MEET YOUR 2026 HARD ROCK RISING WINNER
The votes are in, and the spotlight is on Kathleen!
After a global search for emerging talent, one artist rose above the rest.
This competition is all about discovering the next generation of music icons, and Kathleen is ready for what’s next.
Get to know the artist behind the music, explore her story, and listen to her latest tracks.
ABOUT KATHLEEN ELLE
Kathleen Elle is a New Jersey singer-songwriter blending pop, rock, folk, and soul with powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Her music has earned millions of streams, and her latest album, Memory Lane, was recorded at Nashville's legendary Blackbird Studio. A dynamic live performer and accomplished looper, Kathleen creates captivating performances that have built a dedicated audience both online and onstage.
Listen On Spotify
Congratulations to Our Local Cafe Winners!
After weeks of incredible performances at Hard Rock Cafes around the world, these Local Cafe Winners earned their place among this year’s finalists. Each one brought something special to the stage and represented their city with pride. Meet the finalists by region below and discover your next favorite artist.
Africa
- Cape TownHIRA (Saahira Singh)
- JohannesburgIndie Dog
Asia
- BaliWET Project
- Hua HinThe Answer
- Osaka Universal丸竹夷 MARU TAKE EBISU (MTE)
- PattayaHanukkah
- UlaanbaatarBlindfold
Caribbean
- Puerto PlataAllíson Sade & The Day Dreamers
Europe
- AmsterdamRitchie Lahnstein
- AthensKida Ley
- BarcelonaDaina
- BerlinVont
- BucharestMOON BAND & ANDI
- CologneIsabella Pötzl
- CopenhagenMesarite
- DublinNadia Desree
- EdinburghAmy Baillie
- FlorenceGiorni Appesi
- LisbonTeresa
- LondonDisco Lizards
- MunichLizzy Saunders
- PortoMeraki
- PragueAdventures
- RomeLeviosa
- StockholmVon Azul
- ValenciaMOSCOW
- VeniceSUNF
- ViennaVenice Blue
North America
- AtlantaIntension
- Atlantic CityKathleen Elle
- BaltimoreAriella Joy & the Silver Lining
- BiloxiSaint Social
- Hollywood, FLJay Valor
- HonoluluRootz of Kreation
- Las VegasSubsanity
- Los Angeles / Hollywood BlvdTemple Monarc
- Mexico City WTCCarringtones
- Myrtle BeachPeyton Benton Music
- NashvilleEmerge / Jared Jones
- New OrleansWhitney Mixon
- New York CityBrand of Julez
- San AntonioLovingmerex
- TampaThe Bearded Brothers Band
- Washington, DCTito Starr
South & Central America
- Cartagena77
- Ciudad del EsteLejos De Casa
- Mar del PlataSOY SOFIA
- Puerto MaderoSANTIAGO SAEZ
- SantiagoMy Holiday
REP THE HARD ROCK RISING COMPETITION
LIMITED-EDITION MERCHANDISE
Exclusive apparel, pins, and collectibles inspired by this year's competition.
Where Future Icons Take the Stage
For decades, Hard Rock has been the home of live music. From intimate stages to global arenas, we've helped launch and celebrate artists across generations. Hard Rock Rising continues that legacy, giving new talent the platform they deserve.
THE STAGE IS KATHLEEN'S. WHO WILL RISE NEXT?
Be First in Line
Don't Miss the Next Hard Rock Rising
Kathleen Elle went from a local Cafe stage to global winner, and the search for the next breakout artist is already on the horizon. Sign up now and be the first to know when the next competition kicks off.
For Artists
- Get notified the moment submissions open
- Receive key dates, eligibility details, and deadlines
- Find out what's on the line, from prizes to performance opportunities
For Fans
- Learn when competition nights come to your local Cafe
- Get voting reminders so your favorite act can advance
- Hear about exclusive merch and limited-time menu items
Whether you're ready to take the stage or cheer from the crowd, your spot starts here.
