BRITs' Nominees for 2026 Critics' Choice Award Have Been Announced

The BRIT Awards have unveiled the three artists shortlisted for this years Critics Choice award, which highlights emerging British talent expected to achieve commercial success. The contenders include alternative folk musician Jacob Alon (Island), pop newcomer Rose Gray (Polydor), and rising star Sienna Spiro (Capitol Records). The winner will be announced on January 14 during Radio 1s New Music Show with Jack Saunders.

Introduced in 2008, the Critics Choice award is decided by a panel of music journalists, radio and television music executives, as well as songwriters, producers, and booking agents. Past winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine, The Last Dinner Party, and last years recipient, Myles Smith. Between 2020 and 2025, the accolade was called the BRITs Rising Star award before returning to its original Critics Choice title for 2026.

Eligibility criteria require artists to not have yet achieved a top 20 album or more than one top 20 single on the Official U.K. charts as of October 31, 2025.

Jacob Alon, from Dunfermline, Scotland, released their debut album In Limerence in May, which received a Mercury Prize nomination. The album led to standout performances at major British festivals such as Glastonbury and Green Man.

East London-born Rose Gray has steadily built momentum since releasing music in 2019 via PIAS, culminating in her debut album Louder, Please in January 2025. Throughout the year, she has cultivated a devoted following while supporting acts including Sugababes, Kesha, and Scissor Sisters on tour.

Singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro scored a top 10 U.K. hit with Die On This Hill in late November, keeping her within the eligibility guidelines for the award. At 20 years old, she cites jazz and classic pop legends Etta James and Frank Sinatra as key influences, introduced to her by her father, jeweller Glenn Spiro.

Stacey Tang, chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music U.K., commented: Its thrilling to highlight the next generation of U.K. musicians shaping popular culture. Recognition for emerging artists is vital, and Critics Choice has consistently celebrated remarkable talent. This years nominees share the same early spark as previous winners like Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Fender, Myles Smith, and Emeli Sande. They are proof that creative ambition and artistic courage drive commercial success.

The BRIT Awards 2026, officially presented with Mastercard, will be held on February 28 at The Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, marking the first time the event takes place outside London. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV and ITVX.

Author: Olivia Parker