BBC Radio 1 Sound Of 2026 winner revealed: Who is tipped for a huge year?
Image credits: BBC
BBC Radio 1 has officially crowned Skye Newman as its Sound Of 2026 winner, making her one to watch this year.
Every year, BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of award acts as an early indicator of which artist is about to break through in a major way. Since launching in 2003, the achievement is typically a reliable prediction of who will dominate charts, festivals, and pick up some awards in the upcoming years.
The Sound Of award is voted by a panel of more than 170 industry experts and artists. This year’s panel included names such as Elton John, Dua Lipa, JADE, Olivia Dean, YUNGBLUD, and Sam Smith. One winner is then chosen from a shortlist of ten emerging artists.
Skye Newman takes the top spot
BBC Radio’s 1 Sound Of 2026 winner is Skye Newman. The south-east London born singer topped a strong final five:
- Skye Newman
- Jim Legxacy
- sombr
- Geese
- Royel Otis
A breakout year already behind her
The award rounds off an impressive 2025 for Newman. Her debut single, ‘Hairdresser’ broke into the UK Top 20, and was followed by another Top 20 hit with ‘Family Matters’. That back-to-back achievement made her the first female artist since Ella Henderion to land two UK Top 20 singles with her first two releases.
Radio 1 support has played a key role in her rise too. Newman has appeared on the station’s New Music Show and Future Artists, made her Live Lounge debut in October, and received backing from Radio 1’s presenters Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri.
Not to mention, she performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, and supported both Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi on tour.
“I’m still in shock that I’ve won Radio 1’s Sound of 2026! So many artists that I’ve listened to over the years have been honoured with the award and now me! To think that Sound Of started the year I was born, 2003 and now I’m a winner! I’m so grateful and wouldn’t be where I am without my people and the BBC supporting me on my journey. Thank you!”
Skye Newman via BBC
Previous winners: A sign of things to come?
Skye Newman now joins a list of Sound Of winners that feels like long-term success is already written in the stars. Previous winners include 50 Cent, Adele, HAIM, Sam Smith, PinkPantheress, The Last Dinner Party, and most recently Chappell Roan who went on to enjoy a defining year in 2025.
“It just feels surreal to know so many people have won this award who I’ve listened to my whole life. They’re in the place that I want to be. So this is just a step further.”
Skye Newman via BBC
What could 2026 look like for Skye Newman?
With the Sound Of award secured, 2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year. Newman has a sold out UK tour scheduled for April, alongside her first-ever US dates. A new EP is also expected around the same time, which could further propel her trajectory. Without a doubt, Skye Newman’s win is a clear sign of her potential to become one of the UK’s most promising new voices.
You can check out more of Skye Newman and her Radio 1 Sound Of 2026 performance here.