CRE Rising 25 – Week 1: August 10, 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.
In the first published edition, Austin Michael claims the No. 1 position, Belle Frantz earns the week’s highest debut and Lily Meola emerges as an artist to watch.
CRE Rising 25 — Week 1
Austin Michael Claims the No. 1 Position
Austin Michael makes the week’s biggest move, climbing seven positions to lead the first published edition of the CRE Rising 25. His song “Different Kind” also earns recognition as the week’s Hot Song.
Belle Frantz Enters at No. 7
Belle Frantz earns the highest debut of the week, entering the CRE Rising 25 at No. 7 and immediately securing a place inside the Top 10.
Lily Meola Debuts at No. 15
Lily Meola enters the chart at No. 15. Her developing audience, musical momentum and growing national visibility make her one of the emerging artists to watch.
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.
