5 New Music Artists To Watch In 2025, as presented by ​​mediawithdrake

#1 Maggie Baugh

From Classical to Country Music, Maggie Baugh has caught the music industry’s attention for her independent success. Baugh’s social media prowess is immensely growing, showing off her proficiency on multiple instruments. Maggie released her debut album, “Dear Me,” which is taking the country world by storm. Baugh was amongst those named “Fender Next Class” of 2025. Most recently, Baugh caught the attention of Keith Urban who asked her to join him on tour as his utility player. In the past year, Baugh has appeared on the CMT Awards, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, the Today Show, Nissan Stadium, and Kelly Clarkson, just to name a few. As an Artist, she has performed on stages such as the Country Music Hall of Fame  and the Grand Ole Opry. Looking ahead in 2025, Baugh looks forward to releasing her sophomore album, produced by herself, and hitting the road on her Headlining “Entertainers Heart” World Tour. Performing in venues such as dive bars, theaters, festivals and everything in-between, Baugh will show the world what it means to be a true entertainer.

#2 Kristen Merlin

Kristen Merlin is the kind of artist who doesn’t just break the mold—she rebuilds it. Hailing from Boston, MA and now rooted in Nashville, TN, this genre-blending powerhouse fuses the emotional storytelling of country with the grit of rock and the hooks of polished pop. A Top 5 semi-finalist on NBC’s The Voice, Merlin first captured national attention with her raw vocal strength and unmistakable authenticity. Today, she’s winning over a whole new wave of listeners as an independent artist forging her own path, one heartfelt anthem at a time. Her latest single, “Last Time Last,” is a poignant love letter to second chances—resonating deeply with those who had given up on love until it found them again. With a voice that’s equal parts powerhouse and pure soul, and live performances that pull people in with undeniable energy and heart, Merlin isn’t just one to watch—she’s one you won’t be able to look away from.

#3 Lauren Vahdani

Meet Lauren Vahdani, a Texas-born, LA-based singer-songwriter whose raw lyricism and soulful melodies are earning her a growing spotlight in the indie music scene. Blending the emotional clarity of Jewel, the edge of Alanis Morissette, and the modern twang of Kacey Musgraves, Lauren crafts intimate, relatable songs rooted in personal stories of love, reinvention, and self-discovery. Once chasing success in the corporate world, she ultimately traded her business suit for a guitar and a pair of cowboy boots—and hasn’t looked back since. Whether she’s performing onstage or laughing with fans after a show, Lauren’s presence is warm, polished, and full of Southern charm, inviting listeners into a space that feels like home. Her debut album, A Million Little Heartbreaks, is set to release later this year. The latest single, “Playin’ the Fool,” dropped on May 30th and is now available on all digital platforms, along with a music video released on June 4th.

#4 Tommy Jackson

Tommy Jackson, a talented music artist hailing from North Carolina, is making waves with his standout track “I Love You, But…” going #1 on Apple Itunes. Teaming up with Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Quinde, Tommy’s sound is poised for an exciting evolution in 2025. His songwriting beautifully intertwines themes of love and travel, creating a unique blend that resonates deeply with listeners. Tommy’s stage performance is an electrifying scene of a skilled musician living the American dream. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans can anticipate an even richer musical journey that showcases his passion and artistic growth.

#5 Elliot Poston

A soulful singer from a small town in South Carolina whose faith and family fuel his passion for country music. With his debut single, “The Country Way,” Elliot sings about what it means to grow up in rural South Carolina, the life lessons he learned, and what it means to have “a little southern charm and a lot of hard work.” Hoping to find success after his debut single, he went on to release several more self-penned songs. His song, “If Only,” is a poignant ballad that resonates with those who miss someone close. Through his music, he hopes people will learn to speak to each other about their problems and realize their self-worth and purpose. Elliot had the honor of being a finalist for Carolina Country Music’s Male Artist of the Year and was a featured artist at the Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach, which was headlined by several well-known country artists. With his ability to paint a picture with his words and a voice full of raw emotion, he’s an artist you’ll want to keep an ear out for. Be on the lookout for more upcoming music.