BBC Sound of 2025 Faces Criticism for Spotlighting Established Artists

The annual list, now featuring acts like Chappell Roan and Ezra Collective, has drawn backlash for sidelining emerging talent after rule changes.

The BBC Sound of 2025 longlist includes well-known artists such as Chappell Roan, Ezra Collective, and Confidence Man, alongside newer names like Good Neighbours and Pozer.
Rule changes now allow artists with up to two Top 10 UK albums to qualify, enabling the inclusion of established acts like Chappell Roan, whose debut album topped charts in 2023.
Critics argue the list undermines its purpose of championing emerging talent, with many of the featured artists already enjoying significant success.
The list was curated by a panel of 184 industry experts, including Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith, aiming to predict future mainstream success.
A countdown of the top five artists will begin on January 6, 2025, with the winner announced on January 10.