The road to the 2026 BRIT Awards with Mastercard has officially begun with the announcement of Jacob Alon as the winner of the prestigious Critics’ Choice Award. Revealed by Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1, the Scottish singer-songwriter becomes the first artist to claim a trophy for the 2026 cycle, which culminates at Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday, 28 February.
A Rising Star from Fife to Edinburgh
Raised in Fife and honed within Edinburgh’s vibrant folk community, Jacob Alon has rapidly become one of the most compelling voices in British music. Their debut album, In Limerence, earned a place on the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist, showcasing a raw storytelling ability that flits between vulnerable folk and commanding pop presence.
Upon receiving the news, Alon shared: "In the wee town where I grew up in Scotland, it often felt like there was a limit to how high you could dare to dream. So being part of something like this makes me feel like I’m floating far above the sky."
Returning to the "Critics’ Choice" Roots
For 2026, the award has reverted to its original title of Critics’ Choice (previously known as the Rising Star award). The move acknowledges the vital role of critical acclaim in launching new talent. To qualify, artists must not have achieved a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single by October 2025. Alon triumphed over fellow nominees Rose Gray and Sienna Spiro following a vote by an expert panel of media and industry champions.
Joining a Legacy of Icons
By securing the Matthew Williamson-designed trophy, Alon joins an elite alumni of past winners who have defined the last two decades of music, including Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Fender, and last year's winner, Myles Smith.
The momentum continues this Wednesday, 21 January, when the full list of nominations will be revealed via a livestream on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook from 5pm. Hosted by the returning Jack Whitehall, the 2026 ceremony promises to be a landmark event for Manchester’s cultural scene.
