10 acts you’ll be obsessed with next year
The soundtrack for the next 12 months will be cutting-edge pop paired with jangling guitar anthems. That’s according to BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 shortlist, which hints at new music for the year ahead.
American singer-songwriter is among the nominees gloomyIts gorgeous harmonies and longing pop-rock songs have already earned it a place among the UK’s top 10 singles.
The competition also includes Australian skate-rock duo Royal Otis and taut post-punk outfit geese. Up-and-coming pop singers are joining them Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman And Alessi Rose — who is supporting Dua Lipa on tour this summer.
Previous winners include Adele, Haim and Chappell Roan. The 2026 winner will be announced on Radio 1 and BBC News in January.
This year’s list was compiled from votes by an international panel of more than 170 industry experts and artists, including Sir Elton John, Dua Lipa, Jade, Olivia Dean, Yungblud and Sam Smith.
The competition is open to artists who do not yet have a number-one album or more than three top 10 singles by October 31, 2025. Artists who already have a “significant public profile” are also ineligible.
Trailblazing rap star among remaining 2026 nominees Jim Legxacyirish rockers Florence RoadR&B singer Known and singer-songwriter Sasha Keable – Former collaborator of Distained and Jorja Smith.
The list has been running since 2003, when US rapper 50 Cent became the first winner.
Since then, success has also been predicted for Stormzy, Frank Ocean, Wet Leg, Florence + The Machine, Raye, Fred Again, Vampire Weekend and Yungblud.
Here’s what you need to know about the 10 candidates on the Sound Of 2026 shortlist.
