11 women in music set to become 2026’s main pop obsessions
If you worship at the altar of Olivia Dean or self-identify as a West End Girl, these are the women in music you’ll be waxing lyrical over this year…
If the Lush Life renaissance means something to you or you’re choosing to quite literally die on a hill repeat-streaming Sienna Spiro’s viral ballad-turned-anthem, you’ve successfully entered 2026 pop-lore territory – and things are about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Gracie Abrams’ co-writer is stepping out into the solo spotlight. Haim’s opening support act on their I Quit tour has caught the attention of both music and fashion insiders. And while we’ve all been asking where Raye’s husband is, it’s worth also directing attention to her younger sisters, who are entering the pop universe with their own musical canons.
A pop music vibe shift is certainly afoot. The in-your-feels power tracks are getting a little deeper, the self-deprecating lyricism we’ve seen with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter is hurtling towards deadpan wit and the latest euphoric anthems are the sonic equivalent of a blue-sky summer (no matter the IRL weather).
Read on for Stylist’s round-up of the 11 women set to become the next pop girlies in 2026…
1. Chloe Qisha
For fans of: Olivia Rodrigo & Rina Sawayama
Chloe Qisha crept up ones-to-watch lists in 2025 and after a stellar support slot at Raye’s headline All Points East date last summer, we predict 2026 is going to be an even bigger year for the Malaysian-British artist. With a pop-punk edge, genre-blending talents and an effortless 21st Century Cool Girl energy, stream Sex, Drugs & Existential Dread or I Lied, I’m Sorry ASAP.
2. Rose Gray
For fans of: Charli XCX & Jade
Rose Gray’s discography is reminiscent of London club culture, she was nominated for a 2026 Critics’ Choice gong at the Brits and we couldn’t be more excited to champion her intercontinental star power. Euphoric and intoxicating, if you’re looking to get hooked, listen to April or Party People. We’re also locked in and invested in her relationship with actor, Harris Dickinson (but that’s by the by).
3. Flowerovlove
For fans of: Olivia Dean & Arlo Parks
Some have dubbed Flowerovlove’s sound ‘bedroom pop’ or ‘sunshine pop’, but we feel that’s slightly dismissive of the young star’s ethereal, melodic talents. Twenty-year-old South Londoner Joyce Cissé is making a name for herself across the pond, where she’s supported Haim on their I Quit tour and she’s even starred in fashion campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Listen to Breaking News or A Girl Like Me.
4. Laufey
For fans of: Clairo & Taylor Swift
Queen of genre fusion, Laufey, is making jazz-certified pop. With warm vocals, nostalgic tones and a fresh energy we’ve not seen in the pop girlie space, the Icelandic singer has captivated US audiences and is establishing a cult UK following that we think will hit an exponential trajectory this year. From The Start and Promise are the perfect gateway listens to her dreamy jazz-pop.
5. Audrey Hobert
For fans of: Gracie Abrams & Phoebe Bridgers
She might be Gracie Abrams’ co-writer, but Audrey Hobert is making a name for herself in 2026. She’s got the hooky melody + emotionally charged musical equation perfectly balanced and she brings a relatable brand of ‘I’m just a girl’ deadpan humour to all her songs. For a gateway listen, hit play on Bowling Alley or Sue Me.
6 + 7. Amma & Absolutely
For fans of: Raye & SZA
Special joint rising star mentions go to Raye’s sisters, Amma (Lauren Keen) and Absolutely (Abby-Lynn Keen). We caught their support sets at All Points East this summer and with vocal runs to rival their sister’s, both performances were goosebumps-inducing. We recommend hitting play on Amma’s If You Don’t Love Me and Absolutely’s I Just Don’t Know You Yet.
8. Zara Larsson
For fans of: Sabrina Carpenter & Dua Lipa
Zara Larsson has been on the music scene for years, but we predict 2026 will be massive for her. If there’s one music/socials crossover that’s taken the reins this month, it has to be the viral dance to her 2015 hit, Lush Life. And with the recent release of Midnight Sun (with that vocal run), Larsson is establishing herself as the transport-you-to-summer indulgent pop girlie. Expect to hear the Swedish singer on a loop this year.
9. Griff
For fans of: Maggie Rogers & Gracie Abrams
Blending vulnerability and sonic power with haunting, cry-while-you-dance vocals, London-based Sarah Griffiths (known professionally as Griff) is a multi-talented musician who’s maintained a strong creative control over her output since her breakout single, Black Hole, in 2021. In the last two years alone she’s supported everyone from Taylor Swift to Sabrina Carpenter on tour, but we feel her star has been quietly rising and she’s set for more in 2026. Listen to Last Night’s Mascara and Astronaut if you haven’t already.
10. Sienna Spiro
For fans of: Lana Del Rey & Celeste
Another 2026 Brits’ Critics’ Choice nominee, Londoner Sienna Spiro has started the year strong after her viral performance on The Tonight Show across the pond. Her breakthrough single, Die On This Hill, made ballads the moment again in late 2025 and we’ve not seen something quite like it since Adele’s Someone Like You. Add MAYBE. and BACK TO BLONDE to your playlist.
11. Nieve Ella
For fans of: Holly Humberstone & Sam Fender
The Shropshire-born Nieve Ella grew a loyal fan base from her bedroom during the Covid lockdown thanks to the power of TikTok. Her raspy vocals, indie-pop hooks and small town-gone-anthemic lyrics (reminiscent of Fender) have sustained her ascent. Ganni Top (She Gets What She Wants) and Car Park are perfect gateway listens.
Images: Getty
