BBC Radio 1 has revealed its highly-anticipated Sound of 2026 longlist, highlighting ten exciting new artists tipped for success in 2026. The annual list, chosen by over 170 industry experts and artists including Elton John, Dua Lipa, JADE, Olivia Dean, YUNGBLUD and Sam Smith, has become a trusted marker of future success.
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, with the winner revealed on Friday 9 January 2026 on Radio 1. Jack Saunders commented: “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 added: “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.”
