Nominees for Brits Critics' Choice Award announced

Next year, music fans will likely become familiar with Sienna Spiro, Jacob Alon, and Rose Gray, who have been named as the contenders for the 2026 Brits Critics' Choice Award. Formerly known as the Brits Rising Star, this accolade highlights emerging talent chosen by industry professionals. The winner will be revealed in January, ahead of the Brit Awards ceremony taking place in Manchester on 28 February for the first time.

This years nominees will follow in the footsteps of Myles Smith, whose hit "Stargazing" propelled him to global recognition. Previous winners include acclaimed artists such as Adele, Sam Fender, and The Last Dinner Party.

Rose Gray: A Breakthrough Year

Rose Gray admitted she initially doubted the nomination but felt thrilled to be recognized. The East London musician began the year with her debut album Louder, Please, a lively dance-pop project that accelerated her career. At 28, Rose has been refining her songwriting since attending the Brit School, which counts Amy Winehouse and Raye among its alumni.

"Ive only released one album so far, but I have many more in me," she shared. Rose anticipates a year filled with new music, live shows, and reaching a wider audience. Recently, she has performed alongside acts like Confidence Man and the Sugababes and opened for Kesha on her North American tour.

Sienna Spiro: Soulful Ascendancy

Sienna Spiro expressed overwhelming excitement at her nomination. Her soulful sound has captivated audiences since her debut single Need Me dropped in May 2024. Earlier this year, she released the EP Sink Now, Swim Later, which highlighted her cinematic songwriting, while her single Die On This Hill reached number nine on the UK singles chart.

"I feel so grateful. Ive wanted to do this my entire life," the 20-year-old said. Siennas nomination marks a significant milestone in her journey as an emerging artist.

Jacob Alon: Folk Roots and Recognition

Jacob Alon, who grew up in Edinburgh, developed their voice within the local folk scene after challenging experiences at university and in London. Their debut album, In Limerence, known for its storytelling quality, was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize earlier this year. Last month, Jacob became the first Scottish artist to receive the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award.

Identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Jacob expressed hope that their success would inspire others to pursue music, especially those who rarely see themselves represented in the industry while growing up.

Back to Critics' Choice

The award, in collaboration with BBC Radio 1, has returned to its original Critics' Choice name to emphasize the significance of critical recognition for early-career artists. The 2026 Brit Awards ceremony will be broadcast live from Manchesters Co-op Live on 28 February.

Author: Zoe Harrison