Radio 2 Piano Room month confirmed with 16 acts

BBC Radio 2 has announced the return of Piano Room month next February with 16 live sessions across Vernon Kay’s mid-morning show.

The series runs on weekdays from Monday 2 February to Thursday 26 February, with artists performing a new song, a classic track and a cover alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale Studios in London.

The schedule opens with Pulp and moves through performances by Melanie C, James, Macy Gray, Darius Rucker, Mumford and Sons, Alison Limerick, Labi Siffre, Ella Eyre, Squeeze, Appleton, Blue, Mika, Tori Amos and Jessie J, with one act yet to be announced for Thursday 12 February. Each session will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with highlights on Vernon’s Friday show and full video available on BBC iPlayer later in the day.

Melanie said performing with the orchestra brought “a whole new depth and drama” to her music and described Maida Vale as “the perfect place” for the session. Darius called his invitation “a pinch-me moment” and spoke of his admiration for the series’ production. Members of Mumford and Sons said they were “stoked” to make their debut with the orchestra, noting they hoped to honour the collaboration without mistakes.

The season’s covers will include material originally by artists such as Abba, Ed Sheeran, Wings, Taylor Swift and Frank Sinatra. Listeners are encouraged to tune in each day to discover which songs are chosen. Vernon said the month would feature “a truly incredible line-up of artists” and offer a wide musical journey for audiences.

The line-up is:  

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!!!!”