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Skye Newman has been named BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2026.
The 22 year old artist, who has previously supported Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, enjoyed a standout year in 2025. She landed a UK number five single with Family Matters, while tracks such as Hairdresser, FU + UF, and Out Out also made a strong impact. Her EP SE9 – PT1 went on to secure a place in the top 20 of the Official UK Albums Chart.
Skye came out on top in the annual poll after seeing off tough competition from rapper Jim Legxacy, US artist Sombr, indie rock band Geese, and Australian pop group Royel Otis.
This year’s longlist also featured Alessi Rose, Florence Road, and Sasha Keable.
Speaking about the win, Skye described the moment as “surreal, just mental”.
She said: “I’m still in shock that I’ve won Radio 1’s Sound Of 2026. So many artists that I’ve listened to over the years have been honoured with the award, and now me.
“To think that Sound Of started the year I was born, 2003 and now I’m a winner. I’m so grateful and wouldn’t be where I am without my people and the BBC supporting me on my journey. Thank you.”
She also told BBC News: “I can’t believe that I’ve got to this point, it’s incredible, surreal, just mental.”
Past winners of the award include last year’s recipient Chappell Roan, as well as Adele, Sam Smith, and 50 Cent.
During her appearance on the BBC Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2025, Skye admitted she felt “overwhelmed” by the size of the crowd.
The TikTok breakout told the audience: “I ain’t even started and you’ve already got me in tears.”
She went on to say: “I can’t believe there are so many people here to listen to me… I’m a bit overwhelmed but I’m gonna do my best.”
The rising artist added: “The numbers I see on a screen are insane, but it’ll never touch this.”
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Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner say they are certain they will eventually record music together.
The pop punk favourites and the singer songwriter will be touring together across Australia and the UK throughout May, June and July for a series of co headlining shows. They also came close to recording a track together for Bowling For Soup’s upcoming twelfth studio album.
Lead singer Jaret Reddick told ContactMusic.com: "We had actually talked about doing a track together for the new [BFS] album.
"I was working on songs during a really hectic period for Frank. We had planned this perfect day where he would stop by the studio. He did show up, but we ended up just spending time together and catching up instead, with no expectations.
"I feel like if we had tried to finish something just to release it before the tours, it probably would not have come out the way we wanted.
"I do believe that at some point down the line we are both sure we will create something together."
Frank and Jaret have already worked side by side in the studio before on the track Drunk As It Takes, which appeared on the BFS frontman’s country album.
Frank reflected: "There is something special about country songwriting that I think we both really admire.
"There is a real honesty and straightforwardness to it that I think both of us naturally bring into our own music, no matter what style we are working in."
Even though Frank is not featured on the new record, Jaret did share some insight into Bowling For Soup’s forthcoming album, which gained momentum after they recorded Holding Onto That Hate last summer while testing equipment for audio company SSL.
He explained: "They were looking for a band to come in and record a track to test out some new studio equipment. It ended up being our first recording as a three piece.
"I remember telling the guys, 'I think I am feeling inspired again. Let’s just go for it.'
"We set a target date, which ended up being February this year, and we followed through. A lot of the songwriting happened toward the end of last year and continued into January."
Jaret mentioned that he considers the 2009 album Sorry For Partying to be "the last truly great Bowling For Soup record," but he is very optimistic about what is coming next.
He said: "Some fans would probably argue and say, 'Actually, Lunch. Drunk. Love. is great as well'.
"But when I think about the last couple of albums, I sometimes feel like there were a few tracks I maybe should have left off.
"With this new record, there honestly is not a single weak track. All three of us feel like this could end up being the best Bowling For Soup album we have ever made, which feels wild to even say."
At first, the group considered putting the album out quickly, but they later decided to take more time with it.
He added: "To be honest, that idea does not really make sense since we will be touring with Frank and also heading out with Simple Plan.
"We are now thinking about releasing it in the fall or possibly even early next year. It is going to be worth the wait."
Full schedule for Bowling For Soup x Frank Turner Bowl My Bones UK Tour 2026:
June 25 Margate Dreamland
June 26 Southampton TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions
June 27 Lincoln TK Maxx Presents Live at Lincoln Castle
June 29 Glasgow O2 Academy Glasgow
June 30 Halifax TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall
July 2 Scarborough TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre
July 3 Llangollen TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavillion
July 4 Cardiff TK Maxx Presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle
July 5 St Austell Eden Sessions
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