Radio 2 Piano Room returns with star-studded February line-up

Radio 2’s Piano Room is set to return next month with a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and Squeeze.

The much-loved live music series will be back on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show throughout February featuring sixteen performances from major artists across pop, rock and soul, all accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale studios.

Each artist will perform three songs, including a brand-new track, one of their own classics and a specially chosen cover version.

The performances will air live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with video versions made available on BBC iPlayer later the same day. Vernon Kay’s Friday show will also include highlights from the week’s Piano Room sessions.

The line-up was revealed today during a live broadcast from Maida Vale, with Ella Eyre and Darius Rucker joining Vernon Kay in the studio to announce the artists taking part.

Pulp will open the month on Monday 2 February, teasing “something old, something new and a very special cover version.” Melanie C follows on Tuesday 3 February and said performing with the orchestra adds “a whole new depth and drama to the music,” confirming it will be the first live performance of her new single.

James appear on Wednesday 4 February, with frontman Tim Booth promising “fireworks and a cake” as the session falls on his birthday, before Macy Gray performs on Thursday 5 February.

The second week begins with Darius Rucker on Monday 9 February, who described the invitation as “such a pinch-me moment” after years of working and recording in London.

Mumford and Sons make their Piano Room debut on Tuesday 10 February, saying they are “stoked” to collaborate with the BBC Concert Orchestra, while Alison Limerick performs on Wednesday 11 February. The artist for Thursday 12 February is yet to be announced.

The third week features Labi Siffre on Monday 16 February, followed by Ella Eyre on Tuesday 17 February, who said she loves “reimagining songs” in this setting.

Squeeze return to Maida Vale on Wednesday 18 February, calling it “an iconic BBC building with so much history,” before Appleton reunite on Thursday 19 February for what will be their first major live sessions of 2026.

The final week sees Blue perform on Monday 23 February, with the group calling it “a dream” to sing with an orchestra of that scale.

Mika follows on Tuesday 24 February, celebrating the release of his new album Hyperlove, while Tori Amos appears on Wednesday 25 February, saying she is “thrilled” to be part of Piano Room Month.

Jessie J will close the series on Thursday 26 February, promising new music alongside a long-awaited classic cover.

Vernon Kay said: “Radio 2 listeners are in for a real treat for this year’s Piano Room Month, with a truly incredible line-up of artists.  It’s going to be a very special month, hearing iconic artists play music from across the decades.”