CRE Rising 25 – Week 2: August 17, 2026
The 25 Emerging Country Artists Making Noise Across America
The CRE Rising 25 tracks independent and emerging artists building genuine momentum through new releases, audience growth, streaming activity, live performances and fan engagement.
This week, Austin Michael holds the No. 1 position, Kevin Powers makes the chart’s biggest move and Brandon Wisham earns the week’s highest debut.
CRE Rising 25 — Week 2
Kevin Powers Surges to No. 4
Kevin Powers makes the week’s biggest move, climbing 10 positions to No. 4 and establishing himself as one of the strongest movers during the chart’s opening weeks.
Austin Michael — “Different Kind”
Austin Michael holds the chart’s No. 1 position while “Different Kind” earns recognition as this week’s Hot Song.
About the CRE Rising 25
The CRE Rising 25 is a nationwide editorial ranking of emerging country artists showing measurable momentum. CRE considers streaming performance, social-media engagement, growth velocity, press and industry recognition, live activity and overall audience demand.
Streaming performance accounts for 30% of the evaluation, social-media engagement accounts for 25%, growth velocity accounts for 20%, press and industry recognition account for 15%, and live activity and demand account for 10%.
Rankings are updated weekly to help fans discover artists who are building something real before the rest of the industry catches up.
No paid placement—ever.
