Lewis McLaughlin wins Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition 2022
The 20-year-old artist will perform on a main stage at Glastonbury this year
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis McLaughlin has been announced as the winner of Glastonbury’s 2022 Emerging Talent Competition.
The 20-year-old artist performed alongside fellow finalists at the live finals of the annual competition, which offers rising artists a chance to win a slot on a main stage at the legendary festival, in addition to a £5,000 Talent Development prize from the PRS Foundation.
East London rapper Crae Wolf took second place, while Leeds band English Teacher finished third, both also landing a Glastonbury slot and a £2,500 prize.
“Madness,” McLaughlin wrote on Twitter in response to his win. “Heading home with sore heads and happy hearts, see you in June @Glastonbury,” he added in a follow-up post.
“Honestly so stunned, all the other acts were incredible. Big thanks to all the judges and everyone involved in the competition.”
Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis also offered her praise. “What a night, so many great bands, all playing in the final of our ETC. Congratulations to @LewisSings and @CraeWolf as well as @englishteac_her As the standard was so high all night long, we are giving every finalist a gig at this years festival!”
South London artist R.A.E. was announced at 2020’s Emerging Talent Competition winner. She is scheduled to performance at the 2022 edition of the festival, due to both 2020 and 2021 being cancelled due to Covid-19. Organisers praised her “radiant, pin-sharp hip-hop and R&B”.
Kendrick Lamar, Paul McCartney and Billie Eilish are headlining this year’s long-awaited return of Glastonbury which will run from June 22 to June 26. Diana Ross is also set to headline in the legend’s slot.
In March, festival organisers shared the first line-up poster, which also includes: Lorde, Pet Shop Boys, Megan Thee Stallion, Primal Scream, Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Fender, Doja Cat, Wolf Alice, Foals and more.
Eavis previously spoke the BBC about McCartney’s booking. “When he finally confirmed, we were beyond [excited],” she said.
“For us, having Paul McCartney is obviously a dream, a huge moment in our history. It means the world getting Paul McCartney to Glastonbury.”