Brit Awards 2026: Jacob Alon named as ‘Critics Choice’ winner
Jacob Alon has been named as the ‘Critics Choice’ winner ahead of the Brit Awards 2026.
The Scottish singer-songwriter has beaten out competition in the form of soul singer Sienna Spiro and dance-pop act Rose Gray to the coveted prize, which gives the seal of approval from the Brits voting body towards an artist who they expect to go on a rapid rise in their career.
In a statement released after the news was announced, Alon said: “Taing mhòr to the critics for recognising my work for this award, you absolute dotes!”
Reflecting on their roots from the area of Fife, they said they felt there was often a limit to what they could achieve, but now they feel as if “I’m floating far above the sky”.
They added: “In a world full of broken and rusted, jaggy edges, I’m grateful to find a place for softness still. And I will keep fighting for it,” continuing, “I really care about and believe in this music, and it makes my world brighter every time it reaches someone else. Hopefully this means some more beautiful people might find something in my album. Thank you to anyone who has ever listened.”
Alon’s debut album, In Limerance, was released in May last year to critical acclaim, leading to a nomination for the 2025 Mercury Prize.
The folk singer had previously garnered a reputation within the folk scenes of Edinburgh, making them one of the most exciting talents to emerge from that musical sphere within recent years.
Now, they join the likes of former Brits ‘Critics Choice’ winners such as Adele, Sam Fender, Florence and the Machine, and The Last Dinner Party as having been earmarked for massive success within the contemporary music scene.
Although the winner of the ‘Critics Choice’ is announced early, the Brit Awards are set to take place on February 28th at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, hosted by Jack Whitehall.
Nominations are set to be revealed in full on January 21st.
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