Here ye, here ye, town music criers! The UK’s public attention aka The BRIT Awards have announced thee three shortlisted acts for its annual Critics’ Choice award.
It basically tips rising British artists for commercial triumphant.
So it’s going down like this! Alternative folk duder Jacob Alon is one. Sienna Spiro via Capitol Records is another. However it’s our girlie and frequent INYIM Media subject matter, Rose Gray, that makes up this year’s contenders.
The trio group at hand are just swell. But it’s all the way Gray, for us!
The winner shall be announced on January 14 via Radio 1’s New Music Show with Jack Saunders.
In case you wanted some musical food for thought: the award was first presented in 2008, and is voted for by a select panel of music journalists, radio and TV heads, as well as songwriters, producers, and booking agents.
Previous champions include Adele, Florence + The Machine, The Last Dinner Party, and last year’s gold taker, Myles Smith.
Rose Gray’s 2025 EP Dancing in the Dark drew comparisons to early Madonna and 90’s rave‑era club culture, making her a natural fit for this shortlist. Jacob Alon’s folk‑leaning debut is set for spring 2026, while Sienna Spiro’s Capitol‑backed singles have already cracked BBC Radio 1 playlists.
Rose Grey spoke with The Brits and had this to say about her 2026 nomination:
“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 ⭐️”
C’mon Rose!
Rose Gray’s in the running for BRITs Critics’ Choice 2026. Drop your thoughts below — is she your pick (YES!) to follow in Adele’s footsteps?
