CRE Rising 25 – Week 3: August 25, 2026
The 25 Emerging Country Artists Making Noise Across America
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, Blake Whiten rises to No. 1, Kaleb Austin makes his chart debut at No. 9 and Zach John King continues generating strong streaming momentum.
CRE Rising 25 — Week 3
Kaleb Austin Debuts at No. 9
Kaleb Austin makes an impressive CRE Rising 25 debut at No. 9. His expanding social audience and growing fan engagement place him firmly among this week’s emerging artists to watch.
Zach John King Holds Strong at No. 2
Zach John King remains near the top of the chart as continued streaming momentum helps him hold the No. 2 position heading into September.
About the CRE Rising 25
The CRE Rising 25 is a nationwide editorial ranking of emerging country artists showing measurable momentum. CRE considers Music and streaming performance, audience growth, social activity, fan engagement, live performances, touring activity, industry recognition and overall career development.
Music and streaming account for 40% of the evaluation, social growth and audience engagement account for 25%, live performances and touring account for 20%, industry recognition accounts for 10%, and CRE editorial evaluation accounts for 5%.
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.
