Best in Gay Pop: How to spice up your 2026 playlists

For all the music-loving people out there, here is our top list of artists going into the new year.

IMDB Images – Conan Gray

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Are you looking for some new music to listen to, by and about queer individuals? Sick of the same old same old, want the pronouns that mimic how you feel, or just love a good pink pony club sort of moment? Well then, this countdown list of the best in gay pop is just for you! From Renee Rapp to Dodie, we’ve got it all– let the gayness begin! 

Girl in Red

We all know her, we all love her, it’s Girl in Red! If you don’t, well then you clearly didn’t go through a sapphic pinning phase in your late middle school, early high school years (but that’s probably a good thing). Creator of October love stories to bad ideas, Girl in Red has come out with a banger of an album after a brief hiatus, and this 2024 soundtrack has us all ears. “I’m Doing It Again Baby” is an album of fresh starts, heartbreak, doing it all again after battling with mental health struggles, and even includes a surprise guest appearance with none other than our prominent ally, Sabrina Carpenter! If you haven’t given her newest music a listen, we highly recommend you put down this magazine and listen as soon as possible (but only if you promise to return, of course). 

Beth McCarthy

Here is an artist who knows a thing or two about queer representation and being a ‘good bi’. McCarthy has been a performer for quite some time now, but she isn’t as well-known as she should be. Singing about all her hot friends and that feeling you get when you forget your name because a pretty girl is looking at you, she is one of the most relatable people in the current history of the queer music scene. She is someone every queer person should listen to, and her TikToks are worth all the attention in the world. So with that, go check out this pink-haired goddess the moment you get the chance and make sure to add her “Cubicle In Heaven” single to your next Spotify list. 

Zolita

You might know her from her “Somebody I F*cked Once” music video from four years ago– all the pink cheerleader energy with the black cat love interest. It was a music video of the century, and a song that should most definitely be on any one of your gay playlists. Not only was this such a hit, but her new album, Queen of Hearts, released in 2024, has singles like “Small Town Scandal” that touch on the topics of being queer in small towns and being yourself despite it all. Overall, she is a great addition for all the queer people out there looking for a fun listen. 

Conan Gray

One of the best male queer pop artists out there at the moment, with four hit albums that never get old: Kid Krow, Superache, Found Heaven, and, most recently, Wishbone. After being known as the third of December sweater king, he has expanded his name to something even larger with his sold-out arenas and skyrocketing love story between Wilbur and Brando in his trilogy of music videos starring Conan Gray and Corey Fogelmanis. Their VMA performance was one to die for, with the performance of “Vodka Cranberry” and Romeo and Juliet-style stage ensemble. If you didn’t see it, grab your phone and go watch it, and then watch all three music videos. You will have this album on repeat, and will need it tattooed on your brain by the time you are done listening. 

Renee Rapp

The style icon of the century, with her incredible Mean Girls debut in the movie rendition, we now have a 2025 album called BITE ME, which the internet has blown up. Renee Rapp has been an icon in interviews and in her fight for queer rights after coming out as a Lesbian within the last few years. Her songs fuel the gay pop fans with life and drive them insane all at the same time during her wild on-stage performances and dances. You won’t have to look hard to find fan edits of her, and you’ve probably already heard her iconic “Leave Me Alone” single at some point in the last few months. It’s clear to everyone that she’s going to be around for a long time to come, and we are not MAD about it (if you didn’t get that reference, then this is your sign to look into her music once and for all). 

Chappell Roan

A rising-to-fame artist that doesn’t need an introduction is Chappell Roan– you’ve definitely heard of her “Pink Pony Club” or “HOTTOGO!” songs on the radio or in a top artist playlist as of late, so naturally, she had to be included in this list. If you haven’t heard her other music, what are you doing? Where have you been living? Not to mention her gorgeous stage looks and iconic drag makeup that inspire almost all of her looks. Let’s just say this Midwest Princess has our hearts and our ears as we eagerly await a new album after her two most recent singles, “The Giver” and “The Subway”. 

Tyler, the Creator 

This rapper and singer has grown in all our hearts over the years. Starting his career with what some thought to be ‘crude’ lyrics, this musical genius used his platform to piss off all those straight white men who disliked him. Knowing his musical style, he may not be gay pop, but we can’t talk about queer musicians without talking about Tyler, the Creator. Go listen to his songs, enjoy sticking it to the man, and vibe to his queer-centric lyrics! 

Mad Tsai

Gained his popularity through TikTok. Many people loved the style, look, and sound of this unique creator who started writing music openly about his sexuality and experience as a young bisexual person. You may know his anthem “Boy Bi” that originally made him popular, highlighting the experience of being attracted to more than one gender. He has a line-up of singles that are just waiting to be added to your next playlist, including “Stacy’s Brother”, “Killer Queen”, and “Boys Beware”. 

Molly Grace

Singer of the hit single “F.E.M.M.E”, Molly Grace has entered the scene with a big, flashy entrance. With a blend of different genres like pop and disco, Molly has taken inspiration from many other artists on this list. She is a queer artist who tries to highlight the experience of being a feminine queer woman, and how it feels to be so “Fabulous enticing magnetic magical everything.” We should all take note from her, because “doesn’t everyone wanna be” fabulous? 

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The Gay Agendas, Extras & Honorable Mentions: (including but not limited to gay pop)

Freddie Mercury & David Bowie are tied for our Honorable Historical Mention 

Sabrina Carpenter is our Honorable Ally Mention  

Ghost is the pick of the queer community this week 

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