Breakthrough British singer-songwriter Skye Newman has been tipped for superstardom, topping 2026’s BBC Sound Of list.
The annual poll, which was established in 2003, is voted for by more than 170 industry experts, DJs, festival bookers, critics and artists including Elton John, Dua Lipa, JADE, Olivia Dean, Yungblud and Sam Smith.
Newman, who was raised in south east London, beat the likes of Sombr, Jim Legxacy and Geese for the coveted title, which has previously been awarded to Adele (2008), Chappell Roan (2025), The Last Dinner Party (2024) and PinkPantheress (2022), among others.
“I’m still in shock that I’ve won Radio 1’s Sound of 2026,” said Newman in a statement. “So many artists that I’ve listened to over the years have been honored with the award, and now me. To think that Sound Of started the year I was born, 2003 and now I’m a winner!
She continued: “I’m so grateful, and wouldn’t be where I am without my people and the BBC supporting me on my journey. Thank you!”
The lyrics of Newman’s hit “Family Matters” describe witnessing drug abuse and going through grief at an early age. She moved multiple times as a child, but found an outlet in songwriting at age 11, after her jazz and blues singer aunt introduced her to songwriting.
In 2025, Newman became the first U.K. female solo artist in more than a decade to have her first two singles, “Hairdresser” (No. 16) and “Family Matters” (No. 5), both reach the top 20 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart. She released her debut project SE9 – Pt 1, named after her childhood postcode, in November via Columbia, hitting No. 18 on the Official U.K. Albums Chart.
Alongside her chart success, the 22-year-old performed at last year’s edition of Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival in Liverpool. She was invited by Ed Sheeran to perform “Family Matters” with him at the megastar’s stadium show in Ipswich in July, and later went on to join Lewis Capaldi on his U.K. and Ireland arena tour through the autumn.
In April, Newman will embark on her maiden U.K. headlining tour, which will feature two nights at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town. She is also scheduled to perform at Reading & Leeds festivals in August.
Throughout its 23-year history, the BBC Sound Of list has been used to spotlight emerging acts and help them reach new audiences. This exposure can accelerate an artist’s career trajectory, and further their live bookings for the coming year.
