The 22-year-old, who has toured with Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, topped this year’s list ahead of British rapper Jim Legxacy in second place, US singer-songwriter Sombr in third, and New York indie band Geese in fourth.
Ms Newman said: “I’m still in shock that I’ve won Radio 1’s Sound Of 2026.
“So many artists that I’ve listened to over the years have been honoured with the award, and now me.
“To think that Sound Of started the year I was born, 2003, and now I’m a winner.
“I’m so grateful and wouldn’t be where I am without my people and the BBC supporting me on my journey.
“Thank-you.”
The Radio 1 Sound Of list has previously won by the likes of The Last Dinner Party, Adele and Haim.
Winners are chosen by a panel of more than 170 industry experts and artists, including Sir Elton John, Dua Lipa, Olivia Dean and Sam Smith.
Ms Newman has already made an impression on the charts, with her single Family Matters peaking at number five in the UK.
She also has four other charting tracks to her name, including Hairdresser, FU & UF and Out Out, as well as her EP SE9 – PT1, which reached number 18 on the UK albums chart.
She told BBC News: “I can’t believe that I’ve got to this point, it’s incredible, surreal, just mental.”
Australian indie pop band Royel Otis rounded out the top five.
Other artists on the longlist included Alessi Rose, Florence Road and Sasha Keable.
Ms Newman’s performance from Radio 1’s Sound Of Live gig is to be available on Radio 1’s iPlayer channel.
