BBC Radio 1 shared details of its Sound of 2025 longlist on Wednesday (Nov. 20).
Among the shortlisted acts for the annual new music prize are Chappell Roan, Mk.gee, Doechii and Confidence Man. Also included on the list are Mercury Prize 2024 winners English Teacher, as well as contemporary jazz group Ezra Collective, who scooped the trophy the year prior.
Last year’s BBC Sound of poll was won by baroque-pop band The Last Dinner Party, with runners-up including Olivia Dean, Peggy Gou and Tyla. Notable previous winners include Adele (2008), Florence + The Machine (2009), Sam Smith (2013) and Sam Fender (2019).
This year’s selected judging panel was made up of over 180 artists and industry tastemakers, including journalists, radio pluggers and broadcasters, as well as global superstars Dua Lipa and Elton John. Further details of the panel and how the list was compiled are available via BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025 website.
The top five from the list will be revealed in early January on Radio 1. Each day from Jan. 6 through Jan. 10, a countdown will take place to reveal the eventual winner.
In December, Radio 1 will host a special gig hosted by Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri, two of the station’s presenters. BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 LIVE will take place on Dec. 2 at London’s Maida Vale studios with performances from artists on the longlist. Fans can apply for tickets on the BBC Shows and Tours website until Nov. 27.
“The Radio 1 Sound of 2025 list this year is one of the strongest in a while,” said Saunders in a press release. “It’s a reflection of the freedom artists are feeling creatively at the moment. Can’t wait to see who the top five are!”
Co-host Eleri added: “I am in awe of Sound of 2025’s longlisters. What a roster! It is such a heady mix of musical styles – there really is something for everyone. Throughout my teens I always looked forward to seeing this longlist drop to discover who’ll be the next ‘big thing.’ If this list is anything to go by, 2025 is gonna be one hell of a year. They define the promise of today, and the stars of tomorrow.”
BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 longlist:
Barry Can’t Swim
Chappell Roan
Confidence Man
Doechii
English Teacher
Ezra Collective
Good Neighbours
Kneecap
Mk.gee
Myles Smith
Pozer
