Skye Newman has been crowned BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026.
The 22-year-old star – who has supported Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi – had a stellar 2025, having bagged a UK number five single with Family Matters. Other standout tracks include Hairdresser, FU + UF, and Out Out, while her EP SE9 – PT1 made it into the top 20 of the Official UK Albums Chart.
Skye beat off stiff competition from rapper Jim Legxacy, US star Sombr, indie rock band Geese, and Aussie pop group Royel Otis to win the annual poll.
This year’s longlist also included Alessi Rose, Florence Road and Sasha Keable.
Reacting, Skye admitted it’s “surreal, just mental”.
She commented: “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.”
She told BBC News: “I can’t believe that I’ve got to this point, it’s incredible, surreal, just mental.”
Previous recipients include last year’s winner Chappell Roan, Adele, Sam Smith and 50 Cent.
While performing on the BBC Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in 2025, Skye admitted she was “overwhelmed” to see the massive turnout.
The TikTok sensation told the audience: “I ain’t even started and you’ve already got me in tears.”
She continued: “I can’t believe there are so many people here to listen to me… I’m a bit overwhelmed but I’m gonna do my best.”
The rising star added: “The numbers I see on a screen are insane, but it’ll never touch this.”
