February 25, 2026 – One of our favorite features to share each year is Team TCE’s Artists To Watch where we highlight up and coming artists in Christian music that we think are making an impact with their music and message. 2026 became our largest list to date with 20 promising, talented artists chosen and we are very excited to see what comes next for each of them. Spanning several genres within Christian music, some of the names you may recognize while others will be brand new to you. We highly encourage you to check them out and discover some fresh sounds for your playlists!
Bailey Thompson
After releasing a string of singles to streaming over the past two years, Bailey Thompson is starting off 2026 with the track “Be Careful What You Ask For”. With her airy, pop sound, lyrics that will find their audience and connect with those in similar places in life, Bailey desires to share her testimony and faith experience through music in a way that makes people feel seen and known by their Creator.
Watch our conversation with Bailey to learn more about her music –
Band Reeves
Brother duo Band Reeves’ brand of blue collar, country-influenced Christian music is built on the foundation of faith and family. Songs like “Outrun You”, “Jesus Won’t” and “Front Porch Church” recount spiritual truths of our Savior’s presence in our lives and the peace of mind that comes from a relationship with Him. You’ll be able to hear these songs and more live as Band Reeves joins Ben Fuller on The Black Sheep tour this spring!
Watch our conversation with Band Reeves to hear more of their story and the heart behind “Outrun You” –
Big Dismal
After a near 20 year hiatus, Christian rockers Big Dismal have been steadily readying their return to the music scene having released a number of singles the past few years and new music, a tour and more on the way for 2026. From their 2003 critically acclaimed album Believe to their most recent single and music video “Here In My Heart”, Big Dismal’s dedicated listeners have supported the band throughout the years as their music continues to reach those who need to hear it most, bringing with it a raw message of faith within the trials of life.
BLVRS made waves on social media with their versions of “Counting My Blessings”, “Gratitude”, “Praise” and more leading to the Worshipop project before releasing their second EP of original tracks titled More Like You in 2025. With an electronic pop sound and hearts full of worship geared towards sharing the message of God’s love with listeners, BLVRS are a duo you’ve got to hear.
Whether it’s through social media, from his time on The Voice or hearing the breakout hit “whisper and the wind” on your favorite radio station, Bodie has been solidifying his place in CCM with his unique style of genre-blending music that packs a strong faith message with each track. His album No Skips debuted last fall with a deluxe edition that just dropped in January 2026. Bodie’s relatable lyrics and vibrant personality exudes joy at every turn and is sure to connect with listeners of all ages. Catch Bodie live this spring as he joins Tasha Layton and Colton Dixon on The Love I Have For You Tour.
Check out our conversation with Bodie live from the road at one of his 2025 spring tour stops –
Carly Ann Taylor
Carly Ann Taylor’s powerful vocals and testimony shared through her music are hard to miss. With the Changing My Story EP released in 2024, her 2025 single “Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version)” and several features with fellow artists including Hopeful., Steven Malcolm and The Church Will Sing, Carly is poised for a promising future in CCM. Currently signed with Curb records, Carly has performed several showcases including the GMA Jesus In A Bar pre-party during the 2025 Dove Awards week in Nashville, TN with more events and music to come in 2026.
Claire Leslie’s bright pop and Twenty Something EP will light up any playlist with lyrics that declare a trust in our Savior through fear, doubt and life’s circumstances. After being a part of the fall campus nights tour with Josiah Queen and Hulvey in 2025, Claire will join Katy Nichole on the road this spring for the Honest Conversations tour.
If you love the sound of bands like Panic! At The Disco and music that encourages real conversation and connection with God, Daniel Spriggs is an artist you need to listen to. After the release of tracks “Washed In The Water”, “HEART2HEART”, “Show Me How To Live” and a collaboration with fellow artist Grace Graber on “My Favorite Part”, Daniel is celebrating the recent release of his debut album 21st Century Syndrome available everywhere now – packed with guitar driven anthems and a meaningful message behind every lyric.
Eli Gable brings a relatable, down to earth presence to his brand of worship with a country-folk edge. From “Take The Reins” to “Glory Bound” to “Holy Ghost Town” and the title track of his 2025 album “Outskirts”, Eli’s music celebrates the promises found in our Savior and a desire to grow deeper in relationship with Him. Catch Eli on the road with Rend Collective for the US leg of their 2026 spring tour.
California based band Hopeful. offers indie alternative rock that meets you where you are on life’s journey while encouraging closeness with our Heavenly Father. Songs like “Wild Ones”, “Sticks & Stones”, “Chasing After God”, “Fractured Soul” and “Everything Is Better” are must-adds to your playlists while the rest of their music catalogue is well worth the deep dive. With new music and live shows on the way throughout 2026, Hopeful. is without a doubt a band to keep an eye on.
Singer/songwriter Jervis Campbell’s smooth sound and poetic lyrics create a listening experience that is reflective, comforting and truthful. From Onward & Upward to Hopeful Hearts Club to his latest 2025 full-length release good grief!, each of Jervis’ albums explore themes of faith, grief and hope while pointing Heavenward. See Jervis this spring as he joins Josiah Queen on the 2026 Mt. Zion Tour.
With an alternative rock vibe rich with biblical truths, John Allan’s creative approach to every aspect of his music shines with God-given artistry that draws you in and speaks to your heart while giving praise and glory to our Heavenly Father. Combining multi-genre and generational influences, songs such as “Living God”, “On And On”, “Resurrection Power”, “So Much” and more have the ability to span a wide audience and spark a revived spirit of worship.
Watch our conversation with John to find out more about his debut single “Living God” and the purpose that drives his music ministry –
Laura Williams
You may remember Laura Williams from her time on The Voice as the Pennsylvania native was featured on season 24 in 2023. Since then, Laura has released several songs including “Who Jesus Is”, “Hurts Right Now”, “Cheap Church Clothes” and most recently “Praying Woman” in January of 2026. With live performances at Christian music festivals such as Kingdom Bound at Six Flags Darien Lake in NY and SoulFest in Massachusetts throughout 2025 and the promise of more new music on the way, Laura is sure to continue reaching listeners with the love of God.
Singer-songwriter Madalyn Rae brings scripture to life through tracks such as “Passover”, “Noah Noah”, “Isaac” and more. With her folk-pop sound and unashamed faith shining brightly as she sings, Madalyn and her truthful lyrics are sure to connect with others as they seek to grow in their own faith journey.
Watch our conversation with Madalyn Rae and get to know more about her and the passion behind her music –
Mary-Clair
Nashville native Mary-Clair gives listeners a collection of well-crafted pop tracks with her 2025 debut album Enough. As themes of faith, real life and love flow throughout, many will find themselves relating to several of Mary-Clair’s songs and the heart behind them.
Watch our conversation with Mary-Clair to learn more about her musical journey –
Michael Sarver
You may remember Michael Sarver as a top 10 finalist during season 8 of American Idol where his soulful sound earned a positive response from both the judges and audience. Making his Christian music debut in September 2025 with “Warrior” soon followed by “Victory Song”, his faith-filled anthems encourage listeners to keep their hope and trust in God through every part of life. Stay tuned for Michael’s first single of 2026, “Limitless”, set to release on March 13th!
Watch our conversation with Michael Sarver recorded live on location in Franklin, TN –
NONAH
Husband and wife duo NONAH’s soft, meaningful worship plays as an offering of gratitude to our Maker with their full-length debut album Jesus, I Love You released in the fall of 2025. The couple’s sweet harmony and hearts for sharing the Gospel message comes through each note they sing encouraging you to pause and see all of the ways Jesus shows up in your life.
Peter Burton made an impact throughout 2025 with his song “Where Would I Be?” as it became a nationwide hit radio single reminding listeners of the redeeming work of Jesus in their lives. With more music on the way and joining Anne Wilson on the road for the Stars tour this spring, 2026 is sure to be another great year for this rising artist.
Rachael Nemiroff has been consistently releasing music to streaming platforms since 2018 and gaining a solid fanbase on social media in the process. With lyrics that bring faith and real life together in a way that many can see glimpses of themselves and their own stories within the songs, Rachael is poised to continue growing as an artist as she shares her heart and faith throughout 2026 and beyond.
With years of experience as both a leading member of a band and a solo artist, John Waller is starting a new chapter in Christian music – this time with his wife and their children joining in as Waller Co. After releasing “Sing My Way” in the summer of 2025, Waller Co ushered in the new year with their latest single “All You’ve Ever Done”. Firmly rooted in faith with a natural, organic, sound it’s clear the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as the talent runs deep within this family band.
Kelly Meade is a lifelong music lover from upstate New York. She has served as a review writer, website & social media admin for Today's Christian Entertainment as well as guest host for our Kingdom Builder podcast since 2015. Kelly also enjoys spending time in nature surrounded by God's creation & crafting. One of her favorite verses is Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
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