The Hottest Emerging Artists in Country
The CRE Rising 25 tracks independent and emerging artists building genuine momentum through new releases, audience growth, streaming activity, live performances and fan engagement.
This week, Kevin Powers makes the chart’s biggest move, Kaleb Austin climbs into the Top 3 and Hannah McFarland earns the week’s highest debut.
CRE Rising 25 — Week 5
On the Verge: Julia Golden
Julia Golden continues building the kind of momentum that could soon earn her a place in the CRE Rising 25. Her growing live-performance résumé, expanding audience and recent national attention make her one to watch.
Graduated: Blake Whiten and Braxton Keith
Blake Whiten and Braxton Keith have graduated from the CRE Rising 25. Graduation recognizes artists whose career momentum and national visibility have moved them beyond the chart’s emerging-artist criteria.
About the CRE Rising 25
The CRE Rising 25 is a nationwide editorial ranking of emerging country artists showing measurable momentum. CRE considers audience growth, streaming and social activity, fan engagement, new releases, live-performance activity, industry recognition and overall career development.
Rankings are updated weekly to help fans discover artists who are building something real before the rest of the industry catches up.
No paid placement—ever.
