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Sound of 2026

The BBC's annual poll of the most promising acts for 2026, plus the latest UK Music charts featuring new hits from James Marriott and Katseye.

Sound of,,, is an annual BBC poll of music critics and industry figures to find the most promising new music talent and has been published since 2003. Last month a 10-strong longlist was released, and this week we will be playing tracks from the ranked top five shortlist and find out who has come top of the poll.

We also looking at the latest UK album and singles charts, and featuring new hits from James Marriott and Katseye.

Presenter: Kim Robson
Producer: Alan Rowett
A Rotation Media production for BBC World Service

(Photo: BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2026 winner Skye Newman at BBC Maida Vale Studios. Credit: James Watkins)

10 months left to listen

50 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Jan 202600:32GMT
BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

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  • Sat 10 Jan 202603:06GMT
    BBC World Service Australasia
  • Sat 10 Jan 202609:06GMT
    BBC World Service South Asia, Europe and the Middle East & East Asia only
  • Sat 10 Jan 202612:06GMT
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    BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean
  • Mon 12 Jan 202600:32GMT
    BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East