Country Artists Set for a Big 2026: Kaitlin Butts, MacKenzie Carpenter, Bailey Zimmerman, Ty Myers and McCoy Moore
- by Andrew Braithwaite • Latest • 22 February 2026
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Here are five country artists on the brink of stardom, set to own 2026. They are definitely ones to watch.
Country music continues to grow at a remarkable pace, and not just in the United States. In the UK, audiences are turning out in cowboy boots in bigger numbers each year, with events like Country to Country selling out arenas and introducing British fans to the genre’s next wave. Streaming has made discovery instant, TikTok has created overnight success stories, and British radio is more open to crossover country than ever before.
Kaitlin Butts has become one of the most distinctive voices in the Red Dirt scene. With her self styled “Cosmic Cowgirl” aesthetic, sequins and fringe, and a stage presence that feels closer to musical theatre than a standard country set, she brings theatrical flair to every performance. That influence is no accident. She grew up in musical theatre and consciously weaves that drama into her live shows, sometimes using props and carefully curated backdrops to create atmosphere.
Vocally, she can shift from an Okie twang to something far more raw and demanding. She once described her sound as “sad yeehaw vibes,” an upbeat country energy wrapped around heartbreak and sharp storytelling. It is a balance she executes brilliantly.
Her album Roadrunner drew inspiration from Oklahoma the Musical, complete with an overture, and earned praise from the media for being unafraid to test boundaries. When I spoke to her in August 2024, she talked about wanting to bring the spirit of Oklahoma into the modern country space and make something immersive and timeless.
Since then, her momentum has only increased. She has toured with Dierks Bentley across the United States, played major festivals such as Lollapalooza, and has just completed the Australian and New Zealand leg of the Whirlwind World Tour with Lainey Wilson. With UK dates under her belt and a growing international audience, 2026 could be the year she truly breaks through on a global scale.
MacKenzie Carpenter represents a different kind of rising star. Hailing from Hull, Georgia, the self described preacher’s daughter writes with honesty, faith and a sharp eye for detail. Her voice carries a classic country twang, often described as a sassy blend of grit and honey, and she moves easily between playful humour and full hearted sincerity.
Her songwriting stands out for its clever twists on familiar country themes. There is a warmth to her music that feels rooted in small town life, yet it never feels predictable.
This year she returns to Country to Country in the UK for the second year running, and in 2026 she steps onto the main arena stage alongside legends Brooks & Dunn. That is no small vote of confidence. She has already collaborated with Midland, and with UK audiences continuing to embrace modern traditionalists, she feels perfectly placed to build a lasting transatlantic following.
Bailey Zimmerman is not brand new, but his growth has accelerated sharply. In the UK especially, his name is surfacing more often in conversations about country music, which says a lot in a market where the genre is still finding mainstream footing.
Zimmerman blends contemporary country with heartland rock, delivering gritty, raspy vocals that draw comparisons to classic rock frontmen. His blue collar background in Louisville, Illinois, where he worked manual labour jobs before music took off, feeds into an authentic, no nonsense identity that resonates widely.
His songs carry rock heavy production and big, emotional hooks, giving him significant crossover appeal. As country continues to expand internationally, artists like Zimmerman who can sit comfortably between genres are likely to benefit most. 2026 could see him cement his place as a global country rock force.
At just 18 years old, Ty Myers already feels ahead of his years. A breakout through TikTok, he has translated viral attention into tangible chart success, landing songs on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay from his 2025 debut album The Select.
His sound blends contemporary and neotraditional country with blues rock and blue eyed soul. As a guitarist, he stands out a lot. Live performances often feature extended solos and piercing bluesy runs that showcase serious technical ability. Vocally, he carries a gritty, soulful tone that feels far older than his age suggests.
Influenced by artists such as George Strait, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Redding and John Mayer, he bridges generations with ease.
In 2026 he joins Luke Combs as main support on the My Kinda Saturday Night Tour across North America and Europe. That level of exposure so early in his career is significant. If the trajectory continues, he could become one of the defining young voices of his generation.
McCoy Moore is experiencing the kind of fast traction that the industry does not often see. With millions of streams already and a rapidly building fan base, he pairs a commanding baritone with what critics describe as relaxed fit authenticity.
His voice has drawn comparisons to Blake Shelton, and his sound balances modern production with timeless country influences from artists like Keith Whitley and Kenny Chesney. Tracks such as Something to You showcase an organic feel built around vocal passion and strong melodic hooks.
What sets Moore apart is the maturity in his songwriting. His lyrics are rich in detail and rooted in hometown stories, yet delivered with professional precision. There is no pretence in his approach, just clear storytelling and strong choruses.
In the UK, he will perform at Country to Country, appearing both on the Bluebird Café Stage in an intimate in the round session and on the CMA Spotlight Stage inside The O2 Arena. Those slots often signal artists on the verge of a bigger leap. If his current momentum holds, 2026 could be the year he moves from promising newcomer to established name.
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