BBC Radio 2 has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated Piano Room Month, set to take over Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show throughout February. Broadcast live from the legendary Maida Vale Studios, the 2026 season features 16 world-class artists delivering stripped-back, orchestral performances in collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
A Month of Musical Icons
Kicking off on Monday, February 2, Britpop legends Pulp will open the series, followed by a high-energy start to the month including Melanie C, James, and Macy Gray. Each artist is tasked with performing three tracks: a new song, one of their best-loved classics, and a unique cover version.
The second week brings a diverse mix of genres, featuring the debut of folk-rock titans Mumford and Sons, country superstar Darius Rucker, and dance-diva Alison Limerick. Darius Rucker, who helped reveal the line-up alongside Ella Eyre, described the invitation as a "pinch-me moment," noting the historic significance of the Maida Vale setting.
From Heritage Acts to Modern Pop
The schedule continues to impress into late February with a rare performance from the legendary Labi Siffre, alongside Squeeze, Mika, and the long-awaited return of Appleton. Pop powerhouses Jessie J and Blue are also set to take the stage, with iconic singer-songwriter Tori Amos scheduled for Wednesday, February 25.
The Full February Line-up:
Week 1: Pulp (2nd), Melanie C (3rd), James (4th), Macy Gray (5th).
Week 2: Darius Rucker (9th), Mumford and Sons (10th), Alison Limerick (11th), TBA (12th).
Week 3: Labi Siffre (16th), Ella Eyre (17th), Squeeze (18th), Appleton (19th).
Week 4: Blue (23rd), Mika (24th), Tori Amos (25th), Jessie J (26th).
Unmissable Covers
A highlight of the series is the "special cover" requirement. This year, listeners can expect reimagined hits from a wide array of artists, including Taylor Swift, ABBA, Ed Sheeran, and Frank Sinatra.
Fans can tune in to Vernon Kay (9:30 AM – 12 PM) on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds to hear the performances live, or watch the full sessions on BBC iPlayer later that day.
