The BRIT Awards have confirmed the shortlist for the 2026 Critics’ Choice, with Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO all vying for the title.
The three artists follow in the footsteps of previous winners including Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding and more, with The Last Dinner Party and Myles Smith taking home the title in more recent years. Since the award was introduced in 2008, it has been considered a reliable barometer in predicting who will become household names, recognising the festival headliners and prize winners of the future.
Jack Saunders exclusively revealed the nominations this evening (December 3) on Radio 1’s New Music Show. The winner will be announced in January, ahead of the ceremony at Manchester’s Co-Op Live – the first time it has taken place outside of London – the following month.
To be eligible for Critics’ Choice, artists must be British and not have yet achieved a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single as of October 31, 2025.
Alon’s debut album ‘In Limerence’ was nominated for the Mercury Prize earlier this year. Ya beauty! Tapadh leibh for recognising my work for this award you legends!” they said of their nomination. “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!!!'”
coming at you with their ethereal energy, it's Jacob Alon
welcome them to the BRITs Critics' Choice Class of 2026 ✨#BRITs pic.twitter.com/DkyC4vaiAF
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) December 3, 2025
Gray also released her debut album, ‘Louder Please’, this year. ““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 BRITs.”
calling all party people, it's @rosegray_
welcome her to the BRITs Critics' Choice Class of 2026 ✨#BRITs pic.twitter.com/K4PEDmJBCN
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) December 3, 2025
Spiro released her debut EP ‘Sink Now, Swim Later’ earlier this year. “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!”
queen of the 3AM heartbreak anthems, it's @sienna_spiro
welcome her to the BRITs Critics' Choice Class of 2026 ✨#BRITs pic.twitter.com/79ZEwM7Gez
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) December 3, 2025
Last month, the trophy design for the 2026 edition of the ceremony was revealed. The project was led by acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson, who drew inspiration from “his Manchester roots and the city’s famous drive and resilience”.
The amber-toned resin trophy resembles the golden honey of a worker bee – Manchester’s mascot – atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music. It is described as being “simple, sophisticated and striking”.