Country Road Entertainment PRESENTS
CRE RISING 25
The Next Generation of Country Music
Discovering emerging artists. Recognizing real momentum. Helping Country Music 's next generation find its audience.
Great Country Music doesn't begin at the top of the charts.
It begins with artists writing songs, recording Music , playing shows and building connections with their fans.
The CRE Rising 25 is Country Road Entertainment 's weekly national editorial chart recognizing emerging country artists who are building meaningful momentum in their careers.
Our mission is to help audiences discover talented performers before they become household names.
BEHIND THE RANKINGS
How the Chart Works
The Rising 25 uses five categories to evaluate emerging artists and their career momentum.
Music & Streaming 40%
Releases, streaming activity and listener interest.
Social Growth & Engagement 25%
Audience development and meaningful fan interaction.
Live Performances & Touring 20%
Concert activity, touring and live audience growth.
Industry Recognition 10%
Awards, milestones and professional achievements.
CRE Editorial Evaluation 5%
Overall momentum and career development.
These criteria form CRE's published editorial evaluation framework. Rankings are not represented as independently audited or fully automated.
WHO WE RECOGNIZE
Who Is Eligible?
The Rising 25 focuses on country artists building their careers and developing audiences throughout the United States.
Self-released musicians and artists building careers independently.
Emerging performers supported by labels and professional teams.
Artists demonstrating genuine musical and career momentum.
A major-label deal or national radio hit is not required for consideration.
THE WEEKLY CHART
Every Week, New Momentum
Each edition reflects CRE's editorial assessment of emerging artists and their career development.
Artists may rise, fall, hold their position, make their debut or graduate from the chart.
What Is Graduation?
Graduation recognizes an artist whose achievements and national visibility have moved beyond the chart's emerging-artist focus.
It's a milestone worth celebrating, while opening space for the next generation of talent.
EXPLORE THE RISING 25ARTIST CONSIDERATION
Think an Artist Belongs on Our Radar?
We welcome introductions from artists, managers, publishers, publicists and other Music industry professionals.
Information to include:
- Artist name and location
- Website and streaming links
- Social media profiles
- Recent Music releases
- Upcoming shows or touring activity
- Recent milestones and achievements
- Management or representative contact
Artist consideration is complimentary. Submission does not guarantee inclusion or a specific chart position.
SUBMIT AN ARTIST FOR CONSIDERATIONOur Commitment to Editorial Independence
Chart positions cannot be purchased.
The CRE Rising 25 is an independent editorial initiative. Sponsorship, advertising and commercial partnerships do not determine an artist's ranking.
Our commitment is to recognize developing talent based on merit and momentum.
ESTABLISHED 2017
Helping Artists Succeed.
Country Road Entertainment was built on a passion for Country Music and the people behind it. The Rising 25 carries that mission forward, one emerging artist at a time.
