As the year draws to a close, the global music industry enters its annual moment of reflection. Beyond charts and sales figures, influence is measured by cultural impact, creative direction, fan engagement, and the ability to shape conversations that extend far beyond music itself.
Introduced in 2023, InMusic’s Most Influential Artists project invites fans to take part in defining who truly shaped the musical landscape. After narrowing the field to 32 artists spanning genres and regions, we conducted a multi-day Instagram poll series, allowing audiences to vote directly. The result is a fan-driven ranking that reflects not only popularity, but resonance.
JISOO rises to the top, earning the title of InMusic’s Most Influential Artist of 2025. Her year stood as a masterclass in balance: solo artistry, acting success, and BLACKPINK’s historic reunion all converged into a defining chapter. Yet JISOO’s victory is part of a broader story. From Taylor Swift’s record-shattering comeback to Sabrina Carpenter’s full pop breakthrough, and from Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s historic tour to K-pop’s continued global dominance, 2025 belonged to artists who reshaped modern stardom.
Below, we break down the 32 most influential artists of 2025, ranked by fan votes.
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YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Following his early release from prison, YoungBoy dropped three projects and launched the MASA Tour, reaffirming his relentless work ethic and loyal fanbase.
Jonas Brothers
Celebrating 20 years, the Jonas Brothers released Greetings from Your Hometown and launched the JONAS20 Tour, blending nostalgia with new material and surprise reunions, including a surprise performance from Fifth Harmony.
mgk
mgk returned to pop-punk roots with Lost Americana, produced with Travis Barker. A Bob Dylan-narrated trailer preceded a successful release.
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen dominated country music with I’m the Problem, a 37-track project that spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the longest-running No. 1 album of the year.
Young Thug
Young Thug returned to music following his release from prison, dropping UY SCUTI, which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
Hayley Williams
Hayley Williams focused on solo artistry, surprise-releasing 17 tracks before unveiling Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. A solo tour is slated for 2026 as Paramore remains on hiatus.
Tyler, The Creator
Riding the success of Chromakopia, Tyler surprise-released Don’t Tap the Glass in July. He launched the expansive Chromakopia: The World Tour, his most ambitious global run to date.
Drake
Drake navigated a transitional year following public feuds. He released the collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U with PARTYNEXTDOOR, breaking streaming records and addressing recent controversies.
Teasers for his ninth solo album Iceman surfaced, now expected in 2026, while legal disputes dominated headlines. Even in flux, Drake remained omnipresent.
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran closed the Mathematics era while launching a new chapter with Play, released September 12. The album explored global sounds and featured standout tracks like “Camera” and “Sapphire.”
After wrapping his record-shattering tour, Sheeran immediately returned to the road with the LOOP Tour.
Playboi Carti
Playboi Carti delivered Music, one of rap’s most anticipated releases, featuring a stacked guest list including Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Future. A deluxe edition followed shortly after.
He supported The Weeknd on stadium dates before launching his own Antagonist Tour, marking his biggest solo trek since 2021.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny celebrated his roots with Debí Tirar Más Fotos, released January 5. The album led to a historic 31-date residency in Puerto Rico, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí, before launching a massive stadium world tour.
Set to headline the Super Bowl 2026 halftime show, Bad Bunny remained one of music’s most culturally influential figures, blending global stardom with local pride.
Cardi B
Cardi B returned in full force with her long-awaited sophomore album Am I the Drama?, released September 19. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the album featured tracks like “Outside” and “Imaginary Playerz.”
A major promotional campaign, including nationwide meet-and-greets, fueled momentum. She also announced the Little Miss Drama Tour, her first arena run in years, beginning February 2026.
Tyla
Tyla’s global momentum continued through viral singles like “Bliss” and “Chanel.” In July, she released the EP/mixtape We Wanna Party, offering a preview of her upcoming sophomore album.
Her We Wanna Party Tour across Asia and the Middle East showcased her growing international pull.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd closed his ambitious trilogy with Hurry Up Tomorrow, an album that balanced cinematic scope with commercial appeal. Tracks like “Timeless” with Playboi Carti, “São Paulo” with Anitta, and “Cry for Me” quickly became fan-favorites.
He extended his record-breaking After Hours Til Dawn Tour, including co-headlining dates with Carti, and released a companion film in May.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber staged one of the year’s most talked-about comebacks. After years away from the spotlight, he released Swag and its follow-up SWAG II between July and September. The projects delivered his strongest streaming debut yet.
Exploring fatherhood and R&B roots, the albums featured collaborators like Gunna, Sexyy Red, and Lil B. Songs such as “Yukon” and “Daisies” went viral.
Addison Rae
2025 marked Addison Rae’s definitive transformation from internet personality to pop star. Her debut album Addison, released June 6 via Columbia Records, delivered a dreamy, dance-pop sound shaped alongside Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser.
Tracks like “Diet Pepsi,” “Aquamarine,” and “Fame Is a Gun” became viral staples. Riding the album’s success, Rae launched The Addison Tour, her first headlining run. Few artists experienced a breakout as complete and convincing.
Stray Kids
Stray Kids dominated 2025 as global K-pop leaders. Their dominATE World Tour spanned over 50 shows, including stadium dates, grossing more than $185 million and setting multiple genre records.
Musically, the group remained prolific. They released the Japanese EP Hollow, the full-length album KARMA, and the fast-paced mixtape SKZ IT TAPE ‘DO IT’.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean emerged as one of 2025’s most compelling breakout voices. Her sophomore album The Art of Loving showcased emotional maturity and soulful introspection through songs like “Man I Need,” “Nice to Each Other,” and “Lady Lady.”
Dean supported Sabrina Carpenter on tour, performed at major festivals including Austin City Limits, and announced her largest tour to date, The Art of Loving Live, beginning in April 2026.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus took a measured but impactful approach in 2025. Rather than touring extensively, she focused on carefully curated releases. Her visual album Something Beautiful arrived with an accompanying film and delivered standout tracks like “Easy Lover” and “End of the World.”
The project earned major VMA nominations, including Best Long Form Video.
Rosalía
Rosalía delivered one of the most ambitious artistic statements of the decade with LUX, her fourth studio album released on November 7 via Columbia Records. Recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, the album featured an eclectic lineup including Björk, Yves Tumor, Carminho, and Estrella Morente.
Spanning 14 languages, LUX explored spirituality, identity, and sonic maximalism, earning the highest Metacritic score of 2025. Singles like “Berghain” and “La Perla” became cultural moments rather than conventional hits. In December, Rosalía announced the expansive LUX Tour 2026, marking her long-awaited return to the stage.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Kendrick Lamar and SZA operated as an unstoppable creative force in 2025. Their partnership reached a new apex with the Grand National Tour, which became the highest-grossing hip-hop tour of all time, earning over $332 million worldwide. The tour supported Kendrick’s album GNX and SZA’s Lana.
Their collaboration extended beyond touring. Before hitting the road, the duo reunited for Kendrick’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish maintained massive influence without releasing new music. Her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour surpassed 100 sold-out shows worldwide, while her $11.5 million donation to climate and food justice causes underscored her impact beyond music. A 3D concert film is set for 2026.
KATSEYE
KATSEYE emerged as 2025’s breakout global group. Their EP Beautiful Chaos debuted top-10 on the Billboard 200, while their sold-out Beautiful Chaos Tour showcased their explosive live appeal.
LISA
LISA launched her solo era with Alter Ego, a genre-blending album featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, Doja Cat, RAYE, and Rosalía. The project debuted top-10 on the Billboard 200 and introduced distinct personas that captivated fans.
Her Coachella performances and acting debut in The White Lotus season three expanded her influence far beyond music.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift closed 2025 with yet another historic chapter. The Life of a Showgirl shattered every conceivable record, becoming the biggest album release in modern chart history. Singles like “The Fate of Ophelia” dominated globally.
Swift also released The Eras Tour: The Final Show and the docuseries The End of an Era, offering fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access and reinforcing her unmatched cultural impact.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter completed her transformation into a pop heavyweight. Man’s Best Friend topped global charts and delivered hits including “Manchild” and “Tears.” Her revamped Short n’ Sweet Tour generated viral moments and sold-out crowds worldwide.
Her first Grammy wins and multiple VMA victories capped a year that firmly positioned Carpenter among pop’s elite.
JENNIE
Jennie’s debut album Ruby showcased her versatility and star power. Featuring collaborations with Dua Lipa, Doechii, Dominic Fike, and Childish Gambino, the album produced major hits like “Like Jennie” and “Mantra.” Her Ruby Experience shows and Coachella appearances highlighted her solo strength before BLACKPINK reunited for the Deadline World Tour.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga reclaimed pop dominance with Mayhem, a bold and theatrical return. Singles like “Abracadabra” and “Disease” dominated charts, while “Die with a Smile” remained a global staple. Gaga’s influence extended to television with “The Dead Dance” for Wednesday season two.
Her Mayhem Ball Tour blended spectacle with artistry and included in a record-breaking free concert in Rio attended by 2.5 million fans, reaffirming Gaga’s unmatched global reach.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande balanced music and film with remarkable precision. While reprising her role as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, she released Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead, accompanied by a short film that deepened the album’s narrative. In August, Grande announced the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first headlining run since 2019.
Tate McRae
Tate McRae’s ascent reached new heights in 2025. Her third studio album So Close to What debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, delivering hits like “2 Hands,” “Sports Car,” and “Tit for Tat.” The album’s success translated seamlessly to the stage.
Her first arena tour, the Miss Possessive Tour, spanned 83 shows worldwide and grossed over $75 million. McRae’s blend of dance-driven pop, and commanding performances solidified her transition from breakout star to global headliner, capped by her first Grammy nominations.
ROSÉ
ROSÉ followed closely behind, building on the success of her debut album Rosie. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.,” continued to thrive globally and earned historic Grammy nominations. She further expanded her artistic reach with “Messy,” featured on the F1 soundtrack, later voted InMusic Song of the Summer 2025.
In addition to BLACKPINK’s reunion, ROSÉ signed with WME for worldwide representation, signaling major touring ambitions. Performances at the GRAMMY Museum and wins at VMAs and MMAs reinforced her influence across both pop and industry spaces.
JISOO
JISOO’s 2025 was nothing short of monumental. The BLACKPINK star delivered her long-awaited solo mini-album Amortage in February, showcasing emotional range and refined pop craftsmanship across tracks like “Earthquake,” “Your Love,” and “Hugs & Kisses.”
Later in the year, JISOO surprised fans with “Eyes Closed,” a ballad duet with ZAYN that debuted strongly across global charts. Acting remained central to her influence. She starred in the Prime Video K-drama Newtopia and the fantasy film Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, expanding her reach far beyond music.
BLACKPINK’s reunion dominated the second half of the year. Their comeback single “Jump” and the launch of the all-stadium Deadline World Tour cemented their continued dominance.
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