BBC 6 Music names its Artists of the Year 2025 featuring Pulp, CMAT and more

BBC Radio 6 Music has unveiled its Artists of the Year 2025, celebrating a mix of icons, innovators, and breakout stars who’ve defined the past twelve months.

Announced each November, the annual list champions the artists who’ve made the biggest cultural impact over the year, whether through landmark albums, unforgettable live moments or boundary-pushing creativity. The 2025 lineup reflects that same broad, genre-spanning spirit 6 Music is known for.

The full list of Artists of the Year 2025 (in alphabetical order):

Blood Orange, CMAT, Deftones, Ethel Cain, FKA twigs, Geese, Jacob Alon, jasmine.4.t, Kae Tempest, Maruja, Pulp, and Turnstile.

Check out the BBC's coverage of CMAT's live set at Glastonbury this year:

Several artists shared their excitement following the announcement:

“It’s amazing to have a career that’s still growing,” said FKA twigs, while Chino Moreno of Deftones added, “It’s been a great year for us making this record… we’re stoked that people seem to be taking to it.” Blood Orange also called the recognition “a real honour,” saying that local support for his latest album, Essex Honey “, means a lot.”

BBC 6 Music’s Cam Pia explained the spirit behind the list: 

“Artists of the Year is our chance to really big up those acts who have made a cultural impact in 2025. Once again, it’s an incredibly broad mix that represents the wide range of music we play on the network.”

Fans can dive deeper into this year’s honourees through two one-hour specials - 6 Music’s Artists of the Year Part 1 and Part 2 - now streaming on BBC Sounds. Part 1 focuses on Blood Orange, CMAT, Deftones, Ethel Cain, FKA twigs and Geese, while Part 2 spotlights Jacob Alon, jasmine.4.t, Kae Tempest, Maruja, Pulp and Turnstile.

The celebrations continue across the 6 Music schedule, with exclusive live sessions, themed features, and interviews. Highlights include Jacob Alon’s Artist in Residence series (3rd – 6th  November, 11 pm), Chino Moreno’s Locked in Room 445 special, and a live session from Blood Orange on Lauren Laverne’s show (12th November).

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