Foundation while continuing to express herself has made her a force in both entertainment and humanitarian efforts.
5. Charli XCX
It’s all about BRAT summer for Charli XCX, who continues to change the landscape of pop music. Between pushing boundaries and blending experimental beats, she is one of pop’s most innovative artists. With iconic collaborations with artists like Troye Sivan and Billie Eilish, Charli has dominated streaming. Whether you made summer a BRAT summer or were hearing “Apple” 24/7, Charli remains at the forefront of modern pop culture, delivering electrifying performances and consistently teasing new music.
6. Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll has had a breakthrough year, mixing country, rock and hip-hop with a deeply personal touch. His lyrics explore themes of redemption, struggle and resilience. In September, he performed his song “I Am Not Okay” during the in-memoriam tribute segment at the 76th Annual Emmy Awards. This year, his album Beautifully Broken became his first number one album in the U.S., showcasing his powerful storytelling. Beyond music, Jelly Roll has made an impact in philanthropy, particularly supporting at-risk youth. His authenticity and vulnerability have made him a standout voice in modern music.
7. Teddy Swims
Seamlessly blending R&B, pop, soul and country, Teddy Swims has become a rising star after releasing his single “Lose Control” and debut studio album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1) last year. Swims’ unique sound is matched by his genuine lyrics and emotional storytelling, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse vocalist. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Swims is redlining music with his genre-bending sound.
8. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish continues to dominate the music world with her nine Grammy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, along with her distinct sound and creativity. This year, she captivated fans with her critically acclaimed record Hit Me Hard and Soft, showcasing her beautiful melodies and distinctive lyrical touches. The record contrasts vulnerable ballads with bold, experimental tracks, earning her seven Grammy nominations. Eilish continues to push musical boundaries, creating heartbreaking and soulful music that solidifies her place in modern music.
9. Post Malone
Post Malone has become one of music’s most versatile artists, breaking into hip-hop, pop and, more recently, country. This year, two of his 2024 singles debuted on the Billboard Hot 100: his guest appearance on Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” and his first country pop song, “I Had Some Help” (featuring Morgan Wallen). The latter served as the lead single for his country album, F-1 Trillion, which further experimented with the genre and became his third non-consecutive number one album on the Billboard 200. Malone continues to redefine genre boundaries, with the album serving as a love letter to the country genre, making 2024 another standout year in his career.
10. Linkin Park
Following the announcement of new vocalist Emily Armstrong and the death of vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park has made a remarkable comeback this year. Seven years after the release of One More Light, marking the longest gap between studio albums in the band’s career, Linkin Park is now appealing to both old and new fans alike. Their recent album, From Zero, references both the band’s original name, Xero, and its new chapter with Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain. With Armstrong in the band and a shift toward the future, Linkin Park reminds us why they reached the heights they did, making this one of their most exciting years yet.
11. Katy Perry
Katy Perry is more self-assured and confident than ever before with her “dance party” album 143 and her exit from “American Idol.” Having ruled the 2010s with her insatiably uplifting pop and over-the-top theatrics, Perry has been quiet in terms of music for the last half-decade. As she embraces her authenticity, Perry’s return promises to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners, further solidifying her place in pop history.
12. Halsey
Halsey continues to captivate audiences with her bold musical vision and vulnerability. Her recent work sees her experimenting with new sonic territories while maintaining her signature emotional depth. This year, she released The Great Impersonator, an album that explores raw nature and honesty, alongside its eclectic sound. It also explores themes of life and death following her lupus and T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder diagnosis. Halsey’s advocacy for mental health and social justice remains an integral part of her public persona. She continues to be a powerful voice in both realms, really coming into her own this year as she comes full circle.
13. Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots has had another impactful year, with their energetic live performances, the dynamic chemistry between Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun and their latest album Clancy, an album that feels as though the band is closing out the story they’ve been telling for the last decade. Known for their ability to blend catchy hooks with alt-rock, pop and indie influences, the duo has maintained a loyal global following. On Clancy, they explore more synth-driven sounds while staying true to their roots. The album’s introspective themes and genre-bending tracks further cement their place as one of the most innovative acts of their generation.
14. Benson Boone
Benson Boone has been making waves in the music industry since appearing on the televised U.S. music show American Idol. Three years later, following the success of “Beautiful Things,” Boone opened for Taylor Swift during the London leg of The Eras Tour, captivating audiences with his heartfelt performances and undeniable charisma. His artistry catapulted with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist this year, following the release of his debut album, Fireworks & Rollerblades, which showcased his soaring vocals and arena-ready pop. Boone’s chart-topping tracks and growing list of accolades make him a name to remember in his rise to fame.
