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

The BRIT Awards have announced the three artists shortlisted for its 2026 Critics’ Choice Award - previously called the Rising Star Award - ahead of the overall winner being revealed in the new year.

Making up the prestigious trio are: ethereal folk favourite and DIY Class of 2025 alum Jacob Alon (whose stunning debut, ‘In Limerence’, was also shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize); club-pop prodigy Rose Gray (who released her party-starting first full-length, ‘Louder, Please’, earlier this year); and evocative storyteller Sienna Spiro (who’s recently scooped her first UK Top 10 with latest single ‘Die On This Hill’).

They join a glittering cast of previous shortlistees, among whom have been former winners The Last Dinner Party, Griff, Jorja Smith, Michael Kiwanuka, Florence + The Machine, Adele, and Dua Lipa. Introduced in 2008, the Critics’ Choice Award is voted for by a panel of experts from across the music industry, with the intention of highlighting artists on the path to stardom. 

Speaking about their nomination, Jacob has said: “Ya beauty! Tapadh leibh for recognising my work for this award you legends! Even though I’m Scottish & Irish before I’m British, I appreciate the BRITs critics for this recognition. I really care about and believe in this music and it makes my world brighter every time it reaches someone else. Hopefully this nomination means some more beautiful people might find something in this wee album. ‘Mon the gays!!!”

The 2026 BRIT Awards will take place on Saturday 28th February in Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena - the first time the event has ever been held outside London. The winner of the Critics’ Choice Award is set to be announced in the new year, so watch this space; in the meantime, find out more about all three nominees below.