From Variety · Jem Aswad · · 1m 10s
YouTube picks 16 rising stars for Foundry class
YouTube's Foundry program selects 16 independent musicians from eight countries for support and resources.
In brief
YouTube's Foundry program selects 16 independent musicians from eight countries for support and resources. YouTube invests in emerging independent artists through its Foundry program, which has previously launched careers of major stars like Dua Lipa and Rosalia. Originally reported by Variety.
YouTube launches Foundry fall class
YouTube announced its Foundry Fall Class of 2026, selecting 16 rising independent musicians from eight countries for a major boost from the streaming platform.
Program backs unique artistic vision
Foundry provides real investment and tools to help artists turn creative momentum into long-term global impact, according to YouTube's Global Head of Artists Vivien Lewit.
“Foundry is about backing unique vision with real investment, giving artists the tools to turn creative momentum into long-term, global impact.”
Past honorees became global superstars
Previous Foundry classes included Dua Lipa, Rosalia, Gunna, Tems, Arlo Parks, and Japanese Breakfast, all of whom went on to major international success.
Class blends distinct sounds and visuals
The selected artists represent the future of music globally, each bringing distinct sounds combined with ambitious visual worlds created for YouTube.
“These 16 artists represent the future of music globally, blending distinct sounds with ambitious visual worlds on YouTube.”
Underscores and Zeina among selections
The fall class includes artists Underscores and Zeina among the 16 chosen musicians spanning multiple genres and regions worldwide.
The key point
YouTube invests in emerging independent artists through its Foundry program, which has previously launched careers of major stars like Dua Lipa and Rosalia.
