Pandora Names 2025 Artists To Watch-Country [Exclusive]

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Pandora has named its 2025 Artists To Watch-Country list.

For 10 years, Pandora has annually recognized rising country artists, continuing to change the way new music is consumed. The 1o artists that Pandora expect to have a major impact in 2025 include Alexandra Kay, Hannah McFarland, Kashus Culpepper, Lakeview, Preston Cooper, RVSHVD, Ty Myers, Vincent Mason, Waylon Wyatt and Zach Top.

Kay connects deeply with audiences through her authentic voice, heartfelt melodies and evocative storytelling. She released her debut album All I’ve Ever Known in 2023, and has appeared on screen in Netflix’s Westside. With 22 million Pandora streams and frequent airplay on SiriusXM’s The Highway, Kay has firmly established herself as a powerful force in music.

McFarland moved to Nashville in 2016 to pursue a music career rooted in storytelling and captivating performances. Fusing modern flair with traditional country, her authentic lyrics and melodies resonate deeply with listeners. With a growing presence and magnetic charm, her music is set to leave a lasting impact. Her track “Hey Highway” is already getting airplay on SiriusXM’s The Highway and is a standout on Pandora.

Culpepper is a soulful country artist blending southern music, from country and blues to soul and rock. He discovered his voice singing in church at five, but it wasn’t until 2020 that he picked up a guitar while stationed in Rota, Spain, and began performing. Since then, Culpepper has sold out clubs across the south and has opened for artists like Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett and Needtobreathe. His song “Pour Me Out” recently featured on John Mayer’s SiriusXM show New Music Friday Tuesday.

Tattooed, blue-collar country duo Lakeview are quickly becoming one of Nashville’s hottest newcomers, blending metal-core energy with mainstream country. Following the release of their self-titled debut album, they’ve toured nationwide, opening for acts like Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Chase Matthew and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Currently SiriusXM’s Artist Accelerator and Highway Find, Lakeview is gaining traction across both Pandora Rock and Pandora Country as they make their mark in Nashville.

Cooper started playing guitar and singing in high school before working as a postal worker after graduation. In 2022, he left USPS to pursue music full-time, and in 2023 he connected with Nashville songwriters The Warren Brothers after opening for them. They invited him to Nashville to write, record, and perform at venues like The Bluebird Café. Now living in Music City, he has captured the attention of industry tastemakers, with his soulful voice and heartfelt songs. He’s set to release his debut album in 2025 and made his live radio debut on SiriusXM’s The Highway during Music Row Happy Hour.

Raised on rap and rock, RVSHVD made an unexpected shift to country music, finding his true home. With over 2.5M social followers, including 1.5 million on TikTok, RVSHVD is quickly gaining attention as a rising country/hip hop singer-songwriter. He’s already amassed nearly 16 million streams on Pandora.

Myers, known for his unique sound and authentic storytelling, has become one of country music’s most exciting new stars. With 10s of millions of streams and a growing fanbase, his recent hits “Let ‘Em Talk” and “Ends of the Earth” have fueled a sold-out headline tour and solidified his place in the industry as a rising star to watch.

Mason blends southern country influences with pop sensibilities. Inspired by artists like Parker McCollum and John Mayer, he has earned over 120 million streams across platforms. His breakout single, “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” from his EP Can’t Just Be Me, has garnered 53 million streams and widespread recognition, including airplay on SiriusXM’s The Highway.

Wyatt draws inspiration from the red-dirt tradition. He started writing songs as a child, often crafting melodies during summer days spent working with his father. His debut EP, Til The Sun Goes Down, was entirely self-produced in his parents’ rec room. Blending traditional roots with a modern twist, Wyatt’s sound has earned him recognition as a top artist to watch. His viral hit “Arkansas Diamond” has already collected nearly 40 million streams, bringing a fresh take on 80’s and 90’s country to Nashville.

Top is quickly becoming an artist to watch after the release of his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music, a sold-out headlining tour, and his first CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year. Pandora has been a key supporter, with heavy airplay across stations, while SiriusXM’s The Highway has also featured his music. His viral single, “I Never Lie,” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, adding to his breakout year. Top has toured with Lainey Wilson on her Country’s Cool Again tour and will support select Alan Jackson dates in 2025.

Madison Hahnen
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