Rising pop artist Skye Newman has been named the winner of BBC Sound of 2026, cementing her status as one of the UK’s most promising new voices. The annual accolade, revealed by BBC Radio 1, is widely regarded as a bellwether for future chart and awards success.
“I can’t believe that I’ve got to this point,” Newman told BBC News after the announcement. “It’s incredible, surreal—just mental.”
A Proven Launchpad for Pop Success
Newman becomes the 24th winner of the influential poll, which has previously spotlighted artists including Adele, PinkPantheress, The Last Dinner Party, and Haim. The award caps a remarkable 12 months for the 22-year-old, who has already earned high-profile industry backing. Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi both personally invited Newman to support them on tour, while Elton John has publicly praised her as “incredibly talented” and “something else.”
Chart Breakthroughs and Personal Storytelling
Born in south-east London, Newman broke through in 2025 with her debut single “Hairdresser,” which entered the UK Top 20 on release. Its follow-up, “Family Matters,” climbed to No. 5, marking the first time since Ella Henderson in 2014 that a female artist debuted with two consecutive Top 20 singles. Her music stands out for its emotional rawness. Newman writes candidly about trauma, instability, and resilience, drawing from her experiences growing up amid violence, addiction, and constant upheaval. “It’s literally the story of my life,” she has said, describing songwriting as her primary way of processing pain she struggled to articulate.
Finding Her Voice Early
Newman’s relationship with music began almost as soon as she could speak. She performed publicly for the first time at age six, singing True Colors at a school show. Influenced early on by Amy Winehouse, she later honed her craft by uploading songs and covers to YouTube and, later, TikTok. Despite early momentum, Newman stepped back at times to regain emotional balance, acknowledging she wasn’t always ready for the pressures of public life. Writing, she says, remained her safe space.
Momentum Heading Into 2026
After a breakout year, winning BBC Sound of 2026 positions Newman for an even bigger 12 months ahead. She is set to play her first U.S. shows, embark on a sold-out UK and European tour in April, and release her second EP around the same time. Festival appearances are expected to follow later in the summer. With industry giants in her corner and a rapidly growing fanbase, Newman appears poised to turn critical acclaim into lasting success. As she puts it, the award feels like “a step further” toward where she wants to be—and 2026 may be the year she gets there.
