English Teacher, Kneecap, Ezra Collective, Mk.gee, and Doechii are among the acts the BBC believes will be shaping the music landscape in 2025.

BBC Radio 1 has unveiled its Sound Of 2025 longlist, featuring an exciting mix of rising stars, chart-toppers, and even Mercury Prize winners. It continues the tradition of shining a light on artists with “the best chance of mainstream success” in the year ahead.

This year’s choices were decided by an elite panel comprising of industry specialists and artists such as Elton John, Dua Lipa, Jorja Smith, The Blessed Madonna, and Sam Smith. Over the years, The Sound Of list has become synonymous with its ability to predict future stars, which has assisted in a number of high-profile acts since its start in 2003, among which are Adele, Stormzy, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd.

The Last Dinner Party, winner of the 2024 event, brings its prize into an exclusive league of previous winners and nominees, who all have gone on to gain worldwide acclaim. This year’s longlist was drawn up with the input of 184 music experts-from DJs to journalists, festival organizers, and streaming specialists-listening to, thinking about, and celebrating a wealth of music.

Some of the most impressive names are Chappell Roan, whose 2023 debut album, The Rise And Fall of a Midwest Princess, marked a career highlight: the record zoomed straight to number one on the UK chart in August and gave out two Top 10 hits, “Hot To Go” being one of them; she has climbed steadily throughout 2024 to emerge as one of the biggest headliners at festivals, including the highly coveted slot at Primavera Sound 2025.

Roan’s inclusion on the list was only made possible due to a significant rule change this year. Artists who had been the lead on a UK Number One or Number Two album by the cut-off date were disqualified in previous years. Under the new criteria, artists qualify if they have not had more than two Top 10 albums on the UK Official Albums Chart by September 30, 2024. The newly updated criteria made it possible for the exceptional growth of Roan’s career to be rewarded as she deserved. Other notable names on the longlist include Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap, indie innovators English Teacher, and jazz ensemble Ezra Collective, who have all garnered critical and commercial acclaim this year. Their inclusion reflects the diverse and dynamic landscape of the music industry in 2024, with the Sound Of list continuing to celebrate a broad spectrum of talent.

The recent recognition adds to a fabulous run of achievements for Roan, cementing her as one of the most exciting figures in pop music. She has moved from an underground sensation to a mainstream darling due to her candid storytelling and sound that resonates with everybody. Her headlining slot at Primavera is expected to further entrench her position at the helm of the music scene.

With the Sound Of 2025 list now unveiled, anticipation builds for the announcement of the winner early next year. For music fans, this annual tradition offers a glimpse into the future of the industry, celebrating the artists poised to shape its next chapter.