BBC Sound Of 2018 longlist: Pop-dominated list features Khalid, Sigrid, Alma and Pale Waves
This year's panel of voters was the first to include nominees from previous years
Pop acts dominate this year's BBC Sound Of poll, the longlist has revealed.
16 emerging names have been announced on the list, which is now in its 16th year, and has previously included names such as Adele, Sam Smith and James Bay.
Artists were selected by a panel of 173 music experts, including DJs, critics and broadcasters. This was the first year that also included former nominees on the panel, such as Stormzy, Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, and the BBC Sound Of 2017 winner Ray BLK.
Among the nominees are US singer Khalid, who released his Platinum-selling debut album this year and featured on songs by Calvin Harris, Lorde, and Marshmello. He also supported Lorde on her massive UK and Europe tour.
Scandipop artists Alma and Sigrid have both been tipped for success, as has Hackney-born rapper Not3s, who enjoyed a viral hit with "Addison Lee". Indie four piece Pale Waves, who have been praised by The 1975, have built a cult following in Manchester and now seem poised to break into the mainstream. Likely one of the most unheard of names is Yaeji, a New York-based singer, rapper and producer who writes in a mix of Korean and English.
Here's the longlist in full:
- ALMA
- Billie Eilish
- IAMDDB
- Jade Bird
- Khalid
- Lewis Capaldi
- Nilüfer Yanya
- Not3s
- Pale Waves
- Rex Orange County
- Sam Fender
- Sigrid
- Superorganism
- Tom Walker
- Yaeji
- Yxng Bane
The shortlist of the top five will be revealed, one at a time over five days, from Monday 8 January. The winner will be revealed during Clara Amfo's Radio 1 show on Friday 12 January.
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