Skye Newman has been announced as the winner of the BBC’s Sound of 2026, while the rest of the top five has also been announced.
South London star Newman was revealed as the winner of the broadcaster’s annual poll of music talent, which has previously been topped by the likes of Chappell Roan and The Last Dinner Party. Other acts previously winning the accolade include the likes of Adele and HAIM.
Newman, who found a captive audience on TikTok, released her debut single ‘Hairdresser’ last year. The song went straight into the UK top 20, while her follow-up ‘Family Matters’ reached Number Five on the charts. It is the first time a female artist had made the Top 20 with their first two singles since Ella Henderson in 2014.
She hailed the win as “incredible” and told the BBC: “I can’t believe that I’ve got to this point,” she added.
Of her music, which offers an uncompromising look at her life on a South London council estate, she said: “It’s literally the story of my life. It’s my way of letting out any trauma and pain that I couldn’t speak. Crazily enough, I’m someone who struggles to talk about what I feel. Singing is a whole different story. When I’m in the studio, I feel calm. It’s my safe space.”
“I’m still in shock that I’ve won Radio 1’s Sound of 2026! So many artists I’ve listened to over the years have been honoured with the award — and now me,” Newman added in a statement. “To think Sound Of started the year I was born, 2003, and now I’m a winner feels unreal. I’m so grateful and wouldn’t be where I am without my people and the BBC supporting me on my journey. Thank you!”
The singer, who has also been hailed by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Elton John, also previously spoke to Rolling Stone UK about her incredible rise. You can read the whole interview here.