Billboard has officially released its highly regarded “21 Under 21” list for 2026, and this year’s lineup features three standout groups with ties to the K-pop industry. CORTIS, KATSEYE, and GIRLSET have all earned places on the annual ranking, which celebrates young artists under 21 who are making a major impact on the global music scene.
The “21 Under 21” list is a yearly feature where Billboard selects 21 rising artists under the age of 21 who have shown significant influence over the past year and have strong potential for future success. The selection process looks at album and song sales, streaming numbers, social media presence, radio and TV reach, along with overall industry influence and growth potential. This year’s announcement was made on July 31 (local time) through Billboard’s official website.
For KATSEYE, this marks the second consecutive year they have been named to the list. CORTIS and GIRLSET, meanwhile, are first-time honorees. The recognition highlights the growing global reach of these acts and their rising influence in the pop music landscape.
CORTIS: Fastest-Growing Pop Act on the Charts
CORTIS has been described by Billboard as “one of the fastest-growing pop acts on the Billboard charts”. The five-member boy group—comprising Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—made their debut in August last year with the single “What You Want”. Since then, they have quickly built a strong presence in the industry.
The group’s latest EP “GREENGREEN,” released in May, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Its lead single “REDRED” reached No. 38 on the Billboard Global 200 and became the group’s first entry on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. As of the latest Billboard chart dated August 1, “REDRED” has stayed on both the Global 200 and Global (excluding U.S.) charts for 13 consecutive weeks. According to Circle Chart, their mini-album “GREENGREEN” has sold over 3 million copies.
Earlier, their debut album “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES” reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200, which was the highest debut album ranking for a K-pop group at the time, excluding project teams.
CORTIS is also the only K-pop boy group to make this year’s “21 Under 21” list. In a surprise move, they dropped a digital single “MOTION” featuring Juicy J on July 31. They also performed a solo set at Lollapalooza Chicago in Grant Park on August 1.
The group brands themselves as a “Young Creator Crew,” with all members taking part in music production, choreography, and video creation. They have released other popular tracks like “GO!,” “FaSHioN,” and “REDRED”.
“This has been a dream for so long, and experiencing it in reality is even more incredible. It’s humbling to see the music reaching beyond its origins, and it’s truly grateful for this recognition.”
KATSEYE: Second Straight Year on the List
KATSEYE, the global girl group formed through the competition series “Dream Academy” in 2023, has secured a spot on the “21 Under 21” list for the second year in a row. Billboard praised the group for having “its loftiest year to date,” pointing to their Lollapalooza debut, two Grammy nominations, and multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
The group’s second EP “BEAUTIFUL CHAOS,” released in June 2025, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and has remained on the chart for 56 consecutive weeks. On the Hot 100, they have placed four songs: “Gnarly,” “Gabriela,” “Internet Girl,” and “PINKY UP”. They also scored additional Hot 100 entries with “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (a collaboration with LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT) and the pre-release single “Animal”. “Animal” became the group’s highest-debuting song on the Hot 100.
On the global stage, “Animal” entered Spotify’s Weekly Top Songs Global at No. 9 and the U.S. chart at No. 8, marking new personal bests for the group. It also reached No. 16 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
KATSEYE received two Grammy nominations earlier this year at the 68th Grammy Awards: Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance (Duo/Group). They also won three awards at the 2026 American Music Awards: New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist, and Best Music Video.
On July 31, the group performed as headliners at the Hinterland Music Festival in Iowa, delivering a 14-song set that lasted about 56 minutes. They are also set to release a new EP titled “WILD” on August 14.
Billboard noted that KATSEYE has had “the biggest year since their debut,” highlighting their appearances at global music festivals and their growing influence across multiple platforms.
GIRLSET: A New Chapter Brings First-Time Recognition
GIRLSET, the U.S.-based girl group under JYP Entertainment, has also made the list for the first time. The group restructured as a four-member act last summer and has since been actively releasing new music.
Billboard highlighted their collaboration with hip-hop legend Missy Elliott on the single “Little Miss,” as well as “Tweak,” which samples R&B group SWV’s song of the same name. “Tweak” reached No. 22 on the Digital Song Sales chart.
Members have taken on a larger role in songwriting over the past year, which Billboard noted as a key factor in their selection. Member Savanna Collins shared that the group has been more involved in the creative process.
This recognition marks a significant milestone for GIRLSET as they continue to establish themselves in the competitive pop market. Their inclusion alongside CORTIS and KATSEYE underscores the growing influence of groups with Korean entertainment backing on the global stage.
Also Read:
What the 2026 List Represents
The “21 Under 21” list has historically included artists who have gone on to become major stars. Previous honorees include Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Tate McRae, and Ayra Starr, among others. This year’s class features a mix of solo artists and groups, with CORTIS and Milo J receiving featured interviews as part of the coverage.
Juhoon of CORTIS shared his thoughts on staying true to oneself:
“Sincerity lasts much longer than trying to impress everyone.”
The 2026 list also includes artists like Bella Kay, Freya Skye, Violet Grohl, and Sienna Spiro. The common theme among this year’s honorees is a focus on authenticity, as highlighted by Freya Skye’s comment that “authenticity doesn’t expire”.
KATSEYE continues to build on their success with upcoming projects and live performances, while CORTIS and GIRLSET are just beginning to make their mark on the global stage. Their inclusion on the “21 Under 21” list reflects their current achievements and the momentum they have built in a short time.
Billboard’s annual list serves as a benchmark for emerging talent, and the presence of these three groups demonstrates the expanding reach of pop music beyond traditional borders. With KATSEYE preparing for their new EP release and CORTIS fresh off a Lollapalooza performance, all three acts are positioned for continued growth in the coming months.
Also Read: ONF Member E-Tion Diagnosed with Partial Rotator Cuff Tear, Will Reduce Movement for Recovery
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on your favorite artists and the latest happenings in the world of music and entertainment.
Leave a Reply