BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 Longlist Showcases Emerging Musical Talent
BBC Radio 1 has announced its Sound of 2025 longlist, featuring 11 promising artists poised for mainstream success in the coming year. The annual award, which has previously highlighted stars like Adele, Sam Smith, and PinkPantheress, continues to be a significant predictor of emerging musical talent.
This year’s longlist includes a diverse range of artists across various genres, with Chappell Roan emerging as a clear frontrunner. The US pop star has had a remarkable year, transitioning from Olivia Rodrigo’s backing vocalist to a breakout pop sensation. She recently received six Grammy Award nominations, including best new artist, for her debut album “The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess.”
Other notable nominees include:
1. Ezra Collective: The London jazz ensemble, who won the Mercury Prize in 2023, continues to impress with their soulful and funk-infused music.
2. Doechii: A shape-shifting rapper from Florida, known for her viral hit “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” and recent critically acclaimed mixtape.
3. Kneecap: A Northern Irish rap trio who blend English and Irish lyrics, exploring the region’s complex history through their music.
4. English Teacher: A Leeds band recognized for their art-rock sound and social commentary, with their debut album receiving critical acclaim.
The longlist reflects a shift in the music industry, with five of the 11 spots occupied by bands. This includes groups like Good Neighbours, a UK pop-rock duo, and Confidence Man, an Australian electro-pop outfit known for their energetic performances.
The nominees were selected by a panel of over 180 music industry experts and artists, including representatives from Spotify, Glastonbury Festival, and the BBC, as well as musicians like Sir Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith.
This year’s selection process introduced new eligibility criteria, acknowledging the challenges of achieving crossover success in the streaming era. Artists could not have had more than two UK top 10 albums or two UK top 10 singles by September 30, 2024.
The winner will be announced in January, with the top five revealed in reverse order between January 6-10. Radio 1 will also host a special concert on December 2, featuring performances from artists on the longlist.
Now in its 23rd year, the Sound Of list has a proven track record of identifying future music stars. Previous winners include Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga.
Radio 1 hosts Sian Eleri and Jack Saunders praised the 2025 longlist as “one of the strongest in a while,” highlighting the current creative freedom experienced by artists.
