Everyone loves a slow burn…except the music industry. Within pop music, there’s an odd belief that if a budding starlet doesn’t reach meteoric success immediately, they’re a bust. I see it constantly on social media. An artist will drop a lackluster project, or a great one that doesn’t simply chart, and they’ll be immediately banished to the infamous Khia Asylum. It’s brutal out here.
I think part of the issue is that we’ve been spoiled by EasyBake pop princesses. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean EasyBake as in spoonfed success, but rather as in instant classic.
For example, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and Billie Eilish all won multiple Grammys for songs on their very first solo studio albums, with Billie literally winning Album of the Year. Instead of these feats being celebrated as a testament to these artists’ talent, they’ve become the expectation. However, times are a-changing. Listeners and label executives alike are waking up to the idea of delayed gratification, that maybe (just maybe) it isn’t productive to discard new artists after a quiet debut or a sophomore slump. This change has given the likes of Zara Larsson and Olivia Dean new life within the industry, and I have my suspicions about who’s next.
Zara Larsson: A Lush Life Under the Midnight Sun
I don’t know about any of you, but “Lush Life” was my song back in middle school. I loved the “So Good” album then and I love it now. However, after that project had its long (and well-deserved) radio stint, Zara kind of fizzled out of the pop conversation.
She released “Poster Girl” in 2021 to little American fanfare, and the same occurred with “VENUS” in 2024. However, later that same year, she struck Internet gold. In summer of 2024, Zara was the topic of two buzzy conversations. First, she was opening for Tate McRae, and many concert-goers believed that Zara was too big a star to be an opener. Second, her song, “Symphony,” had become a part of a TikTok trend with dolphins and Lisa Frank graphics.
Zara and her team capitalized on this moment, playing into the trend and matching her tour graphics to the videos. She also made an important aesthetic change. Her style and overall vibe became more colorful, tropical and Y2k-esque, the “classic” Zara look that she has right now. This was the perfect segue into promotion for “Midnight Sun,” the second single on her album with the same name.
While on tour for “Midnight Sun,” Zara found herself front and center for yet another TikTok trend, this time for a dance to my beloved “Lush Life.” I think that Zara’s journey back to the forefront of pop princess candidacy is a testament to the importance of cultural timeliness as well as a cohesive brand.
Olivia Dean: The Art of Trying Again
Olivia Dean’s story is quite interesting to me because in my head (and in my Spotify), her debut was just fine. Her first album, “Messy,” was an instant download for me, but it apparently didn’t make much noise in the US market. It did, however, chart in the UK and other European countries. However, Olivia was obviously destined to be more than an artist siloed to her home audience. The girl is a star, point blank.
And “The Art of Loving” proved it. The album took social media, critics and global pop charts by storm. “Man I Need,” “So Easy (To Fall In Love),” “A Couple Minutes,” basically every song on the album had its own cutesy video trends in tow. Dean took home Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammys and has a great career ahead of her. However, I want to dig into her career trajectory a little bit more because I think she’s so emblematic of #theclimb. She isn’t a nepo baby, her parents are both working-class, “regular” people. But she didn’t stumble into the music industry either, attending the BRIT School of Performing Arts, alma mater to Adele (my queen) and Amy Winehouse. She’s so…normal and it’s refreshing. From the classy style she’s curated to her music itself, she’s stayed true to herself by leaning into what works.
Who’s Next?!
The stories of Zara and Olivia give me hope for a couple divas that are budding on mainstream moments. I’ll give each a brief vibe assessment and drop my favorite songs for your listening pleasure :)
Remi Wolf
Remi’s sound is so interesting to me. It’s funky and pop-y with a little R&B. I love it. I really thought that her album “Juno” was going to propel her into the limelight. She just dropped a new album, “MUD,” that you should go listen to ASAP.
Rachel Chinouriri
Rachel Chinouriri’s music is in the vaguely alternative pop category, kinda sorta similar to Clairo meets Billie Eilish. She’s truly in a class of her own. Definitely dive into her discography!
Just like everything in life, there will be early birds and late bloomers in the music industry. Beyonce and Adele have been cranking out hits and winning Grammys since the beginning of their careers. But…they’re also Beyonce and Adele, literal legends in the music industry. Not everyone’s story is going to follow in their footsteps, and that is totally fine! As listeners, especially in the age of streaming, I think that it’s super important to put feelers out for new music. Yes, listen to the “SOS” album for the millionth time, but also, give your “Discover Weekly” a try. I’ve found so many smaller artists this way. Also, tap into the opener for the next concert you’re going to! Not only does this make the show feel a little more exciting, you might just stumble across the next Chappell Roan.