Radio 2’s Piano Room makes a triumphant return next month on Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show (9.30am-12pm weekdays) with 16 incredible live performances from a star-studded line-up including Tori Amos, Melanie C, Mumford and Sons, Pulp, Darius Rucker, Labi Siffre and Squeeze.
The artists will sing a new song, one of their own classics and a cover version, whilst being accompanied by the world-famous BBC Concert Orchestra from London’s Maida Vale studios. Friday’s show will feature highlights from that week’s Piano Room performances. As well as being live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, each performance will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer later that day.
Performers Ella Eyre and Darius Rucker joined Vernon Kay on Radio 2 live from Maida Vale to reveal the glittering line-up.
Radio 2 Piano Room Month 2026 Line-Up
Monday 2 February – Pulp
Pulp said: “We are very much looking forward to coming into the Radio 2 Piano Room. What will we find there? Something old, something new – & a VERY special cover version. Can’t wait….”
Tuesday 3 February – Melanie C
Melanie said: “It’s a real honour to be part of BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room. Performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra brings a whole new depth and drama to the music, and the longstanding legacy of Maida Vale studio feels like the perfect place for that. I’m especially excited that this will be the very first time I perform my new single – sharing it in this setting makes the moment even more special.”
Wednesday 4 February – James
Tim Booth of James says: “Whenever our songs are orchestrated, it deepens the emotional impact. So we are looking forward to another fresh orchestral collaboration in the Piano Room – on my birthday. Expect fireworks and a cake 😂.”
Thursday 5 February – Macy Gray
Monday 9 February – Darius Rucker
Darius said: “It’s an honour to be invited to join the BBC Concert Orchestra for Radio 2’s Piano Room sessions at the historic Maida Vale Studios. I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few years writing, touring, recording and meeting so many incredible musicians in London, many of whom have recorded Piano Room sessions that have gone on to be some of my favourite performances to listen to. I’ve always loved the unique production this series brings to the music, so this is such a pinch-me moment.”
Tuesday 10 February – Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons said: “We are stoked to be making our debut at Radio 2’s Piano Room alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra. We have rarely had the opportunity to collaborate with any orchestra, and this is one of the best in the world so hopefully we don’t play too many wrong notes. It really is an honour. We can’t wait.”
Wednesday 11 February – Alison Limerick
Alison said: “I am super excited about working with the BBC Concert Orchestra; it is an honour to be invited to take part in a Piano Room session. I will of course be very nervous but it going to be a blast. Of that I am sure.”
Thursday 12 February – to be announced
Monday 16 February – Labi Siffre
Labi said: “It’s nice to be singing with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Maida Vale studios to millions of BBC listeners and viewers around the world. I’ve always enjoyed recording with the Maida Vale team and I hope you like the result.”
Tuesday 17 February – Ella Eyre
Ella said: ‘Looking forward to performing for the Radio 2 Piano Room with the BBC Concert Orchestra, I love reimagining songs and I’m excited to share what were put together!”
Wednesday 18 February – Squeeze
Squeeze said: “We’re excited to be back at Maida Vale studios as it’s such an iconic BBC building with so much history. Playing with the BBC Concert Orchestra will be a real thrill, something we’re looking forward to.”
Thursday 19 February – Appleton
Nicole and Nat said: “We can’t wait to get back on stage as Appleton in 2026 starting with the iconic BBC Radio 2 Piano Room sessions. We have a really special set of songs to share with everyone and we’re thrilled to be part of such a spectacular show.”
Monday 23 February – Blue
Blue said: “It’s a dream of ours to perform in the Piano Rooms with an orchestra of that magnitude. We can’t wait for these amazing musicians to bring our music to life.”
Tuesday 24 February – Mika
Mika said: “Radio 2’s Piano Room sessions are truly legendary and I am honored to be returning to Maida Vale Studios to celebrate the release of my new album Hyperlove and perform with the wonderful BBC Concert Orchestra! “
Wednesday 25 February – Tori Amos
Tori said: “I am thrilled to be performing at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Piano Room Month. It will be so special to be at the historic Maida Vale Studios, and I am so looking forward to playing with the fabulous BBC Concert Orchestra.”
Thursday 26 February – Jessie J
Jessie said: “I love to sing, and I LOVE to sing with an orchestra. To be able to sing a classic cover I have been wanting to sing for so long and new music is a dream I can’t wait!!!!”
This year’s stunning line-up will perform cover versions by Abba, Gnarls Barkley, Glen Campbell, The Four Tops, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, Lou Reed, Right Said Fred, Spice Girls, Ed Sheeran, Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift and Wings. To find out who is covering which artist, tune in each day.
Vernon Kay, who hosts the UK’s most listened to radio show with a weekly audience of 6.6m, said: “Radio 2 listeners are in for a real treat for this year’s Piano Room Month, with a truly incredible line-up of artists. It’s going to be a very special month, hearing iconic artists play music from across the decades. I’m so excited to welcome these wonderful performers to the Maida Vale studios, to chat about their musical journeys and to hear what special covers they have in store.”
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2 and 6 Music said: “I’m excited for the return of one of our biggest celebrations of live music, Piano Room Month. As we enter our fifth season, I’m delighted to bring together another diverse mix of artists whose collective histories span over six decades and a wide range of musical genres. I hope listeners will enjoy these new and unique performances delivered in collaboration with our own brilliant and versatile BBC Concert Orchestra.”
Matthew Swann, Director of the BBC Concert Orchestra, says: “Hearing some of the world’s best loved tracks performed alongside the world-class BBC Concert Orchestra makes Radio 2’s Piano Room a highlight of the year. I cannot wait for the orchestra to get collaborating with this fantastic line-up of artists.”
To celebrate February’s Piano Room month, listeners and viewers will be able to enjoy classic sets from Richard Ashcroft, Gary Barlow, Deacon Blue, Celeste, Elkie Brooks, Cat Burns, Coldplay, Olivia Dean, Tom Grennan, Kate Hudson, Perrie, RAYE, Sam Ryder, Kim Wilde, Robbie Williams and 10cc now on BBC Sounds and on BBC iPlayer.
February 2026’s season follows a bumper year of performances in the Piano Room in 2025, including Elkie Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Coldplay, Kate Hudson, Robbie Williams and 10cc amongst others.
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