BBC Radio 6 Music's Artists Of The Year 2026 have been revealed by presenter Nick Grimshaw on his Breakfast Show.
This year's list comprises Beabadoobee, Charli XCX, Corto.alto, Erykah Badu, Fontaines DC, Madra Salach, Mandy, Indiana, Phoebe Bridgers, Robyn, Show Me The Body, Shygirl and The Cure.
Announced each November, the annual list features established and breakthrough acts "who have defined 2026 through their creativity, musical innovation and cultural impact".
We are honoured to celebrate these innovators and the key musical stories that defined our 2026
Cam Pia, BBC Radio 6 Music
"Artists are at the heart of everything we do – the music we play and the stories we tell are driven by their creativity and talent," said 6 Music's music editor Cam Pia. "It feels more important now than ever to shine a light on artistry and the community that creates, and this list speaks to that power.
"It's been an incredible year for music, from iconic trailblazing returns to the thrill of something completely brand new – we are honoured to celebrate these innovators and the key musical stories that defined our 2026."
This week, 6 Music will air two, one-hour programmes entitled 6 Music's Artists Of The Year, Part 1 and 2. Part 1 focuses on Beabadoobee, Charli XCX, Corto.alto, Erykah Badu and Fontaines DC, while Part 2 features Madra Salach, Mandy, Indiana, Phoebe Bridgers, Robyn, Show Me The Body, Shygirl and The Cure.
Both episodes, which are available on BBC Sounds from today (November 3), look back on the artists' defining moments and achievements from the past year, while hearing from fans and fellow musicians including AG Cook, John Cale, Olivia Rodrigo and The Alchemist on the impact they have made.
The Artists Of The Year 2026 will also appear across the 6 Music schedule over the coming days.
A 6 Music Artist Of The Year collection is now available on 6 Music’s YouTube channel, featuring Shygirl’s 6 Music session, performed for Lauren Laverne in October. More programming is available on BBC iPlayer, including Charli XCX’s session, performed for the BBC earlier this year and Fontaines DC’s session for Steve Lamacq, recorded at Maida Vale Studios in August.
