Jacob Alon Wins 2026 BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice: Scottish Art-Folk Star Rises

Jacob Alon captures the spotlight as the 2026 BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice winner, heralding a new era for British art-folk music.

A Breakthrough Moment for Jacob Alon

Have you ever felt like your dreams were capped by the limits of your hometown? For Jacob Alon, the newly crowned 2026 BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice winner, that feeling was all too real. Hailing from a small Scottish town, Alon’s rise to this prestigious accolade feels like soaring “far above the sky,” as they put it themselves.

Jacob Alon was chosen live on BBC Radio 1 by Jack Saunders on January 19, from a shortlist including Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO. This recognition makes them the first artist to be revealed as a winner for the 2026 BRIT Awards. Past winners of this coveted Critics’ Choice Award include heavyweights like Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, and Jorja Smith—artists who went on to massive international acclaim.

What Is the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award?

The Critics’ Choice Award is a unique platform designed to spotlight emerging British talent before they break into mainstream charts. Since its inception in 2008, eligibility requires artists to be British and not yet have scored a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single as of October 21, 2025.

It’s like a secret handshake among music insiders, where the critics’ nod can launch careers in an instant. Winning this award has often been a reliable predictor of future stardom, and Jacob Alon’s win firmly places them in that promising lineage.

The Music That Floats Above the Sky

Alon’s art-folk sound is both fantastical and tender—a blend that captivates listeners who crave vulnerability wrapped in ethereal melodies. Reacting to the win, 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.”

The sincerity in their words hints at a deep connection to place and the power of music to transcend boundaries. They describe their work as soft yet resilient, “fighting for softness” in a world full of “broken and rusted jaggy edges.”

Inside ‘In Limerence’ – A Mercury Prize Nominee

Jacob Alon’s debut album, In Limerence, produced by the legendary Dan Carey (known for his work with Fontaines D.C., Heartworms, and Kae Tempest), was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize. The album is a journey through raw emotion and subtle storytelling, weaving in “new memories” as much as revisiting old ones.

Alon shared in an interview:

“I think music holds a very strong connection to memory for me... through the process of writing, I’m connecting back to things – but there’s also new memories being formed.”

This sense of memory and emotional texture sets their music apart from the typical folk scene, pulling listeners into a uniquely personal yet universal soundscape.

Watch Jacob Alon discuss the magic behind In Limerence and their collaboration with Dan Carey here: https://www.inoreader.com/yt-embed/?v=u6sFoXUabnc

BRITs Week and the Manchester Move

The 2026 BRIT Awards ceremony is making waves by setting up shop in Manchester for the first time in nearly fifty years, breaking the long London tradition. The event takes place on February 28, with a series of live shows leading up to the big night during BRITs Week.

Jacob Alon will perform at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on February 27, joining artists like Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, and Lambrini Girls in this celebration of British music.

The awards ceremony will be hosted once again by Jack Whitehall, and fans can look forward to the distinctive amber-toned trophy designed by Matthew Williamson, inspired by Manchester’s grit and resilience.

Why This Win Matters

Jacob Alon’s Critics’ Choice win isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a beacon of hope for artists from small towns and niche genres. Their heartfelt music and authentic narrative remind us why these awards matter: to amplify voices that might otherwise remain unheard.

By winning this award, Alon joins a prestigious list of musicians who have gone on to define British music culture over the past decade. Their journey from a “wee town” in Scotland to national recognition is a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to dream beyond their immediate horizons.

FAQ

• Who is Jacob Alon?
  Jacob Alon is a Scottish art-folk musician recognized for their vulnerable and fantastical sound. They won the 2026 BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice.
• What is the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award?
  It’s an award for emerging British artists who have not yet scored a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single, highlighting promising new talent.
• What makes Jacob Alon’s music unique?
  Alon’s music blends art-folk with personal storytelling, connecting deeply with memory and emotion, offering softness in a jagged world.
• Where will the 2026 BRIT Awards take place?
  For the first time in nearly 50 years, the ceremony will be held in Manchester on February 28, 2026.
• Who produced Jacob Alon’s debut album?
  Dan Carey, known for his work with Fontaines D.C., Heartworms, and Kae Tempest, produced In Limerence.

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