Out of these artists, one will be announced as the outright winner on Thursday January 1 live on Radio 1.
The list has been intricately compiled by a panel of more than 170 experts and artists including Sir Elton John and Olivia Dean.
To be considered, artists can’t have attained a Number 1 album or more than three Top 10 singles by 31 October 2025.
So, with that in mind, here are your BBC Sound of 2026 nominees.
The BBC Sound of 2026 nominees
Alessi Rose
Hailing from Littleover, a small village in Derby, Alessi Rose transformed her lyrical prowess and poetic nuances into musical creation.
Dubbed the ‘Derbyshire Olivia Rodrigo’, her EP Voyeur dropped in July and peaked at Number 42 on the UK Albums Chart, her first inclusion. She also recently supported Dua Lipa and Tate McRae on their 2025 expeditions.
Tapping into real life experiences with a baroque pop-chique, Alessi’s 2026 is one filled with optimism and excitement.
Chloe Qisha
Chloe is your 21st century pop girly. The 26-year-old released Modern Romance, her second EP after her self-titled debut, and the project is full of authentic and personal innuendos which draw back the metaphoric curtain, allowing the listener a clear insight into her life. Chloe feels in charge of her own story and momentum is right on her side.
Florence Road
Flo Ro are one of Ireland’s greatest exports. Named after the street where the group went to school in County Wicklow, they take on the persona’s of Wolf Alice, Billie Eilish and The Kinks to craft soft rock which you can envisage thousands of passionate fans screaming along too.
Geese
It has been some year for the Brooklyn based outfit. Geese have been a transformative global force that have refashioned how modern rock is perceived. Frontman Cameron Winter is at the epicentre of their charismatic sound, with October’s Getting Killed earning the band their first Top 40 appearance, peaking at Number 26.
Jim Legxacy
The new David Bowie has got the UK music scene bowing at his feet. Legxacy combines a surplus of different genres, from Soul to Afrobeats with his honest and vulnerable lyrics.
Real name James Olaloye, he doesn’t shy away from the truth. His sensitivity is exposed in tracks, detailing some of the emotionally deep periods that have immersed his life.
His debut LP release black british music (2025) cemented the 24-year-old as an innovative genius. And following the unveiling of quite possibly the greatest music video of the year for the single ’06 wayne rooney, we can be nothing but expectant for his next intriguing move.
KWN
One of East London’s finest, KWN (pronounced ‘K-One’) mimics shades of D’Angelo and Janet Jackson, but with a poignant British twist.
Her track Worst Behaviour with Kehlani exploded on social media in February and her reputation has continued to grow and grow.
Royel Otis
Australian duo Royel Otis are on a roll. After their first Glastonbury appearance this year, they just brought the house down with three sold out nights at Brixton Academy in London.
The album hickey released in September peaked at Number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and earned them serious acclaim.
Sasha Keable
Sasha is the definition of patience. Her solo work finally took off this year with her track Hold Up earning TikTok virality.
She has previously sung with Disclosure and performed with Katy B, but it’s taken almost a decade for her own work to be noticed. Now it’s happened, the world is her oyster and we can’t wait to see her next chapter.
Skye Newman
The soulful Skye has displayed an iconic energy that has fed into the nation’s hearts. Rising from South London, she isn’t afraid to detail occurrences that would normally stay within the group chat, evident on her latest EP, SE9 Part 1.
Earning praise from greats such as Ed Sheeran, her abundant and lavish melodies have already scored her three Top 40 singles.
sombr
sombr has found the golden touch. The New York sensation has made 2025 his own, with releases like back to friends, 12 to 12 and undressed breaking the UK Singles Chart Top 10.
The speed of his rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. He understands what the modern-day audience desire, and further allures them with his rock n’ roll demeanour. A heartthrob and superstar in one, his work simmers with quiet intensity and stays with you long after the final note has been ushered.
Own a piece of pop history!
Did you know you can now order a Number 1 award custom-made just for fans of any Number 1 single in chart history?
Smaller. Shinier. Gift boxed. Just pick your favourite ever Number 1 hit and add a personal message. *cry happy pop tears*
The perfect gift for pop fans – order by December 15 for pre-Christmas delivery.
Head over to the Official Charts shop to start customising yours now.
