The Chainsmokers

The NYC-based EDM bros had a hit before 2016, but it’s hard to argue that this was not the year that made them the stars they are. 2016 saw the group send song after song into the upper reaches of the charts around the world. The winning streak started with “Roses,” continued with the even-bigger “Don’t Let Me Down,” and then hit a new peak with “Closer,” their first No. 1 hit. They just collected a handful of Grammy nominations for the first time, and they have a chance at taking home the Best New Artist trophy, which would seal their fate as one to be remembered.

Lukas Graham

The Danish pop-rock act was the breakout international success of the year, as they seemed to come out of complete obscurity and climb the charts in essentially every country. “7 Years” was inescapable throughout much of 2016, and while the band had a noticeable presence in their home country of Denmark before the melancholy, nostalgic track hit, now they are known all around the globe.