Jacob Alon, the Scottish singer-songwriter, has won the BRITs 2026 Critic’s Choice award, highlighting how music holds real power to create change.
Award Win and Debut Album Success
Alon secured the prestigious award ahead of the ceremony, outshining competitors Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO. This victory places them alongside notable past recipients such as Adele, Florence + The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, and Myles Smith.
The honor celebrates Alon’s debut album In Limerence, which earned a Mercury Prize nomination last year. The emotional art-folk record has struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
Shifting Songwriting Perspective
Reflecting on the album’s reception, Alon noted they did not anticipate the public’s response during creation. The feedback has reshaped their creative process.
“It is pretty indescribable. When you’re making something, you don’t usually think about who’s going to listen to it, so I couldn’t have possibly thought that it would take me on this journey,” Alon shared. “I’m really glad that it has, because I’ve connected with so many people that have changed my life in reflection. They’ve given me a piece of them in what this album means to them, and I hold that so dearly.”
“Now, going into making something new, it’s already different,” they added. “It’s a different place to create from because now I know what’s out there. I’m trying not to let it get in the way of what I know, but it’s shown me that music is important and it can make a difference. I’m really lucky to be able to do it.”
Alon hinted at upcoming music but kept details vague, joking that the acclaim might inspire a pivot to punk tracks about “being a winner” instead of vulnerable themes.
Moment at the Ceremony
The event, hosted by Jack Whitehall at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, featured Alon raising a black-and-white patterned keffiyeh—a traditional Middle Eastern headdress symbolizing Palestinian solidarity—during Sharon Osbourne’s tribute to her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. This gesture aligned with Alon’s prior advocacy, including altering lyrics in “Fairy In A Bottle” to say “free Palestine” at the 2025 Mercury Prize.
Performers and Other Awards
Highlights included Harry Styles’ first public performance in three years to open the show, alongside Björk, Rosalía, Olivia Dean, Sombr, HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Robbie Williams, Alex Warren, and RAYE.
Additional honors went to Noel Gallagher for Songwriter of the Year, PinkPantheress for Producer of the Year, Ozzy Osbourne for Lifetime Achievement, and Mark Ronson for Outstanding Contribution.
