BBC Radio 1 has announced the longlist for its prestigious Sound Of 2026 poll, featuring 10 artists poised to make a significant impact on the music scene. This annual list aims to identify future stars, with the winner set to be revealed on January 9, 2026, following daily announcements of the top five throughout the week of January 5.
A panel of over 170 industry experts and artists, including global figures like Elton John and Dua Lipa, carefully selected this year's candidates. The diverse group of longlisted artists spans various genres, from indie rock to alt-R&B, highlighting the evolving sound of contemporary music.
Key Takeaways
- BBC Radio 1's Sound Of 2026 longlist features 10 promising artists.
- An extensive panel of 170+ industry experts, including Elton John and Dua Lipa, made the selections.
- The winner will be announced on January 9, 2026, with the top five revealed earlier in the week.
- Rule changes for eligibility aim to ensure genuinely rising artists are recognized.
The 2026 Longlist Features Diverse Talent
The 10 artists who have made the coveted Sound Of 2026 longlist represent a wide array of musical styles and backgrounds. This year's selection includes names that have already begun to gather critical attention and a growing fanbase.
The artists are: Alessi Rose, Chloe Qisha, Florence Road, Geese, Jim Legxacy, Kwn, Royel Otis, Sasha Keable, Skye Newman, and Sombr. Each artist brings a unique sound, from Brooklyn art rock to neo-soul and alt-R&B, showcasing the rich tapestry of emerging talent.
Sound Of 2026 Longlist
- Alessi Rose
- Chloe Qisha
- Florence Road
- Geese
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Royel Otis
- Sasha Keable
- Skye Newman
- Sombr
Many of these artists have already received recognition from music publications. For instance, Brooklyn art rock band Geese and breakout pop singer Alessi Rose have been featured on prominent covers. Irish indie rockers Florence Road and London neo-soul star Skye Newman have also been the subject of recent interviews, indicating their rising profiles.
South London rapper and producer Jim Legxacy, New York singer-songwriter Sombr, and South London R&B singer Sasha Keable have also seen their recent releases reviewed positively. Several artists on the list, including Jim Legxacy, Florence Road, Geese, Kwn, and Sombr, had songs featured in lists of the best tracks of 2025, further cementing their critical acclaim.
Industry Experts Weigh In on Future Stars
The selection process for the Sound Of list is rigorous, involving a large panel of music industry professionals and established artists. This year, over 170 individuals contributed their insights, helping to identify the most promising acts.
Among the notable figures on the panel were global superstars Elton John and Dua Lipa, alongside artists like Jade, Olivia Dean, Yungblud, and former Sound Of winner Sam Smith. Their collective experience and diverse perspectives ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the talent.
"Radio 1’s Sound Of list showcases 10 of the most exciting names to watch out for over the next 12 months," stated Radio 1's Jack Saunders. "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."
This sentiment was echoed by fellow DJ Sian Eleri, who highlighted the list's role as a guide for future trends. "Radio 1’s Sound Of list is always a compass for what’s next, and 2026 is heading somewhere special," Eleri commented, praising the genre-blurring artistry of acts like Jim Legxacy and the live scene presence of Florence Road.
Evolution of Eligibility Rules
The Sound Of list, which began in 2003, has a strong track record of identifying future music icons. Past winners include global artists such as Adele, 50 Cent, Ellie Goulding, and HAIM. Other major stars like Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, and Stormzy have also made past shortlists.
A History of Spotting Talent
Since its inception in 2003, the BBC Radio 1 Sound Of poll has consistently identified artists on the cusp of major success. Its ability to predict future trends and breakthrough acts has made it a highly anticipated annual event in the music industry. The list serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent.
In recent years, the eligibility rules for the Sound Of list have undergone adjustments to ensure the poll genuinely highlights rising artists. Last year saw a revision to the criteria, which previously excluded artists who had been the lead on a UK Number One or Number Two album.
The new rules allowed artists to be considered if they had no more than two Top 10 albums. However, the victory of Chappell Roan last year sparked some discussion, with some fans suggesting she was already too established to be considered a "rising" act by early 2025.
As a direct result of this feedback, the rules have been tweaked once again for the 2026 poll. The revised criteria now specify that artists should not have had a significant public profile in the past two years to be eligible for the award. Judges were provided with clear guidelines.
Artists cannot have had more than three Top 10 singles in the Official UK Singles Chart by October 6 of the current year. Additionally, they cannot have been a lead artist on a Number One album in the UK charts before the same date. These stricter guidelines aim to refocus the award on genuinely emerging talent.
What's Next for the Longlisted Artists?
The announcement of the longlist marks the beginning of an exciting period for these 10 artists. The exposure from the BBC Radio 1 Sound Of 2026 list often leads to increased media attention, new fan engagement, and potential career breakthroughs.
The top five artists will be revealed daily on Radio 1 during the week commencing Monday, January 5, 2026. The ultimate winner will be crowned on Friday, January 9, generating significant anticipation across the music industry and among listeners eager to discover the next big thing.
This year's longlist highlights the vibrant and diverse nature of contemporary music. It provides a snapshot of the innovative sounds and compelling narratives that are shaping the future of the global music landscape. Listeners can expect to hear much more from these artists in the coming months.