Fresh Faces of Fame: 2024's Breakout Stars

1. Sabrina Carpenter

@sabrinacarpenter

Sabrina Carpenter kicked off 2024 with a bang as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. From there, her star only ascended.

Carpenter made headlines with her relationship with actor Barry Keoghan, which began in late 2023. Their romance became a hot topic after Keoghan was spotted cheering for her during her Coachella set in April. While not a headliner, Carpenter’s performance stole the show thanks to her signature “Nonsense” outros.

Keoghan even appeared in Carpenter’s music video for Please, Please, Please, released in June ahead of her album launch. Unfortunately, by December, the couple reportedly parted ways after a year together.

In May, Carpenter graced the Saturday Night Live season finale, delivering electrifying renditions of her most popular tracks and, once again, a viral “Nonsense” outro. June marked the announcement of her next album, Short n’ Sweet, which dropped in August to much acclaim.

Her Short n’ Sweet tour became the talk of the town, thanks to a quirky tradition of “arresting” celebrities who attended her shows. A standout moment? When SNL’s Marcello Hernandez joined her on stage as his character Domingo from a popular sketch, dancing to a remix of Carpenter’s hit.

To close out the year, Carpenter released a festive treat: A Nonsense Christmas, a star-studded holiday special packed with musical guests and celebrity cameos.

2. Charli XCX

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Charli XCX dominated the summer of 2024 with her album Brat, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The internet christened the season “brat summer” as the album's vibe took over TikTok and inspired lime green fashion trends, echoing the album’s cover art.

The artist described “brat” as “just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes. Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.”

Charli’s influence extended beyond music and fashion. After President Joe Biden exited the 2024 race, Vice President Kamala Harris received an unexpected boost when Charli endorsed her with a cheeky tweet: “Kamala is brat.” The phrase sparked countless memes, and Harris’s campaign leaned into the trend, featuring “brat” memorabilia and neon green signs at the Democratic National Convention.

3. Chappell Roan

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Chappell Roan emerged as a household name in 2024, charming audiences with her infectious tunes and theatrical style. Her anthem Pink Pony Club kept fans dancing, while the viral choreography for Hot to Go became a party staple.

Although her sudden rise to fame presented challenges, such as her last-minute withdrawal from the All Things Go festival, Roan remained a red carpet standout. Her bold, imaginative outfits included a Statue of Liberty-inspired ensemble at Gov Ball and medieval chain mail at the VMAs.

With her momentum showing no signs of slowing, Roan’s star is poised to shine even brighter in 2025.

4. Shaboozey

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Country-rap sensation Shaboozey has had a breakout year, with his hit A Bar Song (Tipsy) earning multiple Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Best Country Song, and Best Country Solo Performance.

Sampling J-Kwon’s early 2000s hit Tipsy, Shaboozey’s track dominated the charts this spring and solidified his place in the spotlight. The artist’s popularity extended to major campaigns, including YSL’s Myslf Le Parfum campaign, and memorable fashion moments, such as his black crystal-encrusted Crocs cowboy boots paired with a mint Saint Laurent suit at the CMA Awards.

His unique fusion of country and rap, coupled with his playful fashion, has made Shaboozey a refreshing force in music.

5. Mikey Madison

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At just 25, Mikey Madison stunned audiences with her performance in Sean Baker’s Anora, which premiered at Cannes and won the Palme d’Or. Now an awards season frontrunner, Madison is the actress to beat, with her name buzzing in Best Leading Actress conversations.

Off-screen, Madison has become a red carpet darling, donning breathtaking designs by Chanel, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Schiaparelli. As the industry buzzes with her accolades, she’s set to start 2025 as the National Board of Review’s Breakthrough Actress of the Year.