Chxrry Is Billboard's Up-and-Coming R&B Artist of the Month for June 2026

I've been following Chxrry's journey, and it's been a wild ride. Born Lydia Habtemariam, this Canadian singer-songwriter from Toronto with Ethiopian roots is making waves in the R&B scene. But it's her alter ego, Chxrry, that's got everyone talking. With her debut album, U, Me & My Ego, this 10-track masterpiece is a bold statement of self-assurance and radical honesty.

Chxrry's rise to fame began in 2022 when she became the first female artist signed to The Weeknd's XO label. This was a major milestone, introducing her to the world with a unique blend of R&B, pop, and storytelling that oozes glamour and emotional rawness. Her previous EP, Siren, hinted at her star power, but it's clear now that Chxrry has been building towards this moment. By dropping the "22" from her name, she's shed the old and stepped into her true self.

As an "It-girl," Chxrry has been called out for her confidence and glamour. But what does this label mean to her? In an interview with Billboard, she reveals that it's fitting, considering her track record and the fans who resonate with her music. These fans, typically a group of confident and stylish young women, see themselves in Chxrry's larger-than-life image. This label is more than just a title; it's a reflection of her authenticity.

Chxrry's music is a paradox, confidently glamorous yet emotionally raw. How does she balance vulnerability with her larger-than-life image? According to her, it's been a work in progress to become more vulnerable. As a naturally confident person, she leads with that confidence first, but it's taken effort to be more open and honest. This balance is key to her music's emotional depth and its ability to resonate with listeners.

Chxrry's debut album, U, Me & My Ego, is evidence of her commitment to becoming her own blueprint. With a team of collaborators, including rising producer Believve, she's rebuilt the album from scratch, embracing an unspoken creative chemistry that allows her to explore radical honesty and self-examination. This is an album that challenges the way people perceive ego, questioning why self-assurance is often mistaken for arrogance, particularly in women. By creating her own lane, Chxrry's music is a beacon of confidence, vulnerability, and authenticity.

As Billboard's Hip-Hop Up and Comer for June 2026, Chxrry is just beginning to make her mark. With her debut album, she's setting the stage for a future filled with self-assurance, confidence, and emotional depth. This is an artist who's not afraid to take risks and push boundaries. I have no doubt that Chxrry will continue to make waves in the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists to be unapologetically themselves.