BRIT Awards 2026 Critics' Choice Nominees: Meet the Rising Stars Shaping British Music
December 3, 2025
Mastercard remains the headline sponsor and ITV continues as the broadcaster, with coverage across ITV, ITVX, STV, and STV Player; The BRIT Trust continues its charitable work supporting The BRIT School and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.
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Sienna Spiro, a London-based singer-songwriter, broke through with Die On This Hill reaching the UK Top 10 and has a history of cinematic songwriting, including Need Me and Sink Now, Swim Later.
The BRIT Awards 2026 announced its Critics' Choice nominees, highlighting three rising British artists: Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and Sienna Spiro, with the winner to be revealed in January ahead of the ceremony.
Rose Gray, an East London artist, blends club culture with pop, and has built momentum from her debut album Louder, Please through European tours and collaborations with major artists.
Jacob Alon, a Fife-raised musician with Edinburgh folk influences, released a Mercury Prize–shortlisted debut album, In Limerence.
Spiro is celebrated for a soulful, cinematic storytelling voice, with Die On This Hill becoming her first UK Top 10 and recent sold-out tours and high-profile performances with artists like Sam Smith.
The 20-year-old Spiro hails from London, cites influences like Etta James and Frank Sinatra, and gained rapid momentum after her 2024 debut.
All three artists discuss motivation and influence: Gray emphasizes London nightlife and authenticity, Spiro highlights jazz and soul lineage, and Alon focuses on queer and Scottish identity and boundary-pushing folk.
Forward-looking momentum includes Gray planning a sophomore album for 2026, Spiro's The Visitor Tour across the UK and Europe, and Alon preparing a winter recharge before new material.
The BRITs’ history underscores its impact on careers and its charitable arm, The BRIT Trust, which supports music education and wellbeing.
Summary based on 16 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Dec 3, 2025
Brits Critics Choice nominees unveiled: Sienna Spiro, Jacob Alon and Rose Gray
BBC News • Dec 3, 2025
Brits Critics Choice nominees unveiled: Sienna Spiro, Jacob Alon and Rose Gray
Evening Standard • Dec 3, 2025
The Brits Critics' Choice shortlist: who are the three artists selected?
Billboard • Dec 3, 2025
Here Are The BRITs’ Nominees for 2026 Critics’ Choice Award