Tag: Alex Warren

Introducing the Best New Artist 2026 Nominees

January 23, 2026

Spotify’s annual Best New Artist celebration honors the rising stars whose talent, creativity, and dedication have propelled them to the music industry’s biggest stage. More than a party, the evening spotlights the artistry and hard work of the nominees who are shaping music today and underscores our commitment to amplifying artists at a defining moment in their careers.

After a cancellation due to the Los Angeles wildfires last year, the event is back in a big way. On Thursday, January 29, The Lot at Formosa will play host to the celebration, sponsored by Hilton. All 8 of the 2026 nominees—Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, sombr, and The Marías—will be in attendance and perform live on our rotating stage throughout the night.

Before the winner is announced, get to know the nominees for this year’s Best New Artist, and see how Spotify has helped amplify their music and find new fans around the world.

Addison Rae

We had a feeling Addison Rae was one to watch from the moment her debut single “Obsessed” landed on New Music Friday in 2021. Since then, she’s dropped a string of singles, EPs, and an album, and was featured in the behind-the-scenes performance short, Spotify Presents: Addison – The Debut. Last year, her song “Headphones On” was named one of Spotify Editors’ Picks: Best Songs of 2025.

Alex Warren

Alex Warren made waves in 2025 with his song “Ordinary,” which racked up more than 2.9 million streams on its first day and went on to join Spotify’s Billions Club. The hit was the third most‑streamed song in the U.S. last year, while his album You’ll Be Alright, Kid secured the No. 7 spot among the most‑streamed albums globally.

KATSEYE

KATSEYE stands out not just for their high-energy beats, but for the journey that brought them together. More than 120,000 artists applied to be a part of the girl group in a global talent search. Only 20 finalists made the cut and competed in an intensive audition program that streamed worldwide. 

Their first track, aptly named “Debut,” dropped in 2024 and was an instant hit. A year later, “Gnarly” was featured on Spotify’s 2025 Songs of Summer list.

Leon Thomas

Leon Thomas is on our radar, literally. Earlier this year, he was featured in our RADAR podcast series where he talked about his EP PHOLKS, his creative evolution, and more. Previously included on the Rising R&B: Artists to Watch Playlist in 2024, he continued to impress with his song “My Muse,” landing on Spotify Editors’ Picks: Best Songs of 2025.

Lola Young

Making history as the first cover artist for R&B UK in 2020 was just the beginning for Lola Young. This year, she was named EQUAL Ambassador for the U.K. and Ireland, while her single “Messy” was featured on Today’s Top Hits and ALT NOW and also became a certified member of Spotify’s Billions Club.

Olivia Dean

This year marked several big Spotify moments for Olivia Dean. “It Isn’t Perfect But It Might Be,” featured in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, was her first song included on Hot Hits UK. Over the summer, she appeared on the covers of the Chill Pop and New Music Friday UK playlists after dropping “Man I Need,” a song that was also a part of her Spotify Live Room performance. Closing out the year, her track “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” made Spotify Editors’ Picks: Best Songs of 2025.

sombr

sombr’s 2025 hit “back to friends” defined a landmark year for the rising artist. The track entered Spotify’s Billions Club and was among the most‑streamed songs both globally (No. 6) and in the U.S. (No. 7). Meanwhile, his song “canal street” was included in Spotify Editors’ Picks: Best Songs of 2025.

The Marías

Since releasing their debut album CINEMA, The Marías have built impressive momentum, earning two Grammy nominations and a Billboard chart‑topper, along with collaborations with Latin music heavyweights like Bad Bunny and Tainy. They were among the top RADAR artists last year, while their song “No One Noticed” was the No. 10 most-streamed song on Spotify in the U.S. in 2025.

Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of Summer 2025 Revealed: A Softer, More Personal Soundtrack

August 27, 2025

As summer days stretch out, long and languorous, listeners across the Northern Hemisphere reach for the perfect songs to soundtrack the season. Spotify’s Songs of Summer tradition chronicles that journey—from early predictions to a midseason wild card update, and finally, the big end-of-summer reveal.

For the second year in a row, Spotify’s global editorial team is unveiling not just one song, but a list of five tracks that collectively define this season. Why? Because the ways we listen are evolving, and summer’s soundtrack is more personal and global than ever. These picks blend streaming data, cultural impact, and editorial insight to capture what truly resonates.

This year, it’s all about the mood: The 2025 Top 5 brings a softer, more introspective vibe than any summer in the last decade. Across the Northern Hemisphere, it was also the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music, based on Spotify data analyzing the tempos, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity of top summer tracks.*

Spotify’s Top 5 Songs of Summer 2025
Listed alphabetically by artist first name

“Ordinary” by Alex Warren

“Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

“Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter

“back to friends” by sombr

Introspective anthems and global discoveries

Spotify’s Songs of Summer 2025 confirm what listeners likely already know: This year’s soundtrack feels different. Breakout artists like Alex Warren, Ravyn Lenae, and sombr peppered playlists that traded carefree anthems for songs that felt personal, vulnerable, and emotionally charged, both lyrically and sonically.

At the same time, this summer’s soundtrack is as international as it is introspective. The infectious “Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea charted on Spotify’s Top 50 in more than 45 countries, while artists like Ravyn and sombr found global audiences with hits that reflected the season’s deeper feelings.

A closer look at the Top 5

“Ordinary” by Alex Warren

Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” didn’t just top the charts—it became the most-streamed song of the summer on Spotify, cementing his leap to global superstardom. Warren’s heartfelt love letter to his wife set the tone for a summer steeped in lovestruck pop, soundtracking wedding ceremonies and celebrations everywhere.

Summer streaming peak: June 12, the day after Warren teased his single “On My Mind.”

“Shake It To The Max (FLY) – Remix” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea 

This celebratory dancehall anthem ignited parties, parades, and playlists worldwide. Infectious in both lyrics and production, it’s a high-energy highlight in a summer of more mellow moods. And with carnival season still going, it’s not done yet.

Global reach: Charted in Spotify’s Top 50 in more than 45 countries, including Belgium, France, Ghana, Jamaica, Netherlands, and Singapore; hit No. 1 in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae found her long-awaited international breakthrough this summer with “Love Me Not.” This standout from her 2024 album Bird’s Eye brings a warm, nostalgic groove that feels like a hazy summer evening, with lyrics that reflect on love’s insecurities.

Career milestone: All-time streaming high on July 18, the same week Ravyn scored her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and headlined Spotify’s Songs of Summer party in Los Angeles.

“Manchild” by Sabrina Carpenter

After last summer’s undeniable hit “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter returned with a sharp, cheeky track that flipped the script. “Manchild” balances vulnerability and bite, demonstrating Carpenter’s pop staying power for a second summer in a row.

Chart run: 25 consecutive days at No. 1 on Spotify’s US Daily Top Songs after its June 5 release.

“back to friends” by sombr

An unexpected anthem in a season of feeling, “back to friends” sent sombr’s monthly listeners soaring from 8 million at the start of the year to 54 million and counting. With stripped-back production and emotionally raw lyrics, the track struck a chord globally.

Streaming peak: Highest streaming day ever on August 8.

The season’s not over yet

This year’s Songs of Summer reveal isn’t just a list—it’s a snapshot of a season where listeners leaned into softer sounds, deeper feelings, and global discoveries. Queue up our Songs of Summer 2025 playlist to soak up every last moment.

*Analysis of Spotify’s Global Top 50 from May 1 to August 31 over the past 10 years by average energy and danceability—a measure of how suitable a track is for dancing based on tempo, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity.

Spotify at Cannes Lions 2025: The Week’s Unmissable Highlights, Star Power, and More

June 24, 2025

Last week, Spotify returned to the Croisette for our 11th year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—bringing together artists, creators, brands, and fans for three days of inspiring conversations, unforgettable performances, and bold ideas at Spotify Beach.

Spotify’s Cannes Lions highlights

This year, Spotify was recognized across several categories at Cannes Lions, reflecting our commitment to creativity and innovation. Highlights include:

    • Grand Prix Lion for Innovation for the Sounds Right campaign in partnership with United Nations and AKQA.
    • Gold Lion for Design-Driven Effectiveness for the Spreadbeats campaign in partnership with FCB New York.
    • Silver Lion for Digital Design for Spreadbeats in partnership with FCB New York.
    • Bronze Lion in Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility for the Sounds Right campaign in partnership with United Nations and AKQA.
    • Shortlisted for Excellence in Craft for the Do You Speak Anitta? campaign.
    • Shortlisted for Consumer Services/Business to Business and Innovation in Branded Content & Social Behavior for Spreadbeats.
    • Shortlisted for Fan Engagement & Community Building for the Singing in Your Inglish campaign.
    • Shortlisted for Rebrand/Refresh of an Existing Brand for Spotify Italy’s Bloombeats in partnership with Dentsu Creative. 
    • Shortlisted for Design for Behavioural Change for Spotify Japan’s Pride Code in partnership with TBWA\HAKUHODO.

Spotify Beach in action

From exclusive panels and a star-studded soirée to exceptional musical moments, here’s a look back at the most memorable scenes from Spotify’s week in the South of France.

Monday, June 16

Spotify Beach kicked off with powerhouse programming featuring Paris Hilton, Louis Theroux, and Charlie Puth. Moderated by Spotify’s Global Head of Podcast Advertising & Business Development, Emma Vaughn, “Mic Check: In Conversation With Louis Theroux, featuring Paris Hilton” explored the power of storytelling across podcasts, documentaries, music, and memoirs. Paris reflected on using her podcast to highlight meaningful stories and connect with others:

“With my social [channels], I can showcase the more fun, glamorous, and playful side. But through my podcast, I can talk about things that are very meaningful to me […] and use my voice to be a voice for others.”

Puth joined Spotify’s Global Head of Business Marketing, Bridget Evans, for “Rhythm and ROI: Amplifying Music in Your Marketing Strategy,” sharing insights on how music drives brand storytelling—and even teasing a new Broadway project and his upcoming album.

The evening wrapped with Spotify’s annual soirée, where Puth performed fan favorites like “Attention” and “See You Again,” plus a surprise rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Guests included Antoni Porowski, Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Bill Nye, Dylan Efron, Rachel Lindsay, Jake Shane, Bowen Yang, and Matt Rogers.