RAYE, Sombr, Troye Sivan, Conan Gray & More Musicians Named to 2026 TIME100 Next

RAYE’s voice cracked through the quiet of a New York studio on a crisp October morning, her fingers dancing across the keys of a piano that had once belonged to her grandmother. The room smelled of old vinyl and fresh coffee, a contrast that mirrored the blend of old‑school soul and modern pop that defines her sound. She paused, looking up at the window where the city’s skyline flickered, and said, “I want every listener to feel seen.” That moment, captured by a TIME photographer, would later be framed on one of the magazine’s three worldwide covers, announcing her place on the 2026 TIME100 Next list.

The TIME100  Next event, scheduled for October 29 in New York, will see RAYE perform before an audience of industry leaders, influencers, and fellow honorees. Her inclusion among the 100 emerging leadersspanning entertainment, sports, business, science, politics, and moresignals a shift in how pop music is recognized. It is no longer a domain reserved for chart‑topping hits; it now embraces artists who weave personal narratives into universal themes.

When Anya Tayor‑Joy spoke to RAYE about her cover on Billboard’s Indie Power Players issue in June, she highlighted the singer‑songwriter’s rare ability to turn heartbreak, humor, and honesty into music that cuts straight through. RAYE’s songs, born from lived experience, resonate because she does not distance herself from the story. She is “all heart, all soul all RAYE,” Tayor‑Joy noted, underscoring the authenticity that has propelled her from bedroom recordings to global stages.

Conan Gray, another honoree, received a tribute from long‑time friend Olivia Rodrigo. Rodrigo recalled watching Gray perform “Family Line” in London and being moved by his ability to transform pain into a shared experience. She joked about their off‑stage friendship, hinting at a past life where Gray was her husband and a grocery‑bringer who did laundry. Her message was simple: “I hope he keeps sharing his musical gift with the world.” This camaraderie illustrates how the modern pop ecosystem thrives on mutual support, with artists lifting each other up beyond the stage.

Troye Sivan, also named to the list, was celebrated by Kylie Minogue, who described him as a quintessential 2020s pop star. Minogue praised his evolution and his Australian roots, calling him a “beaut of Australia.” Her tribute highlights how Sivan’s music transcends borders, connecting fans worldwide while staying true to his heritage. The inclusion of artists from diverse backgroundsRAYE from the UK, Sivan from Australia, and othersdemonstrates TIME’s commitment to a global perspective.

Fashion designer Stella McCartney penned a piece on sombr, a rising musician whose work has caught the attention of TIME’s editors. While the article does not delve into sombr’s musical style, McCartney’s involvement signals the growing intersection between fashion and music. It also hints at how emerging artists are being recognized not only for their sound but for their broader cultural influence.

As a writer who thrives on the human stories behind headlines, I find the 2026 TIME100  Next list evidence of the power of authenticity in pop culture. These artists are not just chart‑makers; they are storytellers who turn personal trials into communal catharsis.

With RAYE slated to perform at the New York event, the stage is set for a night where music, friendship, and cultural dialogue converge. The 2026 TIME100  Next list will likely inspire a new generation of musicians to embrace vulnerability, knowing that their stories can resonate far beyond the studio.