Two Canadian artists have been named on this year’s Billboard list of the 21 Under 21.
Lauren Spencer Smith of B.C. and Alberta’s Tate McRae are part of “the next generation of superstars,” according to the music publication. They are in the company of hitmakers like Olivia Rodrigo, The Kid LAROI and GAYLE.
“It’s clear for the artists on this list that the year ahead — and, considering their early start, the years to come — will continue to be bright, if not nonstop,” reads the introduction to the list.
According to Billboard, the 21 Under 21 were chosen based on a number of factors, including streaming data, social media impressions and “impact on consumer behaviour.”
Spencer Smith, 19, is lauded for “capturing attention with her devastating breakup ballad ‘Fingers Crossed.’”
The Vancouver Island native released an EP in 2020 and two live albums in 2019 – including one that was nominated for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year at the JUNOs. She was also the first Canadian to make it to the Top 20 of American Idol in 2020.
Spencer Smith had a pair of nominations at this year's JUNOs.
McRae, also 19, is recognized for racking up 2.3 billion streams in the last year and continuing “to drop pop hits” since the release of her debut album. The Calgary native, who was up for five JUNOs this year, was included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021.