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EMBARGOED UNTIL 21:00, FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2026
Finalists revealed for BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026,
spotlighting Scotland’s next wave of emerging artists
From left to right: Katie Nicoll, Riley, J Wax, Lo Rays, Alice Faye
Five exceptional emerging Scottish artists from across the country are being
recognised by BBC Introducing in Scotland as the finalists for the BBC
Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026, shining a spotlight on the next
generation of musicians making their mark on the industry.
Now in its fifth year, the BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year award
celebrates the most exciting emerging artists in Scotland and provides a major
opportunity for musicians to take the next step in their careers.
After receiving hundreds of submissions from acts across Scotland, a panel of
expert judges have narrowed the entries down to five finalists representing a
diverse mix of genres and musical influences from across the country’s
thriving music scene.
The BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026 finalists are:
• Katie Nicoll – singer-songwriter from Dundee known for her acoustic,
heartfelt songwriting
• Riley – Glasgow-based country artist bringing a unique country
inspired pop sound

• J Wax – Edinburgh-based dynamic and genre-fluid DJ and producer
• Lo Rays – Glasgow-based modern rock band blending glitchy synths,
pop hooks and heavy guitar riffs
• Alice Faye – Glasgow singer-songwriter known for her distinctive retro-
pop sound
The five finalists will perform live at Saint Luke's, Glasgow, on Tuesday 24
March, where they will compete in front of a live audience to be crowned BBC
Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026.
The final will be hosted by Phoebe Inglis-Holmes and Stephanie Cheape,
presenters of BBC Introducing in Scotland.
The event will be broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland on Friday 27 March on
BBC Introducing in Scotland.
Alongside the coveted title, the winning act will receive:
• A professional recording session with BBC Radio Scotland
• A performance slot at TRNSMT Festival
• A bespoke PR campaign to support their career development
The BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year award highlights the ongoing
impact of BBC Introducing in Scotland, which plays a key role in supporting
emerging artists by providing airplay, live performance opportunities and
industry exposure. Since launching in 2020, BBC Introducing in Scotland has
supported more than 500 artists.
Recent success stories include the ethereal Jacob Alon, who received their first
Radio Play with BBC Introducing in Scotland in September 2023 after
submitting a demo track to the BBC Introducing Uploader. They have since
gone on to win the prestigious BRITs Rising Star Award (Critics’ Choice) and
became the first Scot to win BBC Introducing Artist of the Year in 2025.
Previous finalists and winners of Scottish Act of the Year have also gone on to
achieve major milestones in their careers. Becky Sikasa, last year’s winner,
performed at TRNSMT Festival and recently announced a UK tour alongside
the release of her latest single Together Apart.
Meet the 2026 finalists