R&B trio Flo have won the BBC’s Sound of 2023.

PREVIOUS winners of the annual list, which showcases the next big things in music, include Adele, Sam Smith and Pink Pantheress.

The UK girl group received the news from Stormzy, who called the newcomers “a breath of fresh air” who had “killed it in every single department”.

“That’s insane, right?” said singer Renée Downer, who formed the group with Stella Quaresma and Jorja Douglas.

Flo, whose members are aged between 19 and 21, was formed in 2019 and signed to Island Records in 2020.

Their debut single, Cardboard Box, is layered with honeyed group harmonies and sassy one-liners, and was released last March.

“Never liked your momma, so I guess she’s blocked / You may be crying, but boy, I’m not”, they sing in the chorus.

The track’s throwback R&B style earned comparisons with US girl bands like Destiny’s Child, TLC and SWV; and they have picked up endorsements from Missy Elliot and Brandy, an unexpected turn of events that Douglas calls “the biggest honour”.

“They’re like the old school,” she says. “Those people have really inspired us and influenced the music that we make.”

In July, the trio released their debut EP, The Lead, which has been streamed more than 70 million times, leading to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel’s US chat show and the BBC’s Later… With Jools Holland.

Flo arrived just in time to fill the girl band gap left by Little Mix, who played their farewell tour last year.

Like their predecessors, Flo say their message is “to be strong in yourself, to be confident”.

“There is female empowerment – but everyone who listens should feel supported, inspired, independent,” says Stella.

“We want them to feel the way music used to make us feel.”

The Sound of 2023 was voted for by more than 130 music industry experts, including representatives from Spotify, Apple Music, Glastonbury Festival, the BBC and former nominees including Dua Lipa, Stormzy, Sam Smith and Foals.

The list was open to new artists who had yet to achieve a top five album or more than two top 10 singles by October 31, 2022. Artists who had appeared on TV talent shows within the last three years were ineligible.

US soul trio Gabriels came fifth, followed by singer-songwriter Cat Burns and jungle musician Nia Archives.

Fred Again, a producer for Ed Sheeran and Stormzy who has broken out as a solo artist making emotionally-cathartic dance music, was the runner-up. (BBC)