Getting discovered used to be an event that depended entirely on chance. Hopeful stars would perform in dimly lit bars, crowded street corners, and local talent contests with their fingers crossed that the right person would happen by at the right time. It was a hustle by every definition of the word. And it still is.
Only now, the stages are virtual and the opportunity to catch the right eye is bigger than ever before.
TikTok is the new frontier for aspiring singers and musicians looking to break through into the mainstream. And we're not just talkin' a viral snippet of a song or two. Major names in the game like Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo, and Walker Hayes wouldn't be the recognizable artists they are today without the platform.
Hayes—whose song "Fancy Like" went so viral on TikTok that it ended up reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard's Hot 100 and resulted in Applebee's bringing back their infamous Oreo Cookie Shake—told Esquire that he doesn't where he'd be without that unexpected boost from the platform.
"TikTok most definitely sparked a bonfire that eventually made the song go to radio and on TV and to football stadiums," he said. "It was where it all began."
So if you're looking for the next big hit in country music, don't sleep on TikTok. Here's a list of some of the most promising singers you need to keep an eye on:
Ashley Anne
Song we have on repeat: "Dear Dolly"
This 19-year-old Virginia Beach-born singer/songwriter is the self-declared mashup of "coastal grandma meets country music." All of Ashley Anne's "silly goofy songs" have hit potential thanks to their relatable lyrics and radio-ready hooks. But it's the raw emotion infused in her single "Dear Dolly," a tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton, that'll have you hitting the replay over and over again.
Callum Kerr
Song we have on repeat: "More Tennessee"
Scotland may not be the first place you think of when you think of country music, but up-and-comer Callum Kerr is here to change that. This former Scottish soap opera star (yep, you read that right) jokingly refers to himself as the "Scottish Luke Combs" and we couldn't be more here for it.
Jack Singleton
Song we have on repeat: "The Thunder Rolls"
This 20-year-old may not look like he has the vocal bass of Johnny Cash—but he kinda does. He writes and singles a lot about classic country elements like loving his town, dive bars, and, of course, fallin' in love. He also does some country-fied covers of pop hits. Don't breeze over his rendition of Lauv's "I Like Me Better."
Alexandra Kay
Steph Siau
Song we have on repeat: "Backroad Therapy"
This 20-something singer from the outskirts of St. Louis has been turning heads ever since she started uploading her music to TikTok. Kay's sound is the perfect blend of classic country twang and modern production that makes you want to drive out into the middle of nowhere with the windows down and just jam.
Julia Cole
Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo
Song we have on repeat: "All It Was"
With messages of self-worth and empowerment, Julia Cole's music is a breath of fresh air for everyone who's been through the wringer. It's hard not to fall in love with her empowering anthems—especially the one she just released with Alexandra Kay titled "Best Worst Ex."
Kylie Morgan
Rachel Deeb
Song we have on repeat: "If He Wanted To He Would"
With a classic Southern twang and plenty of sass, Kylie Morgan is a force to be reckoned with. Her single "If He Wanted To He Would" has all the makings of a hit, thanks to its upbeat tempo and cheeky nod to a phrase that's uber popular on the platform.
Jake Puliti
Song we have on repeat: "Too Drunk To Drive"
Country music is known for its storytelling and Jake Puliti has all the makings to become a master of the craft. His single "Too Drunk to Drive" is a heart-wrenching breakup ballad that'll have you reaching for the bottle one minute and for your ex's phone number the next.
Abby Anderson
Song we have on repeat: "Heart on Fire in Mexico"
She may describe herself as "country-ish" but Abby Anderson's storytelling and powerful vocals will have you convinced otherwise. Her single "Heart on Fire In Mexico" is a slow-burning ode to a broken heart and unrealized dreams that you won't soon forget.
Erin Kinsey
Robby Stevens
Song we have on repeat: "Just Drive"
If you're itching for some new coming-of-age country anthems, look no further than Erin Kinsey. She's all about relatable lyrics and catchy hooks that make it nearly impossible not to sing along with her. Her single "Just Drive" has summer vibes written all over it.
Ben Gallaher
David Abbott
Song we have on repeat: "Still a Few Cowboys Left"
Smoky, soulful and self-taught—that's all you need to know about Ben Gallaher. His single "Still a Few Cowboys Left" is reminiscent of the early-'90s country music sound we all know and love.
