Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and Sienna Spiro shortlisted for 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award

Known as the Rising Star Award in recent years, the 2026 edition will see the award revert to its original name of Critics’ Choice to acknowledge the importance of ‘critical acclaim’ to artists in the early stages of their careers.

The nominations were announced yesterday evening on Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders. Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and Sienna Spiro are highlighted as artists at foundational points in their careers, predicted as notable figures within the next generation of British talent. Previous winners have included The Last Dinner Party, Holly Humberstone, Sam Fender, and Jorja Smith, with past nominees including Nia Archives, Lola Young, and Beabadoobee.

"How exciting to spotlight a new wave of UK musicians shaping popular culture. Awards and recognition for emerging artists is now more important than ever, and Critics’ Choice has long championed brilliantly talented new artists. This cohort shares the same early spark displayed by previous winners like Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Fender, Myles Smith and Emeli Sande. This year’s finalists are a great reminder that commercial momentum grows from creative ambition and artistic bravery," comments Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK.

The winner of The BRITs Critics’ Choice is due to be announced in January, while the BRIT Awards 2026 will be held on Saturday, 28 February, at Manchester’s Co-op Live — the first time the event has taken place outside of London. The ceremony is also set to be broadcast live on ITV and ITVX.