The 2026 Power of Young Hollywood event, presented by Disney+, is set to celebrate a diverse group of rising stars in the entertainment industry. This year's ceremony will honor a range of talented individuals, including Grammy-nominated artists and actors who are making waves in their respective fields.
One of the highlights of the event is the recognition of Tate McRae, a pop sensation who has taken the music industry by storm. With over 20.8 billion overall streams, multiple No. 1 Top 40 hits, and a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, McRae has already achieved remarkable success. Her accolades include artist of the year at the JUNO Awards, two MTV VMAs, and nominations for various Billboard Music Awards and People's Choice Awards. McRae's impact extends beyond music; she graced the cover of TIME100's Next issue and received the Powerhouse Award at Variety Hitmakers. Her influence is further solidified by being included in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, making her the youngest musician to be recognized.
McRae's No. 1 RIAA-certified single, 'You Broke Me First,' has amassed over 2.5 billion streams since its release in 2020. Her debut album, 'I Used to Think I Could Fly,' achieved a No. 1 spot on Spotify's Global Top Albums Debut Chart and topped the charts in multiple countries. The Calgary native's sophomore album, 'Think Later,' further solidified her pop stardom, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard album chart and featuring the certified four-time platinum single 'Greedy.' McRae's latest album, 'So Close to What,' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing her continued growth as an artist.
Another notable honoree is Sombr, a multiple award-winning, Grammy-nominated superstar. Sombr's breakthrough smash 'Back to Friends' dominated global airwaves and charts, becoming his first Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hit. The track's success led to his debut studio album, 'I Barely Know Her,' which featured standout hits like 'Undressed' and '12 to 12.' Sombr's talent has been recognized with a best new artist Grammy nomination and a performance on the telecast. He has also received nominations for Brit Awards and won several American Music Awards and iHeart Awards. Sombr's latest single, 'My Body Isn't Ready,' has further solidified his presence in the music industry.
Tyriq Withers and Malachi Barton are also set to be honored at the event. Withers, who made his first major role in the standalone Season 3 episode of 'Atlanta,' has since appeared in Hulu's 'Tell Me Lies' and Paramount+'s 'The Game.' He co-starred in the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' legacy sequel and headlined the horror film 'Him,' for which he received NAACP Image Award nominations. Withers will be presented with the New Leading Man Award at the ceremony.
Malachi Barton, on the other hand, is set to receive the Rising Star Award. Barton stars alongside the Jonas Brothers in Disney's 'Camp Rock 3' and will also star in the supernatural series 'Coven Academy.' He will showcase his talents as both a singer and dancer on the Worlds Collide Tour, performing in 49 arenas across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Barton's career began at age 6 on the daytime soap opera 'The Young and Restless' and continued with roles in Disney Channel's 'Stuck in the Middle' and several original movies, including 'Under Wraps 1&2' and 'Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.'
The Power of Young Hollywood event will also feature the Young Hollywood Impact Report, highlighting standout young talent in acting, music, and content creation. The New Leaders List will celebrate rising professionals in the entertainment industry. Neutrogena, as the official skincare partner, will debut its new Hydro Boost Rejuvenating Serum and Hydro Boost Hydrogel Eye Patches as part of an immersive guest experience.
Amazon Music will present a live performance from Sienna Spiro, an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has rapidly become one of music's most compelling new artists. Spiro's debut album, 'Visitor,' is currently available. Ramin Setoodeh, Variety's co-editor-in-chief & co-president, expressed excitement about the event, emphasizing the celebration of diverse talent and the addition of McRae, Sombr, and Withers to the prestigious roster.
Disney+ is the presenting partner, Neutrogena is the official skincare partner, Cash App is a premier partner, Amazon Music is the official performance sponsor, and Eternal Water is the official water partner. The event promises to be a celebration of young talent, showcasing their impact and potential in the entertainment industry.
