Skye Newman Named BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2026 Winner
The Family Matters singer has been chosen by a panel of experts as BBC Radio 1’s latest one to watch throughout 2026.
After a year of major chart success for British artists at home and abroad, attention is now turning to the next generation of UK talent, particularly among rising female pop voices.
BBC Radio 1 has announced Skye Newman as the winner of its Sound of 2026 poll, one of the broadcaster’s most influential platforms for emerging artists. The accolade has become a bellwether for future mainstream success in the music industry.
Newman, signed to Sony Music and Columbia Records, topped the list following a week-long countdown of the top five acts, selected by a panel of industry experts and established musicians. This year’s judges included Elton John, Dua Lipa, Jade, Olivia Dean, Yungblud and Sam Smith.
The result is seen as a notable achievement, with the Radio 1 Sound Of list open to both UK and international acts. Last year’s winner was US singer Chappell Roan.
A strong year for UK female pop stars
The announcement comes at a time when British female artists have continued to make significant waves in popular music. Over the past year UK talent such as Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Raye and Charli XCX have all enjoyed chart success both domestically and internationally.
Olivia Dean received widespread acclaim and radio play for her soulful pop songwriting, while Raye’s ascent from behind-the-scenes songwriter to chart-topping solo artist has been one of the storylines of recent years. Topping the charts, Charli XCX has maintained her status as one of the most innovative figures in the UK scene.
Industry commentators have noted that the diversity of female voices breaking through reflects a broader shift in the British pop landscape, with artists embracing a range of styles from traditional singer-songwriter material through to forward-thinking pop experimentation.
Dipesh Parmar, president of Columbia Records UK, said the Sound of 2026 award marked a major milestone for Newman after what he described as a “groundbreaking year”.
“We’re incredibly proud of Skye and everything she’s accomplished to date,” he said. “Winning BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 reflects her talent, vision and hard work. British music is once again asserting itself as a global powerhouse, and Skye is perfectly placed to lead this new wave.”
This year’s top five also included US acts Sombr and Geese, Australian pop duo Royel Otis, and UK artist Jim Legxacy. The wider longlist featured British and UK-based performers Alessi Rose, Chloe Qisha, Kwn and Sasha Keable, alongside Irish band Florence Road.
Launched in 2003, the Sound Of poll has a strong track record of highlighting future stars. Previous winners include 50 Cent, Adele and Haim, while past nominees have featured Stormzy, Lady Gaga, Raye, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.
The success of female winners and nominees in recent years has been particularly notable. Adele’s early recognition in the mid-2000s helped herald her global superstardom, and more recently artists like Dua Lipa have gone on to dominate international charts while pushing creative boundaries.
Reacting to the announcement, Newman said she was “still in shock” at being named this year’s winner.
“So many artists that I’ve listened to over the years have been honoured with the award and now me,” she said. “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.”
The UK singer-songwriter has received regular backing from Radio 1 presenters Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri, appearing on the station’s New Music Show and Future Artists strand. She also made her Radio 1 Live Lounge debut during Live Lounge Month in October 2025.
Alongside her radio support, Newman performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool last year and has shared stages with Ed Sheeran. She has also supported Lewis Capaldi on arena tours, further raising her profile ahead of the year to come.
