Revealed – the winner crowned as BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2023
British girl group Flo have been named as the winner of Radio 1’s coveted Sound of 2023.
The London band, consisting of Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma and Renée Downer, were chosen by a panel of over 130 industry experts and artists, including Elton John, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Celeste and more.
Childhood friends Renée and Stella met Jorja at an audition and decided to form a group. Their first single Cardboard Box, produced by MNEK, was a huge success when it was released last March.
They have since gone on to receive viral fame, with over 100 million global streams, a billion views on TikTok and endorsements from the likes of SZA, Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott.
FLO says: “Wow, we did it! To win this accolade not even a year after we released our debut single Cardboard Box is wild.
“We feel so connected to our British music roots winning BBC Radio 1’s Sound Of and admire the artists who have come before us, especially our gal PinkPantheress winning last year!
“Thank you to everyone who voted for us and put girl groups back on the map ♥️ To be recognised for our music and people to believe in our vision inspires us to go further this year! 2023 we’re ready!”
“Jack Saunders says: “This year is one of the strongest long lists we’ve seen in a while. Full of vibrant, creative and exciting artists that want to push the boundaries.
“Radio 1 continues to champion the innovators and the stars of the future and this list will prove that. FLO are a revelation to the scene and a worthy winner of the sound of list this year.”
The top five artists for Sound of 2023 are:
- FLO
- Fred again..
- Nia Archives
- Cat Burns
- Gabriels
Also on the longlist for Sound of 2023 (in alphabetical order):
- Asake
- Biig Piig
- Dylan
- piri & tommy
- Rachel Chinouriri
Last year, it was PinkPantheress who took the top spot the top spot. Sound of… began in 2003 with previous winners including 50 Cent, Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and HAIM.