Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Brits Critics' Choice award for 2026, setting the stage for a landmark year for the Dunfermline-born artist.
A Triumph Over Stiff Competition
The honour, revealed ahead of the main Brit Awards ceremony in February, saw Alon selected from a formidable shortlist. He triumphed over indie talent Rose Gray and singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro, the latter having recently seen her single Die On This Hill achieve viral success online.
Alon's debut album, In Limerence, released last year, had already marked him as a significant new voice. The record earned a coveted spot on the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist for album of the year, signalling critical acclaim early in his career.
'Floating Far Above the Sky': A Heartfelt Reaction
Reacting to the win, Alon shared a deeply personal message, partly delivered in Scottish Gaelic. He expressed profound gratitude, stating: "Taing mhor to the critics for recognising my work for this award, you absolute dotes."
He reflected on his origins, noting the transformative nature of the recognition. "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," Alon said. "So being part of something like this makes me feel like I'm floating far above the sky."
Striking a poignant note, the artist emphasised the value of vulnerability in his work. "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," he affirmed. Alon hopes the award will help his music reach a wider audience, adding: "Hopefully this means some more beautiful people might find something in my album."
A Launchpad for Future Stars
The Critics' Choice prize, supported by BBC Radio 1, has an illustrious history as a predictor of major success. Since its inception in 2008, its alumni include global superstars such as Adele, Sam Smith, Florence + The Machine, and last year's winner, Myles Smith.
For Alon, this award caps a remarkable 12 months. In 2025, he became the first Scottish artist ever to win the BBC Introducing Artist Of The Year Award. He also secured a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year Award and was named one of BBC Radio 6 Music's artists of the year.
Stacey Tang, chairwoman of the 2026 Brit Awards Committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, praised the selection. "This award has an incredible track record as a launchpad for so many brilliant artists who have gone on to achieve amazing successes and I'm sure Jacob will continue that trajectory," she said.
Tang highlighted the award's significance beyond mere recognition. "The Critics' Choice category holds significant value for the Brits. The recognition it offers is hugely important but just as meaningfully, giving artists visibility, support, and therefore confidence to experiment and grow shouldn't be underestimated."
The full nominations for the Brit Awards 2026 will be unveiled on January 21. The ceremony itself is scheduled to be broadcast live on ITV and ITVX on February 28.
