Since 2018, many up-and-coming and current musicians have taken their seat in the spotlight, singing to their heart’s content and gaining more and more popularity as the year progressed. Now that the new year has begun, some artists continue to gain fans while up-and-coming artists are working hard after their first debut album. 

Starting with up-and-coming artist Jade Bird, British singer, songwriter and musician, she debuted her first extended play record “Something American” in July 2017. Since then Bird’s edgy, pop-rock sound with an Indie vibe has given way to a new fanbase with her newest single “Love Has All Been Done Before,” released in late 2018, gaining more than 400,000 views on YouTube. Fans of Bird continue to keep a close eye on her into 2019, excited to hear her next big hit.

Ariana Grande, American singer, songwriter and actress, continues to make big waves into 2019. Since her first acting job in 2009 as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon television show “Victorious,” Grande has done nothing but excel. After her time as an actress, she quickly made it into the music spotlight with her first hit “The Way,” gaining more than 360 million views on YouTube. She continues to release hit songs like “Dangerous Woman” and “Thank U, Next,” and gains more fans on a daily basis. Fans are awaiting more hit albums and songs as 2019 kicks off.

Artists AJR, Ava Max, the Chainsmokers, Imagine Dragons and Halsey left their mark in 2018 and continue to gain fans and popularity as the new year begins. 

Alyssa Hatch, sophomore chemistry education major, enjoys listening to a lot of today’s pop music. 

“I think they have really unique styles of music,” Hatch said.

Panic! At the Disco, an American rock band, continues to please rock fans. They consistently change the sound of each album they produce, adding to their fanbase. Musically, they are described as pop-rock and alternative, piecing together synth, rock and pop sounds, creating a twist on the typical rock band persona. Fans await their next big hit, curious to see what new sounds they experiment with. 

Katelyn Terbovich, sophomore music major, is a huge fan of Panic! At the Disco.

“They constantly change their sound of each album and they’re not your average group,” Terbovich said. “They actually use instruments and the singer definitely can wow a crowd.”

Beyoncѐ, American singer, songwriter, actress, record producer and dancer, also continues to excel in her music career as she begins the new year. Since her time as a member of Destiny’s Child and moving into a solo music career, fans rave about her sound and success.

For country lovers, Dan + Shay, American country vocalists and songwriters Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, have become a new duo heartthrob in the country music industry. After their first single “19 You and Me” was released, their success took off. Since then fans continue to watch Dan + Shay as they move into the new year, hoping for another hit like “Tequila,” released in January 2018, which has since become their highest charting song on “Billboard Hot 100,” making the Top 40.

As 2019 begins, fans are excited to hear about their favorite artists as new hit songs and albums are released. 

“I’m excited for these groups to see how they change in people because that determines their songs,” Terbovich said.