Key Highlights
- Jacob Alon wins 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award for his debut album ‘In Limerence’
- The Critics’ Choice Award was first introduced in 2008 to recognize British artists who have not yet achieved significant commercial success
- Alon’s win follows previous winners such as Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, The Last Dinner Party, and Myles Smith
The 2026 BRIT Awards: Jacob Alon’s Critics’ Choice Triumph
On January 19, 2026, Jacob Alon was announced as the winner of this year’s prestigious BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. This accolade marks a significant milestone in the Scottish folk artist’s career and aligns with the award’s mission to recognize British musicians who have yet to achieve widespread commercial success.
Award History and Eligibility
The Critics’ Choice Award, introduced in 2008, serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent. To be eligible, artists must be British and not have yet achieved a Top 20 album or more than one Top 20 single by October 21, 2025. This year, Alon’s eligibility is confirmed through his debut album ‘In Limerence,’ which was produced by Dan Carey—a respected producer known for working with Fontaines D.C., Heartworms, and Kae Tempest.
Alon’s Recognition and Personal Reflection
In a statement following the announcement, Alon expressed gratitude to the critics: “Taing mhòr to the critics for recognising my work for this award, you absolute dotes! 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. So being part of something like this makes me feel like I’m floating far above the sky.”
Alon further elaborated on his music and creative process: “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. I really care about and believe in this music, and it makes my world brighter every time it reaches someone else. Hopefully this means some more beautiful people might find something in my album. Thank you to anyone who has ever listened.”
Debut Album ‘In Limerence’ and Musical Vision
Alon’s debut album, ‘In Limerence,’ received recognition for its unique sound. In an interview with NME, Alon described the album as “packing a punch,” drawing inspiration from words that describe specific feelings not found in standard dictionaries like The Dictionary Of Obscure Sorrows.
“I think music holds a very strong connection to memory for me,” said Alon. “There are certain songs I listen to in certain periods, and I get instantly transported back when I hear them. I think in the same way, through the process of writing, I’m connecting back to things – but there’s also new memories being formed.”
BRIT Awards 2026: A Return to Manchester
The BRIT Awards ceremony is set for February 28, 2026, in Manchester—a first for the event outside of London in nearly five decades. This year’s ceremony will be part of a week-long celebration known as BRITs Week 2026, which includes live shows and performances by various artists, including Alon.
Alon is scheduled to play at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms on February 27, alongside other notable performers such as Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, and Lambrini Girls. The event will be hosted once again by Jack Whitehall, with the iconic amber-toned trophy designed by Matthew Williamson, drawing inspiration from his Manchester roots.
The BRIT Awards continue to showcase a diverse range of British talent, celebrating both established and emerging artists in the music industry. As Jacob Alon’s Critics’ Choice Award win highlights, this year promises to be an exciting one for fans of folk and indie music alike.
