The Skye's the Limit

Rising British pop star Skye Newman has been crowned the winner of the prestigious BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2026 poll.

Previously won by such artists as Adele, HAIM and The Last Dinner Party, the competition recognizes an up-and-coming act expected to achieve a major breakthrough in the coming year. A panel of more than 170 industry experts and artists, including Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa and Elton John, took part in the vote.

Newman topped fellow shortlist nominees sombr (Warner), Geese (Partisan), Royel Otis (Capitol) and Jim Legxacy (XL).

Newman's debut single, “Hairdresser” (Columbia U.K.), reached #15 on the Official Singles Chart last year. It was followed by a #5 peak for “Family Matters,” making the 22-year-old the first female U.K. solo artist in over a decade to score two Top 20 singles in the same breakthrough run.

Label President Dipesh Parmar tells HITS, “British music is once again asserting itself as a global powerhouse, and Skye is perfectly placed to lead this new wave. Winning BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026 is a remarkable milestone that reflects her talent, vision and hard work after such a groundbreaking year.”

Inspired by the storytelling of rap and the emotional depth of soul, Newman says her music details her experience growing up on a south London council estate in a dysfunctional home.

SE9 Part1, Newman’s debut project (named after her London postal code), peaked at #18 in October. A second EP is expected in April to correspond with the artist's sold-out U.K. and European headlining tour.

Newman will be on this side of the pond for a show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom on 2/10 before traveling west to visit L.A.'s Troubadour. Booking is handled by Alex Hardee and Ryan Penty at Wasserman for the world excluding North America, where Newman is repped by Shirin Nury at CAA. Management is overseen by Charlotte Parker, Jeffrey Azoff and Sali Kharaz at Full Stop and Alex Gibson.