Jacob Alon is stepping into 2026 with a major career moment. The Scottish singer-songwriter has been announced as the winner of the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award 2026, a prize often seen as a strong sign of an artist ready to break through in a big way.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone UK, Alon said the recognition feels like a boost at the perfect time, especially as they continue working on new music. They shared that the win has given them “a nice pep” and that they hope it leads to more people finding their songs and connecting with the stories they tell.
The BRITs honour follows another exciting milestone from late 2025. Alon previously won the Play Next Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards in November, which they described as the first award they had ever received. For the artist, being able to perform and be celebrated in that space was already meaningful, making this new BRITs moment feel even more surreal.
A Folk Sound Getting Mainstream Recognition
Alon admitted they were genuinely surprised to be recognised by the BRITs, especially because the awards have traditionally leaned more mainstream and haven’t always been known for spotlighting folk music. With fellow nominees Sienna Spiro and Rose Grey bringing strong pop energy, Alon said the win felt unexpected—but deeply validating.
For them, the fact that the BRITs embraced their style, which blends folk with a more magical and emotional edge, was a reminder that they are not alone in believing in the music they are making.
Finding Connection Through Music
One of the most personal parts of Alon’s journey, they explained, has been the community they’ve built through their songs. They reflected on how releasing music has helped them feel less alone, and how powerful it is when listeners open up about their own lives and relationships after hearing their lyrics.
Alon said those moments—when people share how deeply they relate to a song—feel sacred, even when the listener’s interpretation is different from what they originally meant. That kind of trust and emotional connection is something they don’t take lightly.
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A “Pinch Me” Moment With Mika
When asked about surprising fans they’ve met recently, Alon didn’t hesitate. Their biggest “pinch me” moment was meeting Mika.
The two connected at the Rolling Stone UK Awards, and Alon recalled being shocked that someone they admired so much not only knew who they were, but also supported them in such a kind way. Mika even sent them flowers after missing a show Alon had invited him to.
Alon also shared a funny childhood memory tied to the singer. They remembered being around seven or eight years old, walking around Asda with their mum’s old iPod that only had two songs on it: Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Mika’s “Grace Kelly.” They even stayed up all night once just to transcribe the lyrics to understand the song better.
Using Their Growing Platform to Amplify Marginalised Voices
Alon also spoke seriously about using their voice for more than music. When they accepted their Play Next Award in 2025, they used the moment to mark Trans Day of Remembrance, and they said they hope the BRITs recognition will help them reach an even larger audience with the issues that matter to them.
They described the current cultural climate as “a dark time,” explaining that it can feel like the world is moving in a frightening direction. Alon shared concerns that representation in the music industry could shrink as wider cultural shifts happen, especially for queer and marginalised artists. Because of that, they believe it’s more important than ever to “double down” on supporting and uplifting those voices.
For Alon, it’s a privilege to have a platform at all, and they said they want to use it for as long as they can—amplifying people who simply want to create, love, and be heard.
What’s Next: New Music and a Fresh Creative Era
After releasing their 2025 debut album In Limerance, Alon said they are now in what they call the “genesis” stage of new work. It’s a messy, early creative period, but one they seem excited to return to after years of nonstop momentum.
They explained that for the past few years, everything has felt like “all guns blazing,” leaving less time for the quiet, reflective space they need to truly create. Now, they are dipping back into that contemplative mindset and allowing themselves to explore without pressure.
Alon made it clear they don’t want to repeat the same sound again. Instead, they want to move in a direction that feels exciting and different, noting that what inspires them now isn’t the same as what inspired them while writing their debut. As they put it, listeners should “expect the unexpected.”
A Calmer 2026 With More Risk-Taking
Looking ahead, Alon hopes 2026 will be a little less chaotic than the year before. While they plan to spend more time creating, they also teased that there are exciting things on the way, including more shows and new opportunities to experiment.
They said they want to take risks, try strange and wild ideas they haven’t explored before, test out new material, and perform with new people. Collaboration is also on their mind, especially after spending so much time writing alone.
When asked about dream collaborators, Alon mentioned Kae Tempest, with whom they toured in 2025 and would love to work with again. They also named Dove Ellis, saying they were completely floored after discovering their music and described it as “the most beautiful thing.”
Conclusion
With a BRITs Critics’ Choice Award win now added to their growing list of achievements, Jacob Alon is heading into 2026 with momentum, purpose, and a clear sense of direction. Whether it’s building deeper connections through their music, using their platform to uplift marginalised voices, or stepping into a bold new creative era, Alon is focused on making work that feels honest, meaningful, and unforgettable.
