BBC Sound Of: Every winner from 50 Cent to The Last Dinner Party

Other previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Michael Kiwanuka and FLO.

Since 2003, the BBC has published an annual Sound Of list spotlighting rising stars from the music world. The accolade is given to up-and-coming artists with "the best chance of mainstream success" in the next 12 months, and past winners include Adele, Sam Smith and 50 Cent, so the poll has an impressive track record.

This year's longlist was announced in November and includes 11 artists from the UK and beyond: Barry Can’t Swim, Chappell Roan, Confidence Man, Doechii, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Good Neighbours, KNEECAP, Mk.gee, Myles Smith and Pozer.

Chappell Roan is considered the frontrunner having scored a Number 1 album with her debut The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and a huge Number 2 single with Good Luck Babe. But given that Myles Smith has already won the 2025 BRITS Rising Star award, he should also be deemed a serious contender.

When will the 2025 BBC Sound Of winner be announced?

The winner will be announced on BBC Radio 1 and BBC News in the New Year, with the Top 5 revealed in reverse order between Monday 6 and Friday 10 January.

Who decides the winner of the 2025 BBC Sound Of?

The nominees were chosen by a panel of more than 180 music industry experts and artists including representatives from Spotify, Glastonbury Festival and the BBC. Musicians having their say this year include Elton John, The Blessed Madonna, Dua Lipa, Jorja Smith and Sam Smith.

Which artists are eligible for the 2025 BBC Sound Of?

Artists from any country are eligible so long as they hadn't scored more than two UK Top 10 albums or two UK Top 10 singles before the cut-off date: 30 September 2024.