New Rising Female Pop Singers Are Leading the Next Generation
CHICAGO – A new wave of talent is rewriting the rules of pop music. While legends like Madonna, Britney Spears, and Taylor Swift shaped the pop era we know, today’s rising stars are carving their own paths — blending social media virality with real vocal power, songwriting chops, and global charisma.
Here are 10 female pop singers defining the sound of the new generation — and why fans and critics are calling them the future of pop.
1. Sabrina Carpenter
With over 72 million monthly Spotify listeners, Sabrina Carpenter has moved far beyond her Disney Channel roots. Her 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send spawned viral hits like “Nonsense,” and her latest project Short n’ Sweet has fueled a major tour. Her collaborations with Taylor Swift and even Dolly Parton have solidified her crossover appeal.
2. Tate McRae
The Canadian powerhouse rose through So You Think You Can Dance and now commands 45 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Hits like “Greedy” and “You Broke Me First” earned her top chart spots and a global fanbase. Her latest album So Close To What debuted with strong numbers in 2025.
3. Tyla
South African sensation Tyla exploded after her 2023 TikTok hit “Water” went viral. She became the youngest African artist to win a Grammy, performing at major fashion events and late-night shows. With 27 million monthly listeners, she’s bringing African pop to the global stage.
4. Chappell Roan
Missouri-born Chappell Roan is known for her bold visuals, queerness-centered storytelling, and Grammy-winning hits like “Good Luck Babe.” Her 46 million monthly listeners have followed her through highs and lows, as she champions artist mental health and creative freedom.
5. Charli XCX
A longtime underground icon, Charli XCX finally broke into mainstream pop with her 2024 album Brat. The record earned three Grammys, including Best Dance Pop Recording for “Von Dutch.” Her lime-green “brat girl” aesthetic took over TikTok last summer.
6. Olivia Rodrigo
From Disney star to Gen Z icon, Olivia Rodrigo’s impact is undeniable. Her song “Drivers License” shattered Spotify records, and albums like Sour and Guts cemented her status. She now boasts over 47 million monthly Spotify listeners and three Grammy wins.
7. Rachel Chinouriri
The London-born artist with Zimbabwean roots broke through with her emotional, genre-bending style. After opening for Sabrina Carpenter and earning Brit Award nominations, she’s a fast-rising voice in British alt-pop, backed by 2.8 million monthly listeners.
8. Griff
Griff rose from her bedroom studio to the Brit Awards’ Rising Star title. Her debut album Vertigo peaked at No. 3 in the UK, and she’s opened for global names like Coldplay and Taylor Swift. She’s part of a bold UK pop movement that refuses to play it safe.
9. Addison Rae
Better known for TikTok at first, Addison Rae has turned heads with her polished pop career. With gold-certified singles like “Diet Pepsi” and collabs with Charli XCX, Rae now commands over 12 million monthly listeners, evolving beyond her influencer roots.
10. Gracie Abrams
Daughter of J.J. Abrams and a Swift collaborator, Gracie Abrams is quickly building her own legacy. With acclaimed albums like The Secret of Us and songwriting honors from Billboard Women in Music, her 50 million monthly listeners prove she’s no industry plant.
Pop’s Future Looks Bright
From global hits to viral dances, these ten women are setting the tone for where pop is headed. Each brings a unique voice, personal story, and undeniable talent to the table — and it’s only the beginning.
Who’s your favorite rising pop artist? Let us know in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com!