BBC Sound of 2020 longlist welcomes back the bands

12 December 2019, 10:03 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Georgia) (Celeste) (Joy Crookes) (Easy Life) (Squid) (Arlo Parks) (Beabadoobee) (Joesef)

The BBC Sound of 2020 longlist has been revealed, with Squid, Arlo Parks, Beabadoobee, and others among the 10 acts aiming for the top spot.

The 2020 longlist sees a return of the bands (compared to last year anyway), and also highlights a shift with the lack of rap acts on the list (unless you count Easy Life as rappers).

Women have again dominated the BBC Sound of 2020 longlist, with Georgia, Arlo Parks, Joy Crookes, Beabadoobee, and Celeste all picked as potential winners.

BBC Music Sound of 2019 Longlist:

Beabadoobee
Yungblud
Easy Life
Joy Crookes
Joesef
Arlo Parks
Inhaler
Celeste
Squid
Georgia

This year's longlist was curated via votes from 170 music critics, broadcasters and DJs, alongside former nominees including Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi and Chvrches.

Artists were chosen based on whether they haven't been the lead artist on a UK top 10 single or album by 21 October 2019.

Last year's BBC Sound of poll was won by Octavian.

The BBC Sound of 2020 top five will be announced daily on BBC Radio 1 and BBC News from 5 January 2020. The winner will be revealed on 9 January 2020.