Chappell Roan Crowned BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025
Chappell Roan has been named BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting new artists in the music industry.
The prestigious accolade was decided by a panel of over 180 industry experts and artists, including music legends Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith.
The Missouri-born singer-songwriter’s meteoric rise began in 2024, a year that saw her transition from a promising newcomer to a global phenomenon. Radio 1 DJ’s such as Jack Saunders, Mollie King, and Sian Eleri, played pivotal roles in championing her talent. Roan was also named Radio 1’s Future Artist of the Month in May 2024, further amplifying her ascent to the tops of charts worldwide.
Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in late 2023, initially earned critical acclaim but gained widespread attention and commercial success in 2024. The album, a poignant exploration of identity and personal growth set to a backdrop of 80s-inspired synth-pop, saw Roan’s popularity take to the stratosphere. It topped the UK Albums Chart, garnered a passionate fanbase, and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys.
Chappell Roan‘s 2024 highlights include drawing a record-breaking crowd at Lollapalooza in Chicago, opening for Olivia Rodrigo on the GUTS tour, selling out UK shows, performing on Saturday Night Live, and topping charts around the globe.
Jack Saunders, a key supporter of Roan’s career, praised her in a statement, saying, “No one deserves this accolade more than Chappell Roan. She was the most exciting artist of the last 12 months and is now set to be THE artist of the next 12 months. The success is all her own doing: standing tall in the face of the doubters and keeping her community close to fuel the energy of her shows and musical movements. Congratulations Chappell, 2025 is your year!”
The Sound of… poll, which began in 2003, has a rich history of spotlighting future music superstars. Past winners include global icons such as 50 Cent, Adele, and HAIM. Last year, The Last Dinner Party took the top spot ahead of a competitive longlist featuring Tyla, Peggy Gou, Elmiene, and Olivia Dean.
Over the years, the Sound of… lists have highlighted artists who have gone on to define the music landscape, including Stormzy, Adele, Lady Gaga, RAYE, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Lewis Capaldi.
