Nominees revealed for 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard has revealed that Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO are the artists nominated for the prestigious BRITs Critics’ Choice supported by BBC Radio 1.

The nominations were exclusively revealed this evening on Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders. The winner will be announced in January.

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28th February from Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time the event has been held in the city and outside of London, and will also be broadcast on ITV and ITVX.

These newly announced artists follow in the footsteps of an impressive alumni of former winners and nominees who have gone on to achieve remarkable success after being shortlisted, including Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Griff, FLO, The Last Dinner Party, Myles Smith and more.

The award has reverted to its original name of Critics’ Choice for 2026, in acknowledgement of the importance of ‘critical acclaim’ to artists at this early and crucial stage of their career. The prize was introduced in 2008 to identify the future stars of British music and is decided by an expert panel of new music champions across media, broadcast and industry.

The 2026 BRITs Critics Choice shortlist

Jacob Alon

Alon found their voice in Edinburgh’s folk community, where songs became a lifeline and a way to translate the deep, unspoken parts of themselves. That raw storytelling ultimately shaped their debut album In Limerence, a record that earned them a place on the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist for Album of the Year.

“Ya beauty! Tapadh leibh for recognising my work for this award you legends! Even though I’m Scottish and Irish before I’m British, I appreciate the BRITs critics for this recognition,” they said. “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!!!”

Rose Gray

Gray burst into 2025 with her debut album Louder, Please, a record that fused euphoric club culture with razor-sharp pop instincts and immediately shifted the trajectory of her career. After years of songwriting, from early days at the BRIT School, she hit the road, found new fans across Europe, and shared stages with acts like Confidence Man and the Sugababes.

“I’m so excited for this nomination!! This moment feels like a special reminder of how far this journey has carried me and what a crazy year it’s been. One year ago, I was manifesting so hard for my album Louder, Please to travel, to find its people, to really get its light. And it did. Releasing this record has genuinely changed my life. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey and I can't wait for what's to come. Thank you BRITs️.”

SIENNA SPIRO

SPIRO has quickly become one of the most compelling new voices in British music, pairing a richly soulful tone with a cinematic approach to storytelling. She introduced herself in May 2024 with her debut single NEED ME, immediately signalling an artist with emotional depth and a striking sense of identity. Her debut EP SINK NOW, SWIM LATER further showcased her ability to translate real experiences into timeless, modern songs.

"So beyond honoured and grateful to be nominated for this year's Critics' Choice BRIT Award! To think I started releasing music last year, I would never have expected this at all. Thank you so much!"

Stacey Tang, chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: "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."

It was announced recently that internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson is the creative force behind the 2026 trophy. Inspired by his Manchester roots and the city’s famous drive and resilience, the trophy is amber toned resin - resembling the golden honey of a worker bee, the city’s mascot - atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music.

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28th February from Manchester’s Co-op Live.