# YouTube picks 16 rising stars for Foundry class

> YouTube's Foundry program selects 16 independent musicians from eight countries for support and resources.
- Title: YouTube picks 16 rising stars for Foundry class · Variety
- Summary: YouTube's Foundry program selects 16 independent musicians from eight countries for support and resources. YouTube invests in emerging independent artists…
- Keywords: youtube, foundry, independent musicians, artist development, music streaming, emerging artists, class of 2026, underscores, zeina, global music, entertainment, culture
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/music/news/underscores-youtube-foundry-fall-class-2026-1236864085
- Author: Jem Aswad
- Published: 2026-09-16T14:56:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: youtube, foundry, independent musicians, artist development, music streaming, emerging artists, class of 2026, underscores, zeina, global music, entertainment, culture
## 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.
## Key takeaway

YouTube invests in emerging independent artists through its Foundry program, which has previously launched careers of major stars like Dua Lipa and Rosalia.