Norwegian pop singer Sigrid has been named 2018’s winner of the coveted BBC Music Sound Of, as chosen by a panel of more than 170 influential music experts including former winners and longlist nominees.
The 21 year old, born in Ålesund, Norway, only started making music four years ago when her brother – who’s also a musician – told her he needed a new song for a gig just two weeks later. Since then she has had a rapid rise to acclaim.
Her debut single Don’t Kill My Vibe premiered on Radio 1 in February 2017 when it was named ‘Hottest Record in the World’ and she performed her single Strangers live on BBC One’s ‘Sounds Like Friday Night’ in December.
Her nervy, cutting-edge pop music is infused with natural humour and charisma and looks set to rule the charts in 2018.
All of the artists on the 16-strong longlist for Sound Of 2018 were championed by BBC Radio, with plays across Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 2 and 6 Music.
Two of the top acts came from Manchester with urban jazz artist IAMDDB and indie quartet Pale Waves coming third and fifth respectively. American R&B star Khalid came fourth, whilst singer-songwriter Rex Orange County was 2018’s runner up.
The list, compiled annually by BBC News, started in 2003 and crowned 50 Cent as its inaugural winner. Last year, R&B singer Ray BLK became the first unsigned artist to top the list.
Previous winners have included synth-pop trio Years & Years, global superstars Adele and Sam Smith, LA pop band HAIM and Ellie Goulding.
Profiles of all 16 artists are available on the Sound Of 2018 website.
The full top five:
1. Sigrid
2. Rex Orange County
3. IAMDDB
4. Khalid
5. Pale Waves
