The BRITs Critics' Choice for 2026 shortlist has been announced

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have unveiled their nominees for the Critics’ Choice award, supported by BBC Radio 1.

Jacob Alon, Rose Gray, and SIENNA SPIRO are the artists in the running, with the winner set to be revealed in January. The announcement was made on Radio 1’s New Music Show hosted by Jack Saunders.

The Critics’ Choice award, reintroduced under its original name, aims to spotlight artists who have not yet achieved a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single by the cut-off date of 31st October 2025.

Rose Gray comments, "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."

Previous winners of the BRITs Critics’ Choice include Adele, Florence + The Machine, and Sam Smith.

The 2026 BRIT Awards will take place on Saturday 28th February at Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time the event is held outside London. The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX.