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Sound of 2026: Pop meets rock on BBC's radar
2 Dec
Summary
- BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026 shortlist blends pop with guitar anthems.
- Nominees include US artist Sombr and Aussie duo Royel Otis.
- The 2026 winner will be announced in January on Radio 1.
The soundscape for the upcoming year is set to be a dynamic mix of contemporary pop and resonant guitar anthems, as indicated by the shortlist for BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026. This annual selection highlights emerging musical talent poised to make an impact.
Among the promising contenders is US singer-songwriter Sombr, whose melodic pop-rock songs and rich harmonies have already secured a place in the UK top 10 charts. Also vying for recognition are the Australian skate-rock duo Royel Otis and the distinctive post-punk band Geese.
Further adding to the diverse lineup are rising pop vocalists Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman, and Alessi Rose, who recently supported global superstar Dua Lipa on her tour. Previous recipients of this prestigious nod include internationally acclaimed artists like Adele and Haim. The announcement of the Sound of 2026 winner is scheduled for January.
