Rising singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has been named as the winner of BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2025. Roan – aka your favourite artist’s favourite artist – was chosen by a panel of over 180 industry experts and artists including Elton John, Dua Lipa and Sam Smith.
2024 saw the start of Roan’s meteoric rise to stardom with huge support from Radio 1. The Missouri-born singer-songwriter’s 2020 single Pink Pony Club was a stylistic departure from her early releases – "It feels like a different person. It reminds me I have come so far. That was me when I was a very moody, angry teen" – she told Headliner, and facilitated Roan's initial rise to prominence. Despite the song catching the attention of the music industry and helping the artist to amass a passionate fan base, Roan was dropped from Atlantic Records that same year.
Following a short break, she released a series of songs independently in 2022. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess was released through Island Records in 2023 and was included in several best albums of 2023 year-end lists.
Although not an immediate commercial success, the album garnered a cult following by early 2024, being regarded as a sleeper hit and eventually nominated for Album of the Year at the 67th Grammy Awards.
The album's commercial breakthrough was largely influenced by Roan's stint as a supporting act on Olivia Rodrigo's Guts World Tour, her performances at music festivals including Coachella, Governors Ball, and Lollapalooza, and the success of her follow-up single, Good Luck, Babe!.
By mid-2024, the album had climbed worldwide charts considerably, peaking at number one in Ireland, New Zealand and the UK while reaching the top five in the US and Australia. Subsequently, several of its singles entered various charts for the first time since their release.
Roan has been nominated for six awards at this year's Grammy Awards: Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Solo Pop Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album.
Meanwhile, her producer, Daniel Nigro is also nominated for Producer of the Year in part for contributions to Roan’s work alongside his work with Rodrigo.
In an interview with Headliner in 2021, Roan revealed how an unforgettable night at a gay club changed her life and career trajectory, and inspired her hit, Pink Pony Club.
“I come from a super conservative area; I always had such a hard time being myself. I wanted to be bold and say things that might be a little edgy. Even recording the vocals for that – I couldn't have anyone looking at me because I felt so out of place. But I knew I needed to do it. It was just uncomfortable, but I'm so glad that I pushed myself because this is exactly where I want to be.”
The top five acts for BBC’s Sound of 2025 are:
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Chappell Roan
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Ezra Collective
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Barry Can’t Swim
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Myles Smith
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English Teacher
Also on the longlist for Sound of 2025 (in alphabetical order):
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Confidence Man
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Doechii
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Good Neighbours
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KNEECAP
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Mk.gee
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Pozer
Sound of… started in 2003 and over the years winners include 50 Cent, Adele and HAIM. Last year The Last Dinner Party claimed the top spot ahead of a strong longlist featuring the likes of Tyla, Peggy Gou, Elmiene and Olivia Dean.
Artists named on the list over the years include Stormzy, Adele, Lady Gaga, RAYE, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi.