Dermot Kennedy Makes BBC Music's Sound of 2019 Top 10 List

Dublin singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy is one of the ten acts that has been short-listed for the prestigious BBC Music's Sound of 2019 honour, which aims to champion rising stars.

This year's selection focuses on solo acts, with only one band actually appearing in the top 10. Also for the first time this year, there's an artist who performs in Spanish.

The other artists to make the cut include Grace Carter, Octavian, Sea Girls, MC Flohio King Princess, Mahalia, Ella Mai, Rosalia and SlowThai.

Now in its 17th year, the list showcases this year's hottest new artists. Previous winners include the likes of Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J.

The top 10 list was voted for by 136 critics, broadcasters and DJs, including former nominees Ellie Goulding, Stormzy and our very own Annie Mac.

"For 17 years the BBC Music Sound of list has been celebrating exciting up-and-coming talent and this year we are proud to recognise the work of such an eclectic mix of musicians," said BBC's Head of BBC Music, James Stirling.

"There's a wealth of talent coming through and I look forward to seeing the artists build their reputations in 2019."

The countdown of the top five begins on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show on Monday, 7 January 7. The Sound of 2019 winner announced on Friday, 11 January.

Irish DJ Annie Mac reckons the list is "filled with incredibly talented people and is a real reflection of where music is heading in 2019".

The BBC1 broadcaster added: "So many of the artists are truly innovating in their fields. It's exciting to champion new music across the BBC and share these artists with the audience."

Here's each artist and their key track to be selected:

Grace Carter Silence
Flohio Wild Yout
Dermot Kennedy Power Over Me
King Princess 1950
Mahalia Casual Wish I Missed My Ex
Ella Mai Boo'd Up
Octavian Party Here
Rosalía Catalan Malamente
Sea Girls Too Much Fun
Slowthai Ladies