Asian Pacific artists are no longer just on the sidelines of global music; they are now at the forefront, building a new golden legacy.
Championing this new generation of talent, Gold House has emerged as a cultural platform elevating Asian Pacific excellence across entertainment, business, sports, and beyond. Unveiled on May 1 and celebrated at the fifth annual Gold Gala on May 9, the Gold100 List highlights and spotlights 100 cultural trailblazers across a range of industries.
Hailing from diverse backgrounds and genres, these are the twenty music artists recognized by Gold House this year.
Audrey Nuna
Audrey Nuna has had an electric year. She first gained traction in the music scene back in 2019 with the hit collaboration “Comic Sans” with rapper Jack Harlow, and later with the 2020 single “damn Right.” Over five years later, she would accept a GRAMMY award alongside fellow musicians EJAE and REI AMI for “Best Song Written for Visual Media.” The Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters launched the rapper into a-billion-streams level of stardom with the hit track “Golden.” Audrey Nuna played the singing voice for Mira, a member of the animated fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X.
In the months since, Audrey Nuna has performed the track at countless events and awards ceremonies, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the BAFTAs, and Billboard’s Women in Music Awards 2026. Keeping the momentum going, Audrey Nuna performed for the opening ceremony of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March. She took to the stage among jersey-clad dancers and performed “Comic Sans” alongside the unreleased track “Saddle,” before singing all three parts of the HUNTR/X track “How It’s Done” for the halftime show. Audrey Nuna has cemented herself as an artist to keep an eye on with her unique style and unyielding charisma.
EJAE
From former idol trainee to singer-songwriter, EJAE previously spent her time working exclusively behind the scenes. EJAE has worked as a writer for multiple K-pop acts such as Red Velvet, aespa, TWICE, and LE SSERAFIM. When offered the position to work on the KPop Demon Hunters Soundtrack as protagonist Rumi’s singing voice, EJAE couldn’t fathom its international success. Film and music fans alike fell under the spell of EJAE’s voice. From the high notes in the empowering anthem “Golden” to the emotional harmonies of “What It Sounds Like,” her vocal range and expression were quick to capture listeners of all ages. In addition to being an accredited writer and beloved character, she is now known as a GRAMMY Award winner.
EJAE’s success as an artist has allowed her to perform alongside REI AMI and Audrey Nuna — Zoey and Mira’s singing voices. From late night television shows, to music award shows, and even Coachella, the trio are solidifying their title as performers. As the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack received so much love, EJAE found the perfect timing to release music under her own name. Her debut single, “In Another World,” exhibits her signature yearning and rich vocals with piano accompaniment. Her second single, “Time After Time,” is audibly more upbeat with its electronic sound, though the lyrics reveal sentimentality for a past relationship. While she has yet to perform her solo work, fans are eager to see where her discography will go.
Kehlani
Instead of staying within their tried and true R&B genre, Kehlani is an artist eager to showcase their musical versatility. Demonstrated in their album, CRASH, Kehlani introduced the genres of rock, country, and dance music to their discography. Within their music, advocating for others is part of Kehlani’s message. Their song, “Next 2 U,” shows support for the Palestinian cause in the music video. Featuring Palestinian symbols such as the Keffiyeh, the Palestinian flag, and even features a poem on the intro by Palestinian American writer Hala Alyan.
Kehlani’s music is an expression of their vulnerable self, where they are unafraid to share with fans. Two years spent working on their fifth and most recent studio album allowed them to reflect on their mental state. Their self-titled album, Kehlani, was released in April 2026 and delves into the artist’s past moments of vulnerability. Kehlani is packed with features from influential artists such as Brandy, Big Sean, Clipse, and Missy Elliott. Though they prove their mastery with collaborations, Kehlani shines just as brightly on their own. The album’s lead single, “Folded,” brought their first two GRAMMY awards and worldwide support. From marching band melodies to viral dance trend, actualized choreography, and acapella, Kehlani’s artistry continues to persist across various mediums.
Laufey
Since her 2022 album debut with Everything I Know, Laufey has steadily been making big moves as one of the leading Asian voices in modern jazz-pop. Her 2023 album Bewitched became the biggest jazz album debut in Spotify history, earning more than 5.7 million streams on its first day alone. This year, she expanded on her discography with A Matter of Time: The Final Hour, an extended edition of her third studio album, featuring four new tracks: “Madwoman,” “How I Get,” “I Wait, I Wait, I Wait,” and “I’ll Forget About You (In Time).”
With two GRAMMY Awards under her belt, Laufey’s global influence and presence are undeniable. In 2025, she was honored as one of TIME’s Women of the Year. Within the same year, she also launched The Laufey Foundation to expand access to youth music and orchestral programs and “foster the next generation of musicians.” On September 15, 2025, the singer embarked on her “A Matter of Time” tour. Simultaneously, in the midst of her tour, Laufey made her highly anticipated debut at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s Outdoor Theatre on April 12. Her tour is currently set to officially commence on August 12 at the Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, making it nearly a full year of performances for the jazz-pop princess.
KATSEYE
Over the last year, KATSEYE have demonstrated how far they’ve come from their trainee days of Dream Academy. Their K-pop-based development was a foundational landing pad that immediately earned them a lot of attention. But, it’s their global identity that set them apart from their predecessors, combining the diverse backgrounds of leader Sophia, dancer Daniela, vocalist Lara, visual Manon, all-rounder Megan, and maknae Yoonchae.
The sextet’s sonic journey has earned some scrutiny on social media as they moved away from the dance- and bubblegum-tinged K-pop formula of SIS (Soft Is Strong), their debut EP that included the breakthrough single “Touch.” Even so, their exploration of a new sound in the follow-up BEAUTIFUL CHAOS — from the divisively hyperpop “Gnarly” and Jersey club to phonk — hasn’t hindered any opportunities from them. They have embarked on their own headlining tour across North America, animated Lollapalooza stages in Chicago and South America, made their debut at the Coachella desert, and graced the 2026 GRAMMYs stage as a Best New Artist nominee. And, with the release of their latest single “PINKY UP” (in all its rave-ready, Eurodance glory), the group is signaling a move towards cementing themselves as an eclectic fixture among 2020s music, ahead of their upcoming third EP, WILD.
Lola Young
Anybody on the internet in the last two years will likely have heard Lola Young’s voice. Her 2025 single “Messy” may not have been her first, but it shot her into the spotlight. The track went viral on TikTok, racking up over a billion streams on Spotify and earning her a GRAMMY Award for “Best Pop Solo Performance.” Young’s lyricism is known for its wit and brutal honesty; she doesn’t bother to beat around the bush. Her 2025 album I’m Only F**king Myself touches candidly on sex, addiction, and her struggles with mental health. Lead single “One Thing” might be the most brash of the bunch, accompanied by a cheeky, artsy music video.
In February 2026, Lola Young won a BRIT Award for “Breakthrough Artist,” calling music a “safe haven” for many when the world feels bleak. Listeners can find solace in her relatable lyrics during troubled times, and find that they are not alone. Young plans to perform a headlining tour this summer — her first since health complications forced her off stage in September 2025. She played one show in London in March, just a month after her GRAMMY win. “It felt so right being back on stage,” she said in an Instagram post, “Playing live is my happy place.” She plans on “taking things slowly” to get back into the groove of performing, playing six shows across the United Kingdom throughout June.
REI AMI
From viral internet sensation to one of alternative pop’s most exciting rising artists, REI AMI has steadily become a force to be reckoned with. Known for her sharp lyrics and charismatic delivery, the Korean American artist first gained widespread attention with her 2019 tracks “DICTATOR” and “SNOWCONE,” both of which quickly went viral on TikTok and introduced listeners to her bold sound. Her 2023 EP shhh further expanded on her unique sound, with mystical, industrial-leaning instrumentals with haunting storytelling.
In 2025, REI AMI participated in Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, where she provided the singing and rapping voice for HUNTR/X’s Zoey. Alongside EJAE and Audrey Nuna, she helped make history with the soundtrack’s breakout hit “Golden.” Outside of music, REI AMI has spoken honestly about her personal struggle with mental health, including the long road to a proper diagnosis. She has cited music as a therapeutic outlet, a vital source of healing throughout her life, and her “first love.” With new music reportedly in the works for 2026, REI AMI remains a boundary-pushing Asian voice in the pop and alternative music scene.
Rich Brian
Much has changed since Brian Immanuel debuted bearing the moniker Rich Brian. He has traded his home in Jakarta, Indonesia for Los Angeles after signing with 88rising, the label that backed his rise to fame and united him with collaborators such as Joji, Warren Hue, CHUNG HA, and fellow Indonesian songstress NIKI. These collaborations broadened Brian’s portfolio, which has evolved from his debut’s trap-driven rap (which sounds like a product of its time). His style has become more diverse, melodic, and timeless, incorporating summery, radio-ready pop and dreamier, atmospheric psychedelia into his discography, occasionally showing off his vocal stylings as well.
His latest album, WHERE IS MY HEAD?, continues this trend, adding soulful slow groove to his sonic playground set. Among the most interesting is “Senja” (meaning dusk in Bahasa Indonesia), which interpolates Fariz RM’s “Cakrawala Senja.” Beyond an homage to the Indonesian music legend, it shines a light on pop kreatif (literally translated as creative pop), a style of Indo-pop from the 80s and 90s that has since re-entered the country’s modern cultural lexicon. Paired with Brian’s West Coast alt rap sensibilities, he demonstrates how regional borderlines of pop music can be blurred — removed altogether, even. He recently wrapped the album’s world tour and is slated to appear at Head in the Clouds 2026, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the Indonesian rapper.
Thuy
Citing influences from the early 2000s, R&B artist Thuy makes music that carries simultaneous nostalgia and timelessness. Singing about relationships and romance, her songs are easy to listen to and relate to. TikTok helped aid Thuy towards global recognition with the virality of “girls like me don’t cry,” which later made the platform’s Top 10 Global Songs of the Summer 2023. The single in particular captures the best features of Thuy’s discography. A simple instrumental, lyrics directly addressing listeners, and an honest voice is what continues to draw fans in. Later performing as the first Vietnamese artist to perform a solo set at Coachella, Thuy proved her live performance skills.
Armed with greater confidence as an artist, Thuy’s last album, wings encapsulates a dreamy experience from visuals to song titles and sound. Light synth accompanies Thuy’s airy falsetto on various tracks and truly makes listeners feel as if they are on, “cloud 11.” Fun and empowerment are new additions in this album. Songs such as “hair down,” encourage fans to learn to be more carefree, while “wings” serves as a reminder to embrace imperfection. Thuy has embarked on two tours since rising as a global artist. As for future performances, Thuy is set to feature at select stops on Madison Beer’s The Locket Tour.
Towa Bird
Towa Bird first learned to play the electric guitar at 12 years old — just under a decade later, she would go viral on TikTok for her guitar covers. She built a steady following over the next few years through original music and playing guitar for Olivia Rodrigo during her Disney+ documentary, Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film). From September 2023 through March 2024, she joined singer Reneé Rapp on stage for the “Snow Hard Feelings Tour” as a guitarist, and the two later hard-launched their relationship at that year’s Vanity Fair Oscars After Party.
In June 2024, Towa Bird released her debut album, American Hero. It landed on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Best Albums of 2024 list at number 52, described as “13 succinct pop-punk punches to the chin.” Bird closed out that monumental year by opening for Billie Eilish on several stops of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, solidifying her presence on stage as not just a guitarist, but a singer as well. Bird’s second album, Gentleman, released on May 15. It boasted 11 tracks, including the single “Your Girl” from Netflix’s Nobody Wants This and the electric pre-release single “Dirty Habit.”
H.E.R.
H.E.R. — short for “Having Everything Revealed” — has become one of the most influential and versatile Asian female artists shaping contemporary R&B today. Raised in California’s Bay Area with an African American father and Filipina mother, she grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences that would later emerge in her genre-blending artistry. After first appearing in the music industry under her birth name, she reintroduced herself in 2016 through the H.E.R. persona, embracing her more vulnerable side and taking a new, emotionally transparent approach to songwriting. Her breakout self-titled compilation album, H.E.R., secured two GRAMMY Awards in 2019, including Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance for “Best Part” alongside Daniel Caesar.
In 2021, her George Floyd-inspired protest anthem, “I Can’t Breathe,” earned Song of the Year at the GRAMMY Awards, and her “Better Than I Imagined” with Robert Glasper and Meshell Ndegeocello took home Best R&B Song. She took home her fifth GRAMMY win in 2022 with “Fight for You” winning Best Traditional R&B Performance, further cementing her place as one of modern R&B’s defining voices. Alongside her musical endeavors, H.E.R. has also expanded her presence into film and television, starring in projects like Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration and The Color Purple.
Hayley Kiyoko
From the screen to the recording studio to the publishing industry, Hayley Kiyoko is doing it all. Kiyoko has been involved with both acting and music from a very young age. After a childhood of commercial acting and garage bands, she booked her first big film role in 2009 as Velma Dinkley in Cartoon Network’s live-action Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins. Two years later, she starred in Disney’s Lemonade Mouth as Stella Yamada, a leading role that would become one of her most notable. Her 2014 EP This Side of Paradise made waves with the track “Girls Like Girls.” The music video, which Kiyoko co-directed, became a defining pop-culture moment of the mid-2010s and served as Kiyoko’s unofficial coming out as a lesbian.
Her direction continued in the 2018 album Expectations, with “What I Need,” featuring Kehlani. The self-directed music video chronicled the struggle of unaccepting family and blurring the lines of friendship and love, something Kiyoko said in an interview that she always wanted to portray. “I think, as an artist who writes their own music […] you become a director of your career,” she said. “For me, it was very natural to become a director.” Following her 2020 EP I’m Too Sensitive For This Sh*t and 2022 album PANORAMA, Kiyoko wrote and published her first novel, based on the “Girls Like Girls” music video. The movie adaptation awaits release on June 19, making it Kiyoko’s directorial debut in the film industry.
ARKAI
Classical instruments are influencing modern music more than one might think. Jonathon Miron demonstrates this as part of the string duo ARKAI alongside cellist Philip Sheegog. Their discography stands testament to how strings are not limited to classical music. From reimagined string covers of modern hits to original compositions, ARKAI is redefining the image of string musicians. ARKAI’s sophomore album, Brightside incorporates their acoustic and electric instruments in genres such as trap, rock, and EDM. Brightside’s eclectic sound allowed ARKAI to win their first GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 68th annual GRAMMY Awards.
ARKAI’s latest album, Synergy, is a collaboration with rising pianist Tony Ann, who explores a blend of modern and neoclassical genres. Amidst the other string instruments, ARKAI’s sound in tracks such as “ICARUS,” amplify the emotional intensity. Jonathan Miron and Philip Sheegog understand the significance of communal support as ARKAI’s debut album, Crossroads, was funded by Chamber Music America’s 2023 Artistic Projects grant. Outside of his career, ARKAI shows how music can be empowering even to small local communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ARKAI created SupportNYC, and raised over $80,000 for small businesses with their performances.
Armaan Malik
A veteran in show business, Armaan Malik made his debut as a playback singer in Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth) (2007) at the age of 12. Since then, he has gone on to make his acting debut in Kaccha Limboo (2011)and establish his own music career. Armaan Malik is credited with over 350 songs, as a singer-songwriter for various films. His gentle vocals are his signature, best heard in romantic and emotional tracks. From ballads with longing such as “Chale Aana,” to the joyful lovesickness in “Maathu Sothu,” Armaan Malik shows how his voice ranges in emotion. His talent shines outside of Indian cinema, as he has lent his voice to the soundtracks of global films such as Aladdin (2019) and The Lion King (2019).
Outside of his extensive involvement in Bollywood, Armaan Malik’s discography has won him international recognition. His MTV Europe Music Awards for Best India Act in 2020 and 2022 and the first to top Billboard’s Top Triller chart twice in 2020 prove his impact. Though his voice is recognizable for its rich tone and expressive quality, Armaan Malik is expanding his repertoire. His collaborations include an unreleased EDM track with Marshmello and a trap-influenced song with Ed Sheeran.
no na
no na isn’t Indonesia’s first girl group to gain international recognition, nor is it its only. But looking back at their career — which has only spanned one year — it’s clear why they are cementing their place among 2020s greats, an era dominated by South Korean(-adjacent) bands. Even if music is the only indication, their repertoire more than suffices. Their debut single introduced glossy R&B stylings lifted straight out of the 80s and early 90s, evoking Janet Jackson’s and Paula Abdul’s greatest hits. Recent releases point to a transition toward dance-pop, hip hop, and reggaeton sounds that veers closer to the hits of their current peers. But that isn’t the only thing defining no na’s success.
Throughout all the stylistic changes, the 88rising-backed quartet of Esther, Baila, Christy, and Shaz has consistently kept their identity rooted in Indonesian culture. From music videos shot at Bali’s verdant tropical sceneries, interpolations of the country’s traditional musical instruments, to live appearances wearing cultural garb, they’re always finding ways to share a little bit of their heritage with a global audience. The foursome is slated to grace Head in the Clouds 2026, a stage they’re more than familiar with (it’s where they had their first live performance last year). Though no official announcement has been made, fans from around the world are looking forward to their debut full-length album.
Esther Yu
Esther Yu has risen to become one of the most recognizable young starlets in Chinese entertainment. Rising to widespread popularity after appearing on the music survival show Youth With You 2 in 2020, Yu quickly garnered adoration before debuting as a member of the project girl group, THE9. After the group’s disbandment, Yu went on to pursue her own solo music career, releasing her Esther single compilation in 2023 and her Spicy Honey album in 2024. While her music career introduced her to a global fanbase, it was her acting work that solidified her place as one of the leading faces of a new generation of Chinese drama stars.
Following her breakout role in Find Yourself, Esther Yu became known for bringing charm, warmth, and emotional depth to her on-screen performances, particularly in romance and fantasy genres. Her starring roles in the series, such as Love Between Fairy and Devil, My Journey to You, and Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, further pushed her status both domestically and internationally. Off the screen and stage, Yu has also become a major force in youth and fashion culture, admired for her playful, trendsetting style.
Joyce Wrice
With silky vocals and a seamless blend of neo-soul and contemporary R&B, Joyce Wrice has been forging her path in the modern R&B music scene and becoming a new face to keep your eye on. Born and raised in Chula Vista, California, Wrice grew up inspired by artists such as Aaliyah and Brandy, whose influences continue to shape the music she produces and writes. Before pursuing music full-time, Wrice spent years independently garnering an audience through YouTube and SoundCloud. In 2016, she released her debut EP, Stay Around, but it wasn’t until 2021 that she made her breakthrough in the industry with her debut studio album, Overgrown.
Featuring collaborations with artists such as Masego and UMI, the project introduced the world to Wrice’s signature sound of ’90s-inspired R&B and vulnerable, intimate lyricism. The lead single from the album, “On One,” featuring GRAMMY Award winner Freddie Gibbs, currently has over 10 million streams on Spotify. This year, Wrice released two new songs, “Break Me In” and “Crack the Code.” While she has yet to reveal any clues on her upcoming projects, Wrice has been chosen for Spotify’s 2026 Music Accelerator class, which spotlights the next wave of Asian and Pacific Islander artists.
Karri
Karri’s roots in music began with family karaoke and piano lessons, but quickly evolved as he began recording music with his friend. What began as a hobby quickly turned into a desire for a career. Karri’s debut single “Rosetta” explored the trap genre, but changing to a melodic R&B style is what has developed his extensive fanbase. His recent single, “Charge It To The Game” centers around his claim that his devotion to his lover is true, despite prior conflict. The simple instrumental allows his rich and sentimental voice to stand out.
Karri’s love for his home of California is evident through his discography. From song titles referencing the San Francisco area code to multiple tracks about Oakland, every release honors his upbringing. Karri has also established two signature mixes within his work: Lo’ n Slo’ and Hi’ n Fly. Lo’ n Slo’ aptly slows the track and gives Karri’s vocals an extra romantic tone. Hi’ n Fly pitches tracks higher and picks up the tempo, creating a more upbeat mood. His notable credits as a songwriter include tracks written for Bankrol Hayden, Hunxho, HUGEL, and Drake.
Mikayla Geier
Mikayla Geier started the year with her name on Spotify’s Artists to Watch 2026 list, with the lovesick “piano in the sky” listed as her essential track. While growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, she studied ballet before deciding not to pursue a career in it. She first began releasing music in 2019 with her debut EP, bloomington, while attending Indiana University Bloomington. Her back-to-back 2024 and 2025 albums here we go again… and HOT POT! explored a healthy variety of sounds and topics, including her experience in ballet. She brought the HOT POT! album on tour across the United States at the end of 2025, showing off her retired ballet skills on stage with electric performances.
Living up to her Spotify moniker this year, Geier made Gold House’s Gold Music Accelerator Class, alongside Joyce Wrice and Karri. Her new single and first release of the year, “HOTLINE,” was an addictive pop-funk explosion and a great sign for the year to come. This summer, she will join singer MARINA on The Princess of Power Tour across the United Kingdom before finishing with her own headline show in London on June 6.
GIRLSET
Conceived from A2K, a JYP Entertainment and Republic Records predecessor to the Dream Academy that produced KATSEYE, GIRLSET paved the way for bridging the American girl group scene with K-pop’s rigorous training process. The result is a unique identity that’s diverse, eclectic, and unencumbered by an arbitrary regional pop borderline.
Starting off as a six-piece, the current lineup features Hmong American leader Lexi, Canadian Cuban Camilla, Vietnamese American Kendall, and Venezuelan Trinbagonian Savanna. Over the past year, their rebrand from VCHA to GIRLSET has solidified their place among today’s resurgence of R&B girl groups. Their releases progressively stray away from VCHA’s bubblegum and dance-pop sounds to adopt trap beats and glossier productions, cementing their place among the American R&B lexicon through a remix with Missy Elliott and an infectious hook that samples SWV’s “Weak.” With an album yet to be announced, there’s much to look forward to.
From the Gold Music Accelerator Class and new talent to longtime staples of the music industry and big names, Asian Pacific talent showed up in spades this year to represent at the Gold Gala. Showing off diverse cultures, identities, and genres, these twenty artists are making waves across the world. Keep your ears open with these musicians, as you could find your next golden track.
Want to see more from the Gold Gala? Check out EnVi’s coverage of the event.
