Sound of 2026: 10 performers you'll be captivated by in the upcoming year

The upcoming year in music is set to blend innovative pop with jangly guitar-driven anthems, according to BBC Radio 1s Sound of 2026 shortlist, which highlights emerging artists poised for success.

Among the nominees is American singer-songwriter Sombr, recognized for his rich harmonies and emotive pop-rock tracks, already achieving multiple UK top 10 hits. Australian skate-rock duo Royel Otis and edgy post-punk group Geese are also contenders. Rising pop talents Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman, and Alessi Rosewho toured with Dua Lipa this summercomplete the list.

Past winners include stars like Adele, Haim, and Chappell Roan. The 2026 winner will be announced in January on Radio 1 and BBC News. Selection was based on votes from over 170 international music experts and artists, including Elton John, Dua Lipa, Jade, Olivia Dean, Yungblud, and Sam Smith. Eligible artists must not have a number-one album or more than three top 10 singles as of 31 October 2025, and those with already significant public profiles are excluded.

Other nominees include breakout rapper Jim Legxacy, Irish rockers Florence Road, R&B singer KWN, and singer-songwriter Sasha Keable, known for collaborations with Disclosure and Jorja Smith. Since its inception in 2003 with 50 Cent, the Sound of list has predicted success for artists like Stormzy, Frank Ocean, Wet Leg, Florence + The Machine, Raye, Fred Again, Vampire Weekend, and Yungblud.

Spotlight on the Nominees

Alessi Rose from Derby taught herself music production while working as a barmaid to save for university. A poetry student, she channels her lyrical talent into universal anthems about love, heartbreak, and revenge. Collaborating with writers like Amy Allen and Sam de Jong, her pop songs have earned comparisons to Olivia Rodrigo. In the past year, she has progressed from small shows to supporting Dua Lipa and Tate McRae, selling out Londons Kentish Town Forum.

Chloe Qisha, born in Malaysia and based in London, initially studied psychology before committing to music. Her pop career began with YouTube covers, leading to collaborations with producer Rob Milton. Tracks like 21st Century Cool Girl and Sex, Drugs & Existential Dread showcase her blend of catchy pop, inventive production, and sharp lyrics.

Florence Road are four friends from Bray, IrelandLily Aron, Emma Brandon, Ailbhe Barry, and Hannah Kelly. Formed in 2019, the band moved from rehearsing in a shed to performing at Dublins Olympia Arena. Their grungy, festival-ready rock is influenced by Wolf Alice, Paramore, and Billie Eilish, with standout tracks including Heavy and Goodnight.

Geese, a five-piece from New York, have released three albums since 2021, including Getting Killed. Their music, inspired by Television, Talking Heads, and Modest Mouse, combines inventive instrumentation with incisive lyrics on social issues, earning comparisons to David Bowie.

Jim Legxacy (James Olaloye) is a UK artist merging rap, soul, folk, and Afrobeat. As a producer, he has achieved a UK number-one with work for Dave and Central Cee. His lyrics confront vulnerability, personal loss, and social realities.

KWN (Khyra Leah Wilson) from East London delivers sensual R&B influenced by Janet Jackson and DAngelo. She gained viral attention with her duet Worst Behaviour featuring Kehlani, amassing over 50 million streams.

Royel Otis are Sydney-based Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, combining sunny melodies with guitar riffs. After viral success and two ARIA Awards for their debut album Pratts & Pain, their follow-up Hickey features reflective songs about farewells. They recently sold out three nights at Londons Brixton Academy.

Sasha Keable, Colombian-British R&B singer, built her career through years of collaboration before gaining attention on TikTok with Hold Up. Her recent releases, including the EP Act Right, highlight personal storytelling and have earned admiration from Beyonc.

Skye Newman has already scored three UK hits with candid lyrics and compelling melodies. Her songs explore personal trauma and societal issues, drawing praise from Ed Sheeran and Elton John.

Sombr, from New York, blends indie sensibilities with pop harmonies. He rose to prominence via TikTok, achieving mainstream success in 2025 with singles like Back To Friends and Undressed. His debut album I Barely Know Her reached number 10 in the UK charts.

Author: Sophia Brooks