Khalid, 15-year-old Billie Eilish make BBC Sound Of 2018 longlist

Billie Eilish released her debut EP “Don’t Smile at Me” in August. Image: AFP Relaxnews

BBC Music has revealed its Sound Of 2018 longlist, continuing an annual compilation of rising musicians ripped for success in the year ahead.

The 16-strong longlist is one of the youngest yet, according to organizers, and includes the competition’s youngest-ever nominee: 15-year-old American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, whose debut EP “Don’t Smile at Me” dropped this summer.

Other longlistees include United States singer-songwriter Khalid, who has already enjoyed a high-profile year and won Best New Artist at this year’s MTV VMAs; Manchester natives Pale Waves, whose music has gotten a boost thanks to support for The 1975; Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid of debut 2017 single and EP “Don’t Kill My Vibe”; and Brooklyn pop/house singer and producer Yaeji.

The full longlist is as follows:

ALMA
Billie Eilish
IAMDDB
Jade Bird
Khalid
Lewis Capaldi
Nilüfer Yanya
Not3s
Pale Waves
Rex Orange County
Sam Fender
Sigrid
Superorganism
Tom Walker
Yaeji
Yxng Bane

The longlist was chosen by more than 170 musicians and music experts including former winners Ellie Goulding and Olly Alexander, this year’s winner Ray BLK, and former top-five contender Stormzy. Other past winners have included Jack Garratt, Sam Smith, HAIM and Adele. JB

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