Destin Conrad Accepts 2026 R&B Rising Star Award at Billboard Power Players

Destin Conrad is officially having his moment, taking home the coveted R&B Rising Star honor at the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The genre-bending singer accepted the trophy alongside fellow honorees Samara Cyn, who scooped up the Hip-Hop Rising Star award, and Skippa, who snagged the Caribbean Rising Star title. The Florida-born performer used his acceptance speech to reflect on his creative roots. Even though he frequently pivots into new sonic territories, he made it clear that R&B will always be his ultimate foundation. Accepting the plaque, Conrad expressed deep gratitude to the publication, noting that while he loves experimenting with different soundscapes, R&B remains the anchor he continually returns to.

Conrad’s latest milestone caps off an unbelievably busy year of genre-hopping releases. Back in April, the prolific creator dropped a full-length jazz record titled *wHIMSY!*. Just a few months later in August, he pivoted once again to release his reggae-infused LP, *ROADRUNNER*. His ability to fluidly jump between distinct musical styles has made him one of the most compelling young forces in modern music. His recent sonic experiments follow the massive critical success of his 2025 R&B project, *LOVE ON DIGITAL*. That critically lauded effort earned him a Grammy nomination and solidified his reputation as a master craftsman of modern R&B melodies.

Conrad’s rapid ascension was supported early on by R&B powerhouse Kehlani, who picked up the R&B Artist of the Year award at the same ceremony. Kehlani championed Conrad's talent early in his journey and introduced him to key industry player David Ali. Ali, who was named Billboard’s Executive of the Year, went on to manage Conrad's booming career. With industry heavyweights backing him and a relentlessly versatile catalog under his belt, Conrad's award win proves that staying true to your core sound pays off—even when you spend your time rewriting the genre playbook.