Brit Awards 2026 Announce Critics' Choice Shortlist

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard has unveiled this year’s nominees for the revitalised BRITs Critics’ Choice, supported by BBC Radio 1. Rising artists Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO make up the trio shortlisted for the influential award, long regarded as a key indicator of the next wave of standout British talent.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday 28th of February at Manchester’s Co-op Live which also marks the first time the BRITs has ever been staged in the city, or outside London.

The 2026 nominees join an incredible line-up of past Critics’ Choice alumni who have gone on to major acclaim, including Dua Lipa, Adele, Florence + The Machine, James Blake, Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Griff, FLO, The Last Dinner Party and Myles Smith.

For 2026, the award returns to its original Critics’ Choice title, reflecting the vital role of early critical recognition in an artist’s development. First introduced in 2008 to spotlight future stars, the prize is voted for by a panel of leading new-music voices across media, broadcasting and the wider industry. The criteria remains unchanged where eligible artists must be British and, as of 31 October 2025, must not have earned a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single in the Official Charts.

Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: "How exciting to spotlight a new wave of UK musicians shaping popular culture. Awards and recognition for emerging artists is now more important than ever, and Critics’ Choice has long championed brilliantly talented new artists. This cohort shares the same early spark displayed by previous winners like Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Fender, Myles Smith and Emeli Sande. This year’s finalists are a great reminder that commercial momentum grows from creative ambition and artistic bravery."

It has also been announced that British designer Matthew Williamson has designed the 2026 trophy. Inspired by his Mancunian roots and the city's drive and resilience, the trophy is amber toned resin, resembling the colour of honey of a worker bee, also acting as the cities mascot.

Past BRITs Critics’ Choice / Rising Star winners and nominees:

2008 Adele (Duffy, Foals)

2009 Florence + The Machine (Little Boots, White Lies)

2010 Ellie Goulding (Delphic, Marina and the Diamonds)

2011 Jessie J (James Blake, The Vaccines)

2012 Emeli Sandé (Michael Kiwanuka, Maverick Sabre)

2013 Tom Odell (AlunaGeorge, Laura Mvula)

2014 Sam Smith (Ella Eyre, Chlöe Howl)

2015 James Bay (George The Poet, Years & Years)

2016 Jack Garratt (Izzy Bizu, Frances)

2017 Rag ’n’ Bone Man (Anne Marie, Dua Lipa)

2018 Jorja Smith (Stefflon Don, Mabel)

2019 Sam Fender (Lewis Capaldi, Mahalia)

2020 Celeste (Beabadoobee, Joy Crookes)

2021 Griff (Pa Salieu, Rina Sawayama)

2022 Holly Humberstone (Bree Runway, Lola Young)

2023 FLO (Cat Burns, Nia Archives)

2024 The Last Dinner Party (Caity Baser, Sekou)

2025 Myles Smith (Elemiene, Good Neighbours)