Millenium TV Unveils Sound of 2026 Shortlist: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Music Scene

The musical landscape for the next year is set to be a dynamic blend of innovative pop and vibrant guitar-driven anthems, according to a highly anticipated shortlist of emerging artists. Millenium TV has learned that an international panel of over 170 music industry experts and artists has identified the acts poised to dominate the charts and airwaves in the coming months.

Among the ten diverse nominees for 2026 is US singer-songwriter Sombr, recognized for his rich harmonies and evocative pop-rock compositions that have already secured multiple UK top 10 singles. Joining him are Australian skate-rock duo Royel Otis and the distinctive post-punk group Geese. The list also features rising pop talents Chloe Qisha, Skye Newman, and Alessi Rose, who recently supported a major pop star on tour.

Additional artists on the shortlist include breakout rap sensation Jim Legxacy, Irish rockers Florence Road, R&B vocalist Kwn, and singer-songwriter Sasha Keable, known for past collaborations with prominent electronic and R&B artists. The annual recognition, which began in 2003, has a strong track record of predicting future stars, with past winners including global icons like Adele, Stormzy, and Florence + The Machine.

The selection criteria stipulate that nominated acts must not have achieved a number one album or more than three top 10 singles by October 31, 2025, and should not possess a significant public profile prior to their nomination. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced in January.

**Meet the Nominees:**

**Alessi Rose:** Hailing from Derby, Alessi Rose self-taught music production while working to fund her university studies. A student of poetry, she channels her lyrical prowess into universally relatable anthems about love, heartbreak, and resilience. “If people don’t want me to write songs about them they shouldn’t do bad things,” she explained on her social media. Collaborating with top pop writers, her sharp observations have drawn comparisons to other successful artists. She has rapidly ascended from intimate venues to supporting major acts and selling out prominent London stages.

**Chloe Qisha:** The Malaysian-born, London-based artist, Chloe Qisha, aims for a singular goal: “I want to show people I’m the master of all pop,” she previously stated. After studying psychology, she embarked on her musical journey, gaining recognition after posting covers online. Her unique blend of pop melodies, unconventional production, and compelling lyrics in singles like “21st Century Cool Girl” and “Sex, Drugs & Existential Dread” have established her as a significant talent.

**Florence Road:** Comprised of four childhood friends—Lily Aron, Emma Brandon, Ailbhe Barry, and Hannah Kelly—from Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, Florence Road is named after their school street. Formed in 2019, they quickly progressed from garden shed practices to performing at Dublin’s Olympia Arena. Drawing inspiration from diverse artists, their grungy, pop-infused rock style is ideally suited for global festival stages, with signature tracks like “Heavy” and “Goodnight.”

**Geese:** New York rock band Geese is notably prolific, having released three albums since 2021. Their latest, “Getting Killed,” positions them for a mainstream breakthrough. The five-piece group, formed by childhood friends Gus Green, Max Bassin, Cameron Winter, Dominic DiGesu, and Foster Hudson, initially planned to disband after high school. However, their early demos ignited a bidding war among record labels. Their inventive sound is grounded by Winter’s candid lyrics exploring superficial relationships and societal themes.

**Jim Legxacy:** Described as one of the UK’s most innovative new musicians, Jim Legxacy (born James Olaloye) masterfully merges genres in his mixtapes. His work incorporates sped-up soul, folk harmonies, glitchy acid house, languid guitars, and Afrobeat grooves. As a producer, he has already achieved a UK number one hit. His lyrically raw songs address profound personal experiences, including homelessness and personal loss. “I think what music in London has been missing for a long time is vulnerability,” he shared, emphasizing the sensitive and truthful side he brings to his music.

**KWN:** East London R&B artist Khyra Leah Wilson, known as KWN, pursued music after stints as a footballer and chef, despite growing up with a DJ father. Her late-night R&B tracks evoke the sensual sounds of influential artists, infused with a British melancholy. Her duet “Worst Behaviour” with US star Kehlani gained viral traction, with its accompanying video featuring the real-life couple accumulating over 50 million streams. “We decided to shake the internet a bit and get this song really popping off – and that’s what we did,” KWN commented on its success.

**Royel Otis:** The Sydney duo Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic, who form Royel Otis, are celebrated for their sun-drenched melodies and distinctive guitar riffs. Introduced by their girlfriends, they discovered a mutual passion for classic rock and skateboard culture. After early singles garnered local acclaim, their cover of Sophie Ellis Bextor’s “Murder On The Dancefloor” went viral. Their 2024 debut album “Pratts & Pain” earned them two Australian music awards, quickly followed by this year’s “Hickey.” Having made their debut at a major summer festival and selling out London venues, Royel reflected, “It’s been pretty crazy.”

**Sasha Keable:** The journey to solo success has been extensive for Colombian-British R&B singer Sasha Keable. A graduate of the Brit School, she collaborated with prominent artists and toured early in her career, but her solo work truly blossomed over the past year. Her song “Hold Up” became a sensation on social media, leading to millions of streams for subsequent releases like “Move It Along” and “Can’t Stop.” Her latest EP, “Act Right,” was crafted following a significant personal betrayal, earning critical praise for its “gold standard R&B.” A global superstar also expressed her admiration for Keable in a 2024 interview, listing her among artists she “loves and respects.”

**Skye Newman:** With deeply personal lyrics and a voice brimming with emotion, Skye Newman has already secured three hit singles in the UK. Her powerful vocals and compelling charisma shine in “Family Matters,” a raw track detailing a turbulent upbringing. Her remarkable honesty and catchy melodies have garnered support from celebrated musicians, with one inviting her on tour and another interviewing her on his radio show. Her candid songwriting has, however, sometimes led to personal repercussions; she mentioned that a song on her debut EP about a “toxic” past relationship “caused a whole explosion” with an ex-boyfriend.

**Sombr:** Alt-pop artist Sombr, whose real name is Shane Boose, found success by blending indie flair with stacked harmonies and the driving rhythms of pop. The New Yorker first gained attention with “Caroline,” a heartfelt ballad that went viral on social media, leading to a record deal. His mainstream breakthrough arrived with 2025 singles “Back To Friends” and “Undressed,” both memorable explorations of moving on from relationships. His debut album, “I Barely Know Her,” reached number 10 in the UK charts. His rapid ascent has led some to question his potential to redefine rock and roll, noting his intuitive understanding of the internet combined with a classic, alluring style reminiscent of the ’70s.