Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among Junior High School Students [2026]

The MottoTiësto & Ava Max71rank/position

Tiësto & Ava Max – The Motto (Official Music Video)

Ava Max is one of the most prominent female singers in the electro-pop scene.

If you’re a middle schooler who listens to dance music, you probably know her.

This track, The Motto, is a collaboration with world-renowned music producer Tiësto.

While many of her songs are high-energy and upbeat dance tunes, this one has a darker, more cynical vibe.

Highly recommended if you like cool, catchy melodies.

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Ryo

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Favorite SongToosii72rank/position

Toosii – Favorite Song (Official Video)

Toosii is an American rapper who is also active as a singer.

His signature track “Favorite Song” went viral on TikTok and gained worldwide recognition.

Many middle schoolers may be familiar with this track, too.

The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which emphasize the message that it’s okay to be yourself with the person you like.

For sensitive student couples, there’s a lot they can relate to.

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Ryo

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PILLOWTALKZAYN73rank/position

ZAYN – PILLOWTALK (Official Video)

This is ZAYN’s first single after leaving One Direction.

As the title suggests, it has a sensual finish, and the lyrics and arrangement, which pull you deep into its world, are addictive.

Since then, Zayn seems to have been busy, even collaborating with his former bandmate Harry’s ex-girlfriend, but imagining that relationship dynamic is enough to make you feel depressed.

Kill This LoveBLACKPINK74rank/position

BLACKPINK – ‘Kill This Love’ M/V

BLACKPINK has become popular worldwide as an idol group originating from K-pop.

“Kill This Love” is one of their signature songs.

Many middle and high school students who like K-pop may be familiar with it.

With its cool, dark-themed dance music style, it’s recommended as background music for dance performances or as an entrance song.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)Beyoncé75rank/position

Beyoncé – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Video Version)

It starts off right away with the chorus, making it a perfect song for the morning.

It’s an alarm song that people of all ages, from children to adults, can relate to.

This Is What You Came For ft. RihannaCalvin Harris76rank/position

Calvin Harris, Rihanna – This Is What You Came For (Official Video)

This is their first song together since “We Found Love,” a massive hit by the hugely popular electronic DJ Calvin Harris and the incomparable songstress Rihanna—and this one was a big hit too.

By the way, rumor has it the song was written by Calvin Harris’s ex, Taylor Swift… or maybe not.

It’s a track with a little bit of lore behind it.

Rockabye ft. Sean Paul & Anne-MarieClean Bandit77rank/position

Clean Bandit – Rockabye (feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie) [Official Video]

Clean Bandit, renowned for their dance music that fuses electronic and classical elements.

“Rockabye” is a hit song that topped the charts in many countries through a collaboration between Clean Bandit, singer-songwriter Anne-Marie—known for her versatile vocal timbre and compelling balance of power—and rapper Sean Paul.

It’s a wonderful track that empathizes with the efforts and challenges of a single mother striving for her child.

Since it focuses on a parent and child, it could be great for use in a parent-child duo performance, like a three-legged race!