Vevo has announced its highly anticipated 2026 DSCVR Artists to Watch list, putting a spotlight on emerging talent ready to break into the mainstream. Now in its 12th year, the program has become a cornerstone of Vevo’s mission to support new voices in music, offering curated global exposure and performance opportunities to a hand-picked group of artists.
This year’s lineup includes standout LGBTQ+ performers: Cuban-American singer Gigi Perez, London soul-pop artist Sekou, Alt-R&B artist SAILORR, and East London R&B talent kwn, whose creative visions are already making waves online and on streaming platforms.
Gigi Perez Named DSCVR Artist of the Year
Gigi Perez, named Vevo’s 2026 DSCVR Artist of the Year, launches the program with an exclusive live performance of her poignant track Fable. Perez’s music blends storytelling with intimate, emotional production, exploring themes of loss, love, and self-discovery. After leaving Berklee College of Music during the pandemic, Perez built a loyal following online before signing with Island Records. Her single Sailor Song has amassed nearly one billion streams, and Fable addresses the death of her sister, Celene, with raw honesty.
“Gigi Perez embodies the fearless authenticity Vevo champions,” said JP Evangelista, Vevo’s SVP of Content, Programming & Marketing. “She is bold, driven, and unapologetically herself, everything we look for in our next generation of artists.”
Rising LGBTQ Talent in the 2026 Class
kwn – Pronounced “kay-wuhn,” this East London singer-songwriter is known for her sultry R&B sound and candid lyrics. With viral hits like worst behaviour and self-produced eyes wide open surpassing 8 million streams, kwn continues to solidify herself as one of the UK’s most compelling R&B voices.
SAILORR – This Alt-R&B/Dreampop artist from Jacksonville, Florida, draws on her experiences growing up with Vietnamese immigrant parents to craft vivid, heartfelt songs. Her breakout single Pookie’s Requiem became an anthem of resilience and heartbreak, leading to her debut project From Florida’s Finest in 2025. SAILORR’s exploration of identity and vulnerability shines through her music, making her a standout on this year’s list.
Sekou – London-based Sekou fuses gospel roots with contemporary pop, creating a soulful sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. His 2023 breakout single Better Man launched him into international attention, and he has since collaborated with artists like Justin Bieber and Central Cee. Sekou’s EP Out Of My Mind and global tour with Reneé Rapp mark him as one to watch in 2026.
What the DSCVR Program Offers
Vevo’s DSCVR program gives emerging artists high-quality performance video content, editorial promotion, and global playlist exposure. Alumni include Sam Smith, Billie Eilish, Ice Spice, and Chappell Roan, demonstrating the program’s impact on the music landscape.
The 2026 DSCVR Artists to Watch list launched today, Wednesday, November 12, featuring custom performances from each artist, including Sienna Spiro’s Die On This Hill and Sooner or Later. Vevo’s partnership with Boost Mobile integrates select performances into a wider promotional campaign, amplifying the reach of these rising stars.
