12 Rising Stars Set to Break Through in 2026

These are the musicians, actors and comedians MarkMeets believes you’ll be hearing a lot more about over the next year.

A new year always brings a moment to pause and look back. Over the past few weeks, we’ve revisited the albums, films and TV shows that defined the last 12 months — the ones that sparked conversations and stayed with us long after the credits rolled.

But at MarkMeets, looking ahead matters just as much.

While 2025 introduced audiences to a fresh wave of talent that quickly became household names, 2026 is already shaping up to be a breakthrough year for a new group of artists across music, film, television and comedy. Some are quietly building momentum, others are on the cusp of something much bigger — and a few are already being watched closely by the industry.

With a track record of backing emerging talent early on, MarkMeets has become a trusted source for new music discovery, referenced by the BBC and beyond. Here are 12 names we’re watching closely in the year ahead.

Debbii Dawson

In an era where viral moments are easy to come by, truly memorable talent-show performances are rare. Debbii Dawson managed exactly that with her striking rework of Dancing Queen on America’s Got Talent — a performance that stood out for all the right reasons.

Since then, she’s built a devoted following by blending the spirit of classic 70s icons like ABBA, Queen and Dolly Parton with a modern pop sensibility. What really sets Debbii apart, though, is how naturally her personality feeds into her music. Quirky, confident and unmistakably her own, she feels like an artist who knows exactly who she is — and audiences are responding.

Tyriq Withers

Tyriq Withers has quietly had a standout year, appearing in two high-profile horror projects and holding his own alongside established names. His performances in I Know What You Did Last Summer and the divisive but memorable Him showed real range and screen presence.

Looking ahead, 2026 could be the year everything clicks. He’s set to appear in Reminders Of Him, a romantic drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel, alongside Maika Monroe. With a new audience about to discover him, Tyriq is one to keep firmly on your radar.

Yerin Ha

Since launching in 2020, Bridgerton has proven itself a star-making machine — and season four looks set to continue that trend.

Yerin Ha joins the cast as Sophie Baek, the new romantic lead opposite Luke Thompson’s character. With the first part of the season arriving early in 2026 and the second following shortly after, it’s hard to imagine it taking long before Yerin becomes one of the show’s most talked-about new additions.

Connor Storrie

Connor Storrie first caught attention with a brief but memorable role in Joker: Folie À Deux, before landing his breakout moment in one of 2025’s most unexpected TV successes — the Canadian hockey romance Heated Rivalry.

The series’ popularity has exploded, and with a UK release now confirmed and a second season already in development, Connor’s profile is rising fast. With interest building on both sides of the Atlantic, 2026 looks set to be a defining year for him.

Audrey Hobert

Already established as a screenwriter, Audrey Hobert’s move into music began almost by accident — writing songs with her flatmate, Gracie Abrams. When those collaborations turned into global hits, Audrey stepped fully into the spotlight herself.

Her 2025 album Who’s The Clown? blended sharp storytelling with humour and emotional honesty, drawing comparisons to Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Lorde. From the bold Sue Me to the painfully relatable Thirst Traps, Phoebe and Sex And The City, Audrey’s voice feels fresh, self-aware and very much of the moment.

Louis Partridge

While many first became aware of Louis Partridge through his high-profile relationship with Olivia Rodrigo, 2025 firmly established him as an actor in his own right.

Netflix projects House Of Guinness and Jay Kelly — where he portrayed a younger George Clooney — pushed his profile to new heights. In 2026, he returns as Viscount Tewkesbury in Enola Holmes 3 and stars in Netflix’s highly anticipated Pride & Prejudice adaptation alongside Emma Corrin, Olivia Colman and Jack Lowden. Expect his star to rise even further.

Eli

Eli’s love of pop culture runs deep, and it shows across her work. Her 2025 album Stage Girl — complete with its fictional talent show concept — leaned fully into Y2K nostalgia while still feeling current.

Follow-up single Glitter showcased her knack for combining heartfelt emotion with razor-sharp lyrics, while her personality shines just as brightly off-record. Whether through her music, Apple Music presenting slots or social media presence, Eli feels like an artist audiences genuinely connect with.

Sekou

Sekou has been steadily gaining industry respect for several years, from BBC Introducing stages to a Brit Awards Rising Star nomination. His rich baritone voice and strong songwriting have continued to draw attention throughout 2025.

Collaborations with Justin Bieber, support from Jade, and strong reviews for In A World We Don’t Belong have only added to the momentum. With the second half of the project arriving in 2026, Sekou appears poised for his biggest year yet.

Ciara O’Connor

Ciara O’Connor’s comedy cuts straight to the heart of modern life — from dating disasters to online cringe and pop culture obsessions.

2025 saw her touring widely, representing So You Think You’re Funny? at Edinburgh Fringe and appearing on the BBC’s New Comedy Awards. Her social media presence, particularly her TwinkNews parodies, has only strengthened her following. Expect to see her everywhere in 2026.

Jeff Hiller

After years of acclaimed improv work and smaller TV roles, Jeff Hiller’s breakout came with Somebody Somewhere. His performance earned him an Emmy win — and one of the most warmly received acceptance moments in recent memory.

With the show now concluded, Jeff’s career feels wide open. His Emmy win signals a new chapter, and it’s unlikely we’ll have to wait long before seeing him take on his next major role.

Aitana

Aitana may be new to UK audiences, but in Spain she’s already a pop powerhouse. Her 2025 album Cuarto Azul received rave reviews, and her stadium tour confirmed her status as a major star.

With international dates planned for 2026 — including UK shows — Aitana looks ready to make the leap to a wider audience. Given her ear for pop hooks, it’s only a matter of time.

La Voix

Fans of Drag Race UK already knew La Voix was a standout, but her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing introduced her to an even broader audience.

Whether sparring with the judges, sharing moments with Tess Daly or opening up about her journey, she became one of the most memorable personalities of the series. MarkMeets Media has already collaborated with La Voix across presenting and backstage coverage — and with her star power so evident, it feels inevitable that bigger TV projects are just around the corner.

Author Profile

Dan Dunn: Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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