Written by: Kai Eldridge, Music Discovery Editor, OnesToWatch
Key Takeaways
- ACL 2026 celebrates its 25th anniversary with headliners like Charli XCX, Twenty One Pilots, and Lorde, while rising stars under 25 deliver some of the festival’s most exciting sets across genres.
- Ty Myers, an 18-year-old country sensation with nearly 700M Spotify streams, brings authentic Texas energy as a local must-see act.
- Paris Paloma, Claire Rosinkranz, and Faouzia showcase dark pop, indie pop, and global R&B with viral momentum and commanding live performances on both weekends.
- Emerging talents like Cassandra Coleman, Sienna Spiro, and others offer intimate, discovery-ready sets, and ACL’s family-friendly policies welcome fans of all ages.
- Follow OnesToWatch for early insight on these breakout artists and more rising stars before they hit mainstream fame.
Top 10 Young Artists at ACL 2026: Quick Reference
These four artists capture the range of genres, viral stories, and breakout potential shaping ACL’s youngest performers, giving you a quick snapshot of the festival’s emerging talent landscape:
| Artist | Genre | Age/Rising Factor | Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ty Myers | Country | 18, 697M Spotify streams | TBD |
| Paris Paloma | Dark Pop | 26, viral storyteller | Weekend 1 |
| Claire Rosinkranz | Indie Pop | 22, TikTok breakout | Weekend 2 |
| Faouzia | Pop/R&B | 25, powerhouse vocals | Weekend 1 |
The official ACL 2026 lineup announcement places these emerging artists alongside established headliners, underscoring how central young talent is to the festival’s programming strategy.
ACL 2026 Young Artists: 10 Rising Stars to Catch
1. Ty Myers: Country’s Next Generational Talent
Ty Myers already performs at a career level that many country artists chase for decades. The Dripping Springs, Texas native has amassed 697,648,569 streams on Spotify and maintains over 20 million global streams per week. Rolling Stone calls him “the next face of Country music,” and No Depression describes him as “a generational talent.”
His breakthrough single “Ends of the Earth” has 96.1 million Spotify streams and Platinum certification. His Select Tour, a nearly sold-out 73-date run that launched in January 2025 and wraps on February 27, 2026, has built a reputation for high-energy, emotionally charged shows. His ACL sets will feel like a hometown celebration, with local roots and Texas storytelling that match the festival’s core identity.
2. Paris Paloma: Dark Pop’s Rising Voice
Paris Paloma brings cinematic dark pop and sharp storytelling to ACL’s 25th anniversary. The British singer-songwriter’s haunting melodies and narrative lyrics caught the attention of the festival’s booking team, and ACL’s announcement spotlights her as an emerging artist to watch. Her sound blends folk roots with modern production, which creates an atmospheric set that works especially well outdoors.
Her songs explore femininity, mythology, and personal power with a depth that feels older than her 26 years. That intensity translates into focused, almost theatrical live performances. Plan to arrive early for her set, because her rapidly growing fanbase will fill the viewing area fast.
3. Claire Rosinkranz: Indie Pop’s TikTok Success Story
Claire Rosinkranz shows how a viral moment can evolve into a lasting career. The 22-year-old first broke through on TikTok, then backed it up with strong releases and consistently engaging shows. ACL’s curation team calls her out as a key emerging act, reflecting her steady rise.
Her indie pop sound features catchy hooks and relatable lyrics that resonate with Gen Z audiences, which creates highly interactive live sets built around big sing-along moments. Because her fans are dedicated and vocal, standing near the front lets you feel the full surge of the crowd. Explore more artists on a similar trajectory through OnesToWatch features and playlists.
4. Faouzia: Powerhouse Vocals With Global Reach
Faouzia brings a global perspective and serious vocal firepower to ACL 2026. The Moroccan-Canadian artist, now 25, has become a standout in pop and R&B, and ACL’s lineup notes her rising star status. Her multilingual approach and genre-crossing catalog make her one of the most versatile young performers on the bill.
Her shows highlight her range, control, and confident stage presence. She moves between languages and styles with ease, which creates a set that feels both theatrical and deeply personal. Expect loud, multilingual sing-alongs and a crowd that stays locked in from the first note.
5. Cassandra Coleman: R&B’s Fresh Voice
Cassandra Coleman adds a smooth, modern R&B thread to ACL’s younger lineup. The festival’s 25th anniversary coverage singles her out as a rising name expected to draw attention. Her music blends classic R&B influences with current production, which helps her connect with both longtime genre fans and newer listeners.
Onstage, Coleman leans into vocal nuance and emotional delivery. Her growing streams and positive reviews point toward a breakout moment, and ACL could be a key step in that climb. For more new-school R&B in this lane, tap into OnesToWatch editorial picks.
6. Sienna Spiro: Alternative Pop’s Boundary Pusher
Sienna Spiro embodies the genre-blending spirit that defines much of today’s alternative pop. ACL’s programming lists her among its discovery-focused bookings for 2026. She mixes electronic textures with live instrumentation, which creates immersive, cinematic sets that feel built for festival afternoons and sunsets.
Her performances often feature strong visual design and layered soundscapes. Fans connect with her commitment to experimentation and honest songwriting. Her ACL appearance should stand out for anyone seeking fresh, left-of-center pop with a strong artistic vision.
7. Charlotte Lawrence: Pop’s Confessional Storyteller
Charlotte Lawrence brings emotionally direct pop to the ACL stage. The festival’s lineup notes highlight her as a likely crowd magnet among the younger artists. Her songs balance vulnerability and strength, which resonates with listeners navigating similar relationships and life shifts.
Live, she leans into storytelling and emotional range, moving from stripped-back moments to full-band surges. Her rising streams and growing festival résumé suggest that ACL will be another key step in her upward climb. Expect a set that feels personal yet big enough to fill the field.
8. Sasha Keable: Neo-Soul’s Sophisticated Standout
Sasha Keable adds a refined neo-soul thread to ACL’s emerging lineup. The British artist’s smooth vocals and detailed arrangements caught the attention of the booking team, and ACL spotlights her as a key new voice. She blends classic soul influences with modern production choices, which appeals to both traditionalists and newer R&B fans.
Her sets focus on vocal control, groove, and thoughtful instrumentation. As critics and listeners continue to rally around her releases, ACL offers a prime stage to show why she stands out in a crowded field. Her performance will deliver a polished, musically rich break from the festival’s louder moments.
9. Audrey Hobert: Indie Folk’s Intimate Storyteller
While Keable brings neo-soul sophistication, Audrey Hobert offers a different kind of intimacy through her indie folk approach. Indie folk artist Audrey Hobert carries forward the tradition of introspective songwriting that keeps finding new fans. ACL’s 25th anniversary lineup places her among its key discovery acts. Her acoustic-driven sound and personal lyrics can turn a large field into a quiet listening room.
Her shows are known for emotional honesty and careful musicianship. Fans value her straightforward writing and the way she holds a crowd’s attention without heavy production. Her ACL set will offer a reflective pause between higher-energy performances and a chance to connect with an artist on the rise.
10. Bella Kay: Pop’s Next Big Leap
Bella Kay closes out this list with bright, hook-heavy pop and undeniable stage energy. ACL’s 2026 curation flags her as a young artist with serious upside. Her songs pair sticky melodies with relatable themes, which makes them easy to remember long after the festival ends.
Onstage, she leans into charisma and crowd connection. Her expanding social presence and rising streaming numbers point toward a major jump in visibility. ACL gives her the platform to prove why many see her as one of pop’s most promising new names.
Planning Your ACL 2026 Young Artist Schedule
ACL 2026 runs across two weekends, which gives you multiple chances to catch these young artists. The festival takes place October 2–4 (Weekend 1) and October 9–11 (Weekend 2). Emerging artists usually land in afternoon slots, so plan to arrive early if you want discovery time before the headliners.
ACL Age Limits and Young Fan Tips
Austin City Limits operates as an all-ages event and allows children 8 and under to attend free with ticketed adults (two children per adult, with Tag-Your-Kid registration). This setup makes ACL a strong choice for families who want to introduce younger listeners to artists who could define their generation’s sound. The mix of stages and genres keeps kids and adults engaged throughout the day.
Live Performance Tips for Catching These Rising Stars
Arrive early for emerging artist sets so you can secure a clear view and easier access to shade and water. Many of these shows happen on smaller stages, which creates more intimate environments and better chances for real-time interaction. Stay hydrated in Austin’s October heat, factor in walking time between stages, and build in breaks so you can stay present for the artists you care about most. For deeper insight into these performers and more new names, explore OnesToWatch’s Top Artists To Watch in 2026.
FAQ: ACL 2026 Young Artists
Who are the top young artists at ACL 2026?
The standout young artists include Ty Myers, an 18-year-old country sensation with nearly 700 million Spotify streams, Paris Paloma, a British dark pop storyteller, Claire Rosinkranz, an indie pop TikTok success, Faouzia, a Moroccan-Canadian powerhouse, and Cassandra Coleman, a rising R&B voice. Additional emerging talents include Sienna Spiro, Charlotte Lawrence, Sasha Keable, Audrey Hobert, and Bella Kay.
What makes Ty Myers a must-see ACL performer?
Ty Myers represents country music’s next generation with nearly 700 million Spotify streams, Platinum certifications, and recognition from Rolling Stone as “the next face of Country music.” His nearly sold-out 73-date Select Tour that launched in January 2025 and wraps on February 27, 2026, combined with his Austin-area roots, makes him a natural fit for ACL’s atmosphere. His live shows blend authentic Texas energy with the presence of a generational headliner in the making.
Is ACL family-friendly for young music fans?
Yes. ACL welcomes children 8 and under to attend free with ticketed adults (two children per adult, with Tag-Your-Kid registration). The festival’s layout, multiple stages, and varied programming create an environment where younger fans can safely experience emerging artists who may shape their musical tastes for years.
How can I discover more artists like these ACL young performers?
OnesToWatch focuses on emerging talent before mainstream breakthrough and has featured artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX early in their careers. Curated playlists, in-depth artist profiles, and the annual Top 30 list give you a steady stream of new names to explore. The emphasis stays on authentic artistry and strong live potential, which aligns closely with ACL’s younger bookings.
Which weekend offers better emerging artist programming?
Both weekends deliver strong emerging artist lineups, and detailed schedules have not yet been released. Weekend 1 often draws more industry professionals and tastemakers, while Weekend 2 can feel slightly more relaxed. Consider weather, travel plans, and your own calendar when choosing, because each weekend offers plenty of chances to discover new favorites.
Conclusion: Catch Tomorrow’s Headliners Today
Austin City Limits 2026 gives you rare access to the next wave of musical superstars before they move to arenas. These 10 young artists span country, dark pop, indie, R&B, neo-soul, and more, and together they hint at where music is heading. From Ty Myers’ Texas-rooted country to Paris Paloma’s mythic dark pop, each performer adds a distinct voice to Zilker Park.
You get the most from ACL when you build time for discovery around these emerging names, just as OnesToWatch has done for over a decade of spotlighting breakthrough talent. Take the chance to see these artists early, then follow their stories through our exclusive coverage and discovery tools. Your next favorite artist may be on a small ACL stage this year.