The BRIT Awards 2026 revealed the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 Shortlist last week, with Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and SIENNA SPIRO being nominated for the prestigious award. The nominations were exclusively revealed last week on Radio 1’s New Music Show.
The winner will be revealed next month and all three acts were required to be British and not have yet achieved a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single as of October 31.
These artists will follow in the footsteps of an impressive alumni of former winners and nominees who have gone on to be successful after being shortlisted, including Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, Griff, Flo, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, and this years winner Myles Smith.
Jacob Alon first found their voice in the Scottish folk community, with raw storytelling helping shape their debut album ‘In Limerence’, which was released in May this year. This album made them one of the most singular new artists in Britain, and earned themselves a place on the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist for Album of the Year. Earlier this year Jacob became the first Scottish winner of BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Year, and was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award, as well as being named one of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Artist of the Year. Due to their lyrics that consist of dark humour, they have build a reputation for performanes that feel intimate and electrifying.
Rose Gray burst into the year with her debut album ‘Louder, Please’, which shifted the trajcetory of her career. After years of songwriting, this was her breakthrough. She has now performed around Europe, sharing the stage with acts such as Confidence Man and the Sugababes. She has embraced the freedom to explore dance-driven music and has collaborated with creatives such as Justin Tranter, who has written songs for artists such as Britney Spears and Selena Gomez.
SIENNA SPIRO has become a new voice in British music, with her soulful tone and storytelling. Her debut single ‘NEED ME’ was released last year, and immediately showed the emotional depth to her music. Her debut EP ‘SINK NOW, SWIM LATER’ futher showcased her ability to translate real experiences into storytelling, with the fan-favourite song ‘MAYBE’, that drew praise from artists such as SZA, Finneas, and Mark Ronson. Alongside her sold out UK and European headline tour, she has also stepped onto major stages at All Points East and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place next year on February 28 at Manchester’s Co-op Live, which will mark the first time the event has been held in the city and outside of London, and will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX.
