Chappell Roan Wins BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 Poll

Chappell Roan Wins BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 Pol

Chappell Roan has emerged as the winner of the BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 poll, an annual ranking that highlights emerging artists with the greatest potential for mainstream success.

The pop star, born Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, was selected for the honor by a panel of over 180 music industry professionals and artists, including international icons Dua Lipa and Elton John. More information about the panel and the poll process can be found on the BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025 website.

Roan (Island Records) triumphed over jazz collective Ezra Collective (Partisan Records), who secured second place, as well as Barry Can’t Swim (Ninja Tune), Myles Smith (RCA), and Mercury Prize-winning band English Teacher (Island). This recognition comes after a remarkable year for the 26-year-old, whose hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September, five months after its release.

In the last year, Roan has earned the title of Top New Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, received six Grammy nominations across major categories, and toured globally, playing to record-breaking crowds at festivals. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in August, marking a resurgence in popularity.

Roan will headline Primavera Sound in Barcelona from June 5-7, sharing the stage with Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter. She is also slated to co-headline the Reading & Leeds Festival in the UK from August 21-24 with Hozier. Additional summer performances include Oslo’s Øya Festival on August 6, Budapest’s Sziget Festival on August 11, and Rock In Seine in Paris on August 20.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders praised Roan’s achievement, saying, “No one deserves this accolade more than Chappell Roan. She has been the most exciting artist of the past year and is poised to dominate the next. Her success is entirely her own—rising above the doubters while staying true to her community, fueling the energy of her shows and music. Congratulations, Chappell, 2025 is your year!”

Last year’s Sound of poll was won by The Last Dinner Party, with Olivia Dean, Peggy Gou, and Tyla among the top contenders. Previous winners include Adele (2008), Florence + The Machine (2009), Sam Smith (2013), and Sam Fender (2019).

The 2025 longlist, revealed in November, featured 11 acts, including Kneecap, Mk.gee, Doechii, Confidence Man, Pozer, and Good Neighbours.

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