laura reyes

Our favorite emerging pop icons are poised to shine this year. Laura, Martina and Nina decide which of their favorite pop stars are destined to take the throne this year.

martina’s choices

Chloe Qisha

With her latest single “21st Century Cool Girl,” London-based artist Chloe Qisha pairs an ABBA-esque chord progression with a stream of consciousness lyrical flow to create a surefire hit. The single’s music video, and even her cover art for her past singles, suggest that Qisha has a firm grasp on her image as an artist. Already amassing over 900,000 monthly streams on Spotify after releasing six songs, it’s hard to ignore the potential she possesses for a Chappell Roan-style rise to fame.

Debbii Dawson

Debbii Dawson carves out a unique space for herself with the country-pop sound of her music, specifically “The Great Magician.” Although she sings about isolation and doing whatever you can to get the attention of others, this single is certain to separate her from other emerging female artists. Reminiscent of Miley Cyrus’ Younger Now and Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen,” Dawson’s star power places her in a distinctive position in the industry right now.

nina’s choices

Maude Latour

After years of build up, preparation, and four hard-hitting EPs, Maude Latour finally released her debut album Sugar Water in late 2024. Defined by catchy hooks, experimental production, and vulnerable lyrics with a philosophical edge, her music is almost unlike any other. She is someone who is ambitiously herself in her music and not afraid to show all of the parts of herself. “Officially Mine” stands out as an impactful experimental pop song about the feeling of a new and possibly unexpected love. Through her songs, she explores love in all of its forms, with stories about heartbreak, grief, queerness, and friendship.

Molly Grace

Queer pop stars seem to be all the rage right now, and Molly Grace is no exception. Her music seamlessly blends pop, disco, and funk influences with cheeky lyrics and captivating hooks, all the while being fun and honest. Lesbian anthem “F.E.M.M.E.” went viral on TikTok this past winter, a invigorating bass-led earworm about being unapologetically feminine and queer. It heavily expanded her audience, which I am sure is just a glimpse of what her inevitable rise to fame will be, joining the likes of lesbian pop stars paving the way.

laura’s choices

Alessi Rose

Blending the exquisite essence of femininity with a bold, unapologetic edge, Alessi Rose crafts music that resonates with every aspect of your identity. Her lyrics, infused with a palpable sense of raw honesty and deep vulnerability—especially in songs like “Start All Over”—unveil the complex tapestry of emotions and thoughts that continually weave through the corridors of her mind. Rose particularly stands out because it feels like you’re entering her world, where each word vividly illustrates her internal struggles and triumphs, inviting listeners to journey alongside her through the highs and lows of her experiences. It’s as if she opens a window into her soul, exposing the intricate layers of joy, sorrow, and introspection that shape her artistic expression.

Rose Gray

Following an exhilarating Brat summer filled with vibrant beats, the insatiable hunger for electronic pop music is at an all-time high. Rose Gray has just unveiled her debut album, Louder, Please, a sonic feast that perfectly quenches this craving. By seamlessly intertwining the rhythmic pulse of techno with the infectious melodies of pop, she fills an electrifying niche in the pop landscape, catering to those who yearn for dance-worthy anthems. With such a compelling introduction, it’s clear that Gray has a wealth of creativity to share, and I eagerly anticipate the magic she will conjure in her future releases.