Jacob Alon has won the 2026 BRITs Critics' Choice award.
The winner was announced by Jack Saunders on his BBC Radio 1 New Music show last night (January 19), ahead of the 2026 BRIT Awards ceremony, which relocates to Manchester's Co-Op Live arena on February 28. Alon said:
"Taing mhòr to the critics for recognising my work for this award, you absolute dotes!
"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.
"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.
"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.”
The Scottish artist beat Rose Gray and Sienna Spiro for the prize — named the BRITs Rising Star between 2020 and 2025 and returning to its original Critics' Choice title this year — which has previously been awarded to Adele, Florence + The Machine, Jorja Smith, Sam Fender, Celeste, FLO, The Last Dinner Party, and last year's winner Myles Smith.
Eligible artists must not have had a top 20 album or more than one top 20 single on the Official UK charts as of October 31, 2025.
Alon released his Mercury Prize-nominated debut album 'In Limerence' in May 2025, and has supported the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and The Lumineers on tour.
Last month, it was revealed that comedian, actor and presenter Jack Whitehall will return as host for the BRIT Awards ceremony, as the show moves outside of London for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Details of the BRITs Fringe, a city-wide programme curated by Manchester local music development organisation Brighter Sound, were also unveiled last week.
Charli XCX was the standout artist at last year's BRITs, winning five awards, including Best Artist, Best Album, and Song of the Year. Check out a full list of winners here.
The Brit Awards Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Sat February 28 2026 - MANCHESTER Co Op Live
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