Wisconsin’s Most-Streamed Artists of 2024–2025: What the Badger State Is Listening To
Whether it’s a crisp morning on Lake Michigan, a road trip through Door County, or a late-night bonfire in a small town, music is the invisible thread that ties Wisconsinites together. Known for its deep-rooted Midwestern values, natural beauty, and passionate sports culture, Wisconsin also boasts a quietly eclectic and thoughtful music scene. And in 2024–2025, the state's streaming habits tell a compelling story about what its residents are feeling, thinking, and connecting with most.
According to YouTube Music data from April 7, 2024, to April 7, 2025, the five most-streamed artists in Wisconsin reflect a blend of introspection, authenticity, emotional depth, and genre diversity. From pop icons to introspective rappers and modern country storytellers, the artists dominating the state’s playlists each strike a unique emotional chord. If you want to learn more about music, check out our music lessons in Boulder.
Let’s dive into Wisconsin’s top five most-streamed artists of the year and uncover what their popularity says about the state’s evolving musical identity.
- Taylor Swift – 22.9 Million Views
At the top of the list with 22.9 million views, Taylor Swift continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon—and her connection to Wisconsin is as strong as ever. In a state where emotions run deep and storytelling matters, Swift’s lyrical style and personal evolution resonate across demographics.
Throughout 2024–2025, Swift maintained massive global relevance with her Eras Tour and the re-release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). In Wisconsin, her music is not just entertainment—it’s a reflection of life’s emotional chapters, from teenage heartbreak to adult self-empowerment.
Whether you’re walking through the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, enjoying a solo hike in the Driftless Area, or sipping coffee in a Milwaukee café, songs like “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” “Cruel Summer,” “August,” and “Lover” are part of the daily soundtrack for many.
Why Taylor Swift Tops the Charts in Wisconsin:
- Lyrics that reflect love, loss, identity, and growth
- Wide appeal across age groups, genders, and communities
- A strong narrative voice that resonates with Midwestern sensibilities
For Wisconsin listeners, Taylor Swift is more than a pop star—she’s a mirror to their own coming-of-age stories.
- Eminem – 22.5 Million Views
Just behind Swift is Eminem, with 22.5 million views, proving that raw emotion, lyrical genius, and unfiltered storytelling never go out of style—especially in Wisconsin.
The Detroit rapper has long been embraced by Midwestern states, and his continued relevance here shows that his music speaks to struggle, resilience, and personal reinvention. From iconic tracks like “Lose Yourself” and “Mockingbird” to newer releases that reflect his growth, Eminem’s catalog offers a sense of familiarity and fire.
In Wisconsin, Eminem resonates with people who value grit over glamor, from working-class towns to urban centers like Milwaukee and Madison. His ability to tell hard truths—about trauma, addiction, and redemption—makes him a consistent favorite among listeners looking for music with real emotional weight.
Why Wisconsin Still Streams Eminem:
- Deep, personal lyrics that reflect real-life challenges
- Nostalgic appeal paired with continued relevance
- An underdog story that resonates with Midwest values
Eminem is the voice of vulnerability with a bite—and in Wisconsin, that balance hits home.
- Kendrick Lamar – 21.7 Million Views
With 21.7 million views, Kendrick Lamar takes the third spot and continues to earn his place as one of Wisconsin’s most admired artists. Known for his complex lyricism, cultural commentary, and emotional insight, Kendrick speaks to a thoughtful and diverse listener base across the state.
His 2024 single “Not Like Us” generated massive buzz, but it was his full body of work—albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., good kid, m.A.A.d city, and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers—that truly kept Wisconsin’s ears and minds engaged.
In cities like Madison and Green Bay, where education, activism, and reflection are part of the cultural fabric, Kendrick’s socially conscious themes and genre-bending sound offer more than entertainment—they offer enlightenment.
Why Kendrick Lamar Stands Out in Wisconsin:
- Lyrics that address identity, inequality, trauma, and healing
- A discography that rewards reflection and repeat listening
- Musical innovation paired with poetic storytelling
In Wisconsin, Kendrick Lamar is both an artist and an educator—one track at a time.
- Morgan Wallen – 18.8 Million Views
Tied for fourth with 18.8 million views, Morgan Wallen represents the strong and steady rise of modern country music in Wisconsin. With rural landscapes, farming communities, and small-town traditions across the state, Wallen’s blend of twangy vocals and pop-country hooks feels right at home.
Songs from his wildly successful One Thing at a Time album—like “Last Night,” “98 Braves,” “You Proof,” and “Everything I Love”—continued to dominate throughout 2024 and 2025. Whether played over speakers at a summer lake house or on a tailgate in the Northwoods, Wallen’s music has become a staple in Wisconsin’s country lifestyle.
His appeal also extends into urban areas, where his emotional accessibility and laid-back confidence cross musical boundaries and offer a modern voice for love, heartbreak, and resilience.
Why Morgan Wallen Is So Popular in Wisconsin:
- Reflects Midwest and Southern values with a modern twist
- Songs that blend romantic reflection with party anthems
- Country storytelling that feels genuine and grounded
Morgan Wallen’s music feels like a Friday night in Wisconsin—familiar, fun, and full of feeling.
- Future – 18.8 Million Views
Also with 18.8 million views, Future rounds out Wisconsin’s top five—bringing his signature trap beats, emotional duality, and lyrical honesty to a state that appreciates both style and substance.
While Future might seem like an unexpected inclusion in Wisconsin’s top artists, his staying power is undeniable. His songs often delve into themes of fame, vulnerability, relationships, addiction, and mental health—topics that quietly echo through the lives of many Wisconsinites dealing with modern pressures behind a calm exterior.
From Milwaukee’s hip-hop scene to the playlists of college students in Eau Claire and La Crosse, Future’s tracks like “Mask Off,” “WAIT FOR U,” “Life Is Good,” and “Codeine Crazy” continue to connect with fans seeking music that’s as emotionally layered as it is rhythmically addictive.
Why Future Found His Lane in Wisconsin:
- A sound that merges emotional truth with musical confidence
- Lyrics that reflect modern internal struggles
- A cool, detached vibe that contrasts beautifully with deeper messages
In Wisconsin, Future is the soundtrack for late nights, quiet thoughts, and personal transitions.
What Wisconsin’s Top Artists Say About the State’s Music Culture
Wisconsin’s most-streamed artists in 2024–2025 reveal a music culture that is introspective, emotional, and richly layered. These aren’t just hitmakers—they’re truth-tellers, poets, and relatable voices for a population that values depth, honesty, and connection.
- Lyrics Matter More Than Ever 💬
From Kendrick Lamar’s social critiques to Taylor Swift’s journal-like storytelling and Eminem’s hard-won reflections, Wisconsinites are tuning into artists who say something real.
- Genre Boundaries Are Blurred 🎶
The top five spans pop, rap, country, and trap. In Wisconsin, it’s not about style—it’s about substance. If it hits emotionally, it gets streamed.
- Emotional Resonance Wins 🧠
All five artists share a common thread: they create music that feels honest, whether it’s about falling in love, falling apart, or getting back up again.
- Big Names, Local Feel 📍
Despite being global superstars, these artists connect on a personal level—making listeners feel seen, even in the quiet corners of the Midwest.
Methodology
This article is based on YouTube Music’s regional streaming analytics, which track total video views by user location. The rankings reflect the top five most-streamed artists in Wisconsin between April 7, 2024, and April 7, 2025, based on verified listener data within the state.
This gives a true snapshot of what real people in Wisconsin are streaming, offering insights beyond editorial curation or radio airplay.
Final Thoughts: Wisconsin’s 2024–2025 Musical Identity
Whether you're navigating downtown Madison with earbuds in, catching sunset views in the Driftless Area, or bundled up on a winter night in Green Bay, Wisconsin’s top artists of the year reflect music that resonates on a deeper level.
With Taylor Swift’s storytelling, Eminem’s raw edge, Kendrick’s poetry, Wallen’s country charm, and Future’s emotional intensity, 2024–2025 has been a year of real voices, powerful feelings, and meaningful connections.
In the Badger State, music isn’t just background noise—it’s a reflection of who people are, what they’ve been through, and where they’re going.
WRITTEN BY
Gloria Conroy
Copyright © 2025