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The nominees for 2026 are Alessi Rose, Chloe Qisha, Florence Road, Geese, Jim Legxacy, kwn, Royel Otis, Sasha Keable, Skye Newman, and sombr. The listed artists were selected by a panel of over 170 industry experts, including Elton John, Dua Lipa, JADE, Olivia Dean, YUNGBLUD, and Sam Smith.
Among a lineup that included Ezra Collective, Doechii, mk.gee, and English Teacher, Chappell Roan won Sound of 2025 last year, joining the ranks of predicted global stars. Next year will mark the twenty-third edition of Radio 1's Sound Of, with the countdown of the Top 5 beginning on Monday, 5 January 2026, and the winner announced on Friday, 9 January 2026.
Providing insight into the continued purpose of maintaining the annual list, BBC Radio 1 DJs and presenters Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri share, respectively:
“Radio 1’s Sound Of list showcases ten of the most exciting names to watch out for over the next twelve 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.”
“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."
English (US) · 