As a metalhead, I tend to have very little hope that a band I like will have a No. 1 album of the year — though I always hold out hope for artists like Poppy, misguided as that might be.
But there’s always a chance your favorite releases a killer album and cleans up.
The prediction marketplace Kalshi, of course, has some thoughts on this, so here’s where we’re at.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is a powerhouse pop vocalist, songwriter, and actress who broke out with her role on Nickelodeon before skyrocketing to global fame with her debut album Yours Truly in 2013.
Known for her stunning four-octave range and signature high ponytail, she’s built a career blending R&B, pop, and trap influences. Beyond music, she’s acted on Broadway, starred in TV, and uses her platform to advocate for mental health and equality.
She is overwhelmingly favorited to have a No. 1 album of the year.
- Kalshi says: 98%
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan is a bold, rising pop artist known for her theatrical flair, powerhouse vocals, and unapologetically queer energy.
Hailing from Missouri, she got her start with emotional ballads but really hit her stride blending glittery synth-pop with raw, confessional lyrics. Her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess turned heads with its vibrant storytelling and campy edge. Roan’s music is big, brave, and refreshingly honest.
- Kalshi says: 63%
A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is a Harlem-born rapper, style icon, and all-around trendsetter who broke into the spotlight with his 2011 mixtape Live. Love. A$AP.
Known for his smooth flow, genre-blending beats, and high fashion sensibility, Rocky helped define a new wave of hip-hop that fused Southern influence with East Coast swagger. As a member of the A$AP Mob, he’s pushed creative boundaries in music, fashion, and film—all while keeping it effortlessly cool.
- Kalshi says: 41%
J. Cole
J. Cole is a rapper, producer, and storyteller who built his legacy on honesty, introspection, and lyrical precision.
Raised in North Carolina, he first made waves with mixtapes that showcased his sharp mind and soulful beats, eventually becoming the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Known for albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive and The Off-Season, Cole’s music explores everything from fame to social justice with heart and depth.
- Kalshi says: 39%
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo is a singer-songwriter and actress who skyrocketed to fame with her emotionally raw debut single, drivers license, in 2021.
Originally known for her roles on Disney Channel, she quickly proved she had serious songwriting chops, blending pop, rock, and heartbreak into chart-topping hits. Her debut album, SOUR, and its follow-up, GUTS, solidified her status as a voice of her generation
- Kalshi says: 38%
Post Malone
Post Malone, born Austin Richard Post, is a genre-blending artist known for mixing hip-hop, rock, and pop with a laid-back, emotional style.
He broke out in 2015 with the viral hit White Iverson, and since then, he’s racked up hits like Rockstar, Circles, and Sunflower. With his tattooed face, signature croon, and ability to turn vulnerability into anthems, Post has carved out a unique space in modern music.
- Kalshi says: 35%
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, is a powerhouse rapper from Houston who rose to fame with her sharp lyricism, confidence, and unapologetic swagger.
She broke through with hits like Hot Girl Summer, Savage, and Body, becoming a defining voice in hip-hop and pop culture. Megan’s style is bold, fierce, and empowering, often championing female independence and strength.
- Kalshi says: 27%
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is a genre-defying singer and songwriter who became a global sensation as a teenager.
Known for her haunting vocals, moody production, and bold aesthetic, Billie broke out with Ocean Eyes and skyrocketed with her debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. She’s since collected multiple Grammys and reshaped pop music with her honesty, vulnerability, and originality.
- Kalshi says: 26%
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and genre-blending sound.
Emerging from the Odd Future collective, he broke out with Channel Orange in 2012, earning widespread praise and Grammy recognition. His follow-up, Blonde, solidified his status as a visionary artist unafraid to experiment. Private and deeply introspective, Frank’s work often explores identity, love, and loss.
- Kalshi says: 20%
Ice Spice
Ice Spice is a Bronx-born rapper who quickly rose to fame with her signature laid-back delivery and catchy, no-nonsense bars.
She broke through in 2022 with the viral hit Munch (Feelin’ U) and carved out a space for herself in the drill scene with her confident style and internet-savvy persona. With fiery red curls and a cool, self-assured presence, Ice Spice has become both a fashion icon and a chart-climber, collaborating with major artists while staying true to her NYC roots.
- Kalshi says: 14%
