BBC Radio 1 unveils its Sound of 2026 longlist
BBC Radio 1 has today revealed its highly-anticipated Sound of 2026 longlist, highlighting ten exciting new artists tipped for success next year.
The annual list has become a trusted marker of future success, being chosen by some of the most influential people at the heart of their respective musical genres. This year’s selected panel included over 170 industry experts and artists including Elton John, Dua Lipa, JADE, Olivia Dean, YUNGBLUD and Sam Smith.
Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 longlist (in alphabetical order):
- Alessi Rose
- Chloe Qisha
- Florence Road
- Geese
- Jim Legxacy
- kwn
- Royel Otis
- Sasha Keable
- Skye Newman
- sombr
Last year, Chappell Roan was crowned the Sound of 2025 winner, emerging from a longlist that featured Barry Can’t Swim, Confidence Man, Doechii, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Good Neighbours, KNEECAP, mk.gee, Myles Smith and Pozer. Previous Sound of artists include Stormzy, Adele, Lady Gaga, RAYE, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.
The countdown of the Top 5 will kick off across Radio 1 on Monday 5 January 2026. The winner will be revealed on Friday 9 January 2026 on Radio 1.
Jack Saunders says: “Radio 1’s Sound Of list showcases 10 of the most exciting names to watch out for over the next 12 months. In a time when artists feel like they are disposable to the algorithm, a list like Sound of continues to champion the stars of the future and put its weight behind them.”
Sian Eleri says: “Radio 1’s Sound Of list is always a compass for what’s next, and 2026 is heading somewhere special. From the genre-blurring brilliance of Jim Legxacy, to Skye Newman and sombr lighting up the UK charts; Florence Road tearing up the live scene alongside Wolf Alice and Olivia Rodrigo; and kwn flipping the script on R&B – it’s a joy to follow their journeys on the radio and see them soar like this. The future has arrived.”
Further details of the pundits and how the list was compiled are available on BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 website.
FM2
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