Summary
The BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026 highlights new music acts predicted to gain popularity in the next year. This annual shortlist features 10 artists who have not yet reached significant commercial success but are expected to become well-known.
Key Facts
- The Sound of 2026 list predicts new music trends and highlights upcoming artists.
- Nominees include US singer-songwriter Sombr, skate-rock duo Royel Otis, and post-punk band Geese.
- Other artists on the list are pop singers Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman, and Alessi Rose.
- The winner will be announced in January 2026 on BBC Radio 1 and BBC News.
- The selection panel includes over 170 music experts and artists such as Elton John and Dua Lipa.
- Past winners include successful acts like Adele and Frank Ocean.
- The list excludes artists with a number one album or more than three top 10 singles by October 2025.
- The Sound of list started in 2003, with 50 Cent as the first winner.
