Overview
- The longlist features Alessi Rose, Chloe Qisha, Florence Road, Geese, Jim Legxacy, kwn, Royel Otis, Sasha Keable, Skye Newman, and Sombr.
- Judges included Elton John, Dua Lipa, Jade, Olivia Dean, YUNGBLUD and Sam Smith, reflecting broad industry input.
- Eligibility was tightened, with criteria reported to judges stating no significant public profile in the past two years, no more than three UK Top 10 singles by October 6, and no prior lead credit on a UK Number One album by that date.
- Radio 1 will count down the Top 5 starting Monday 5 January 2026, with the winner announced Friday 9 January 2026.
- Recent momentum includes Sombr’s MTV VMA for Best Alternative Video and a Graham Norton performance, and Skye Newman’s first UK Top 5 single with Family Matters.