The BRIT Awards 2026 has officially unveiled the three artists shortlisted for the prestigious Critics’ Choice Award. Revealed on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders, this year’s nominees—Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and Sienna Spiro—represent a dynamic cross-section of rising British artistry. The winner will be announced in January, ahead of the ceremony on February 28, when the BRITs will make their historic debut at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
For 2026, the category reverts to its original name of Critics’ Choice, restoring its emphasis on critical acclaim as a marker of potential at the earliest stage of an artist’s career. Since its creation in 2008, the award has identified future powerhouses including Adele, Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, FLO, and last year’s winner Myles Smith—artists who each transformed early recognition into global breakthroughs.
This year’s finalists arrive with distinct voices and rapidly building momentum. Jacob Alon, raised in Fife and shaped by Edinburgh’s folk community, has emerged as a singular storyteller. Their Mercury Prize–shortlisted debut album In Limerence positioned them as one of Britain’s most striking new voices.
Rose Gray, the East London pop-electronic visionary, enters the shortlist after a defining year powered by her debut album Louder, Please. The record, which fused club euphoria with sharp pop craft, sparked a European tour, major festival appearances, and global recognition including a slot on Kesha’s 2025 tour. Sienna Spiro, the newest of the three nominees, has risen at remarkable speed since releasing her first music in 2024. Her latest single “Die On This Hill” became her first UK Top 10 hit.
In an official statement, Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee, praised the trio as “a new wave of UK musicians shaping popular culture,” noting that early support remains crucial in an increasingly competitive landscape. This year’s award will also be accompanied by a new trophy designed by Matthew Williamson, inspired by Manchester’s iconic worker bee symbol and the global reach of British music.
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will air live on ITV and ITVX from Manchester on February 28, 2026.
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