Best R&B Singers of 2026 Right Now: Staff Picks

R&B music continues to assert its influence in 2026, with a diverse roster of artists commanding attention through chart success, critically acclaimed releases, and dynamic performances. Billboard’s recent staff selections offer a comprehensive view of the genre’s most compelling figures this year, illustrating both the resurgence of established legends and the rise of innovative talents.

The year has seen veteran artists like Jill Scott making a significant comeback, underscoring enduring relevance in contemporary R&B. Scott’s release, To Whom This May Concern, marked her first studio album in over a decade, achieving multiple top 10 Billboard chart debuts and securing a No. 1 spot on the Adult R&B Airplay chart with the single "Pressha." Complementing her musical resurgence, Scott embarked on a world tour and received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music, signaling both artistic and academic recognition.

Meanwhile, Chris Brown remains a stalwart figure, continuing his prolific output and maintaining a strong presence on the charts. Following his recognition as the hottest R&B artist of 2025, Brown released two albums in 2026—Brown and its deluxe edition, Brown: The Chocolate Edition—each featuring a mix of hits that have resonated with audiences. His ongoing collaboration with Usher on The R&B Tour demonstrates sustained commercial viability and widespread appeal.

Emerging as a dominant force this year is Kehlani, whose decade-long career trajectory has culminated in significant crossover success. Her self-titled album debuted atop Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and also ranked highly on the Billboard 200. Kehlani’s single "Folded" achieved a peak position of No. 6 on the Hot 100 and set a record for spending 17 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. These milestones were further solidified by her first Grammy wins and a BET Award, marking a career peak that has been both commercially and critically praised.

Leon Thomas exemplifies the new generation of R&B artists who blend songwriting skill with feature versatility. After his acclaimed album MUTT earned him multiple awards and widespread recognition, Thomas expanded his presence through numerous collaborations, lending his distinctive vocals to a variety of projects across the genre. His ability to evolve beyond solo releases into a sought-after featured artist illustrates the increasingly collaborative nature of R&B.

GIVĒON also capitalized on momentum from his Grammy-nominated album Beloved by releasing ACT II, a concise EP featuring collaborations with notable artists including Kehlani and Leon Thomas. His visibility was enhanced by appearances such as the Billboard 2026 Sports & Music cover and a high-profile Coachella performance. These activities have reinforced GIVĒON’s position as a rising star within the scene.

The landscape is further diversified by artists like Durand Bernarr, who transitioned viral moments into tangible chart presence with his album BERNARR. His growing recognition includes his first Billboard chart entry and an impactful BET Awards performance, highlighting a blend of traditional R&B sensibilities with contemporary cultural engagement.

Brent Faiyaz continues to push creative boundaries, incorporating ’80s pop influences into his 2026 album Icon. His collaborations and label expansions have kept him relevant, though the lack of a supporting tour may have limited the album’s commercial lifespan. Nonetheless, Faiyaz’s distinct approach sustains his reputation as a leading male R&B artist of the decade.

Artists crossing genre boundaries also make their mark. British singer-songwriter RAYE integrates elements of soul, jazz, and blues into her work, evidenced by her album THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., which reflects deep R&B roots despite her pop classification. Her BET Awards performance and upcoming tour with Bruno Mars signal growing recognition and mainstream crossover.

Nigerian singer Tems offers a compelling example of genre fluidity, infusing Afrobeat origins with unmistakable R&B vocal styling. Her chart-topping single "What You Need" and collaborations with major artists have expanded her global footprint, illustrating the diminishing relevance of strict genre classifications in contemporary music.

Together, these artists encapsulate a genre marked by both reverence for tradition and a bold embrace of innovation. Billboard’s 2026 staff picks reveal R&B as a vibrant, evolving force capable of uniting veteran artistry with fresh perspectives, setting the stage for a dynamic future.