The American entertainment magazine Variety has just announced the 9th annual list of Hitmakers (hit makers) honors.
Spanning many different genres and styles of music, as well as different levels of experience, all the honorees are recognized for their groundbreaking successes in the music field in the past year.
Megan Moroney was named storyteller of the Year. Three artists Addison Rae, Elvira Anderfjärd, Luka Kloser were honored with the "The future is female" award.
BigX Thaplug is the Breakthrough factor of the year in hip-hop. Role Model is the "3 in 01" Artist of the Year. Fuerza Regida was named Humanitarian Artist of the Year.
Elliot Grainge is CEO of the year. thoreau England (Big Loud), Joe Moi, cra cra Wiseman were awarded the platinum Decade.
Notably, singer Rose - a member of Kpop group Blackpink - was honored as the Global Hitmaker of the Year.
The above faces will join the list of artists who have been announced before, including the creator of the year Sabrina Carpenter, along with Tate McRae, Buddy Guy, Alex Warren, The Maria; EJAE, Audi Nuna and REI AMI (the voice of Hunti/x); Sounwave, Mustard and Jack Antonoff; Republic Records and Riot Games record label.
Variety's music editor, Jem Aswad, shared: "We are honored to honor artists and figures in the industry who have made the biggest impression in the past year.
Megan Moroney for her excellent album storytelling ability Am I Okay?; Rose with a recording album and Bruno Mars collaboration song APT.; BigX ThaPlug with a breakthrough combination of hip-hop and country music; and Role Model for achievements in both music and cinema - they are all major breakthrough artists of 2025.
Jem Aswad also sent his congratulations to Elliot Grainge - CEO of Atlantic Music Group - for his impressive achievements in his first year in office. This includes the success of hitmakers 2025 artists such as The Maria, Rose and Alex Warren.
The honorees will also appear on the website and accompanying magazine, looking back at a year of music and honoring musicians, producers, publishers, managers and leaders who have contributed to creating the 25 most listened songs of the year according to the Billboard and Luminate charts.
The Hitmakers honoring ceremony will end with an all-guest lunch party, taking place on December 6 in Los Angeles.
Previously, Rose and Bruno Mars received 3 nominations for the 2026 Grammy for the hit song APT. including: Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Duet/Group Performance.
Rose became the first K-pop solo artist and female K-pop artist to be nominated for Grammy. APT. is also the most nominated K-pop artist in Grammy history.
