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The Sound Of... Success

As we count down Sound Of 2017, take a look back at six acts who've topped the list in previous years and gone on to musical greatness...

2016: Jack Garratt

Introducing... Jack Garratt

A 90 second tour through the musical journey of Sound Of 2016 winner Jack Garratt.

Hailing from Little Chalfont in Buckinghamshire, Jack Garratt has come a long way since 2005, when he entered the British heats for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and placed eighth - out of eight. Since topping the Sound Of 2016 list he's scored a top three album, won a Brit Award and played to packed out crowds around the world. And if that wasn't enough, Barack Obama himself is a fan apparently.

BBC News - Jack Garratt reflects on Sound Of 2016

2015: Years & Years

Meet Years & Years

Emre, Olly and Mikey chat about songwriting.

“Dance music with real heart and soul. They’ll be around for decades and decades.”
Sound Of 2015 pundit: James Cabooter, Editor, Off The Record, Daily Star

Synth-pop trio Years & Years weren't widely known when they were announced as the winners of Sound Of 2015. Since then they've gone from success to success, including a No.1 hit single, King, a No.1 album, Communion, plus memorable performances at Glastonbury, Reading + Leeds and Radio 1's Big Weekend to name just a few!

2014: Sam Smith

Sam Smith is announced as the winner of BBC Sound of 2014

Nick Grimshaw reveals Sam Smith as BBC Sound of 2014 Winner.

Sam Smith is blessed with a distinctive mellifluous voice that imbues his lyrics with real emotion and soul.
Sound Of 2014: George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, BBC Radio 1

You might have heard Sam Smith's voice before he won Sound Of 2014 - he featured on Disclosure's iconic breakout hit Latch back in 2012 and reached No.1 with Naughty Boy on La La La in 2013. Since his win he has become a global megastar with three Brit Awards and four US Grammy Awards to his name. He even has two Guinness World Records, including one for having the first James Bond theme to go to No.1 in the UK.

2013: HAIM

HAIM chat to Huw Stephens at Maida Vale

HAIM chat to Huw Stephens at Maida Vale about their beginnings and the BBC Sound of 2013.

They're brilliant musicians who have a real talent for tunes that merge their tales of growing up in the 21st Century with a classic songwriting ability.
Sound Of 2013 pundit: Huw Stephens, DJ, BBC Radio 1

Californian sisters HAIM come from a musical family and had been playing in various guises before they got the critics' attention and became the BBC Sound Of 2013. Since then they've continued their musical odyssey, selling over 200,000 copies of their UK No.1 album, Days Are Gone. They've also played Glastonbury in two consecutive years and toured with their showbiz pal Taylor Swift.

2010: Ellie Goulding

Ellie Goulding in conversation with Jo Whiley

Ellie Goulding joins Radio 2's Jo Whiley to talk about her new album Delirium.

I like the way she's really versatile. You get the impression she could do folk as well as she could a dubstep track.
Sound Of 2010 pundit: Paul Lester, Guardian journalist

It's hard to believe that it's seven years since Ellie Goulding was named the Sound Of 2010. In the time since, her incredible career has spanned three albums selling millions of copies plus ten UK Top 10 singles, including her biggest hit to date in 2015, Love Me Like You Do which reached No.1 around the world and added whole new legions of Ellie fans.

2008: Adele

Adele - Glastonbury 2016 Highlights

Showcasing her superstar status, Adele takes the Pyramid Stage by storm.

Adele's voice melted our hearts when we first heard her and we had to have her on the show.
Sound Of 2008 pundit: Alison Howe, producer, Later... with Jools Holland

What is there to say about Adele, winner of Sound Of 2008, which hasn't already been said? She was just 19 when she released her debut album in January 2008. With her awe-inspiring vocal talents it's perhaps unsurprising that she has become one of the biggest musical stars in the world, having spent a total of 32 weeks at the No.1 spot (eight in the UK, 24 in the US), not to mention shifting 35 million copies of her best-selling album, 21. To cap it all off, in 2016 she conquered Glastonbury Festival with an unforgettable headline slot.