Since 2021, Shazam has been using its data to identify rising artists before they break, based on early song-recognition trends. Today, the platform revealed its Fast Forward 2026 lineup. Here are the details.
This year’s Fast Forward playlist includes Lelo, Bella Kay, and Florence Road
Here’s how Shazam describes its yearly Fast Forward list:
Fast Forward takes a look ahead at some of the most exciting talent being discovered on Shazam. Spanning genres and borders, these rising artists are set to make waves in 2026 and beyond.
Shazam’s Fast Forward 26 includes 65 artists spanning 20 genres, from Afro-Beat and Country to Electronic, K-Pop, Rock, and Urban latino.
Shazam notes that in previous years, some of the artists it highlighted before their big breaks were Benson Boone and Young Miko in 2023, Ayra Starr and Teddy Swims in 2022, and aespa in 2021.
You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music below, or get it on Spotify.
The playlist description reads:
Every day, Shazam gets millions of requests from users around the world who are curious about the artist behind a song. These requests come from all over—TikTok videos, car commercials, overhearing something in the wild—which makes it a powerful tool for predicting tomorrow’s heavy hitters. For 2026, we’ve assembled a playlist featuring over 60 artists—based on Shazam data and reviewed by our editors—that are poised to have a breakthrough year. From K-pop group CORTIS to Alabama country crooner Kashus Culpepper to Irish rock band Florence Road, it’s a remarkably diverse group of artists hailing from all corners of the globe. Have a listen and add the ones you love to your library before the world catches on.
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