Could a new superstar be born at the 2026 BRIT Awards? The prestigious Rising Star award is about to ignite the careers of three incredibly talented artists, but the competition is fierce! Two glamorous female singers are battling it out for the prize, hoping to emulate the phenomenal success of previous winners like Adele, Jessie J, and Sam Smith. Who will rise to the top? Let's dive in.
Katie Hind, Consultant Editor Showbusiness, reports that the nominees for the highly coveted BRITs Rising Star award have been revealed, and the lineup is generating serious buzz. The contenders include the captivating Rose Gray, the sensational Sienna Spiro, and the uniquely talented Jacob Alon. The official unveiling of the complete shortlist is scheduled for next week, building anticipation for the grand ceremony on February 28th, which, in a historic move, will be held in Manchester for the very first time.
Rose Gray, a 28-year-old powerhouse, has already made waves on the club scene, culminating in the release of her debut album this year. Sienna Spiro, the 20-year-old social media sensation, has captured the attention of millions with her engaging videos on TikTok, proving that talent can be discovered in the most unexpected corners of the internet. And this is the part most people miss... Social media is a valid career launchpad, and it's changing the music industry forever.
Completing the trio is Jacob Alon, a non-binary folk artist who uses them/they pronouns. Jacob brings a different flavor to the mix, showcasing the breadth and diversity of talent emerging from the UK music scene. This award, formerly known as the Critics' Choice award, has a proven track record of launching careers. Previous winners like Ellie Goulding, Florence and the Machine, Emeli Sande, and Rag 'N' Bone Man have all gone on to achieve global recognition.
According to a music industry insider, "The winner of this award tends to go on to pretty big things, so it's a massive deal to be nominated." The source further added, "Rose and Sienna are both glamorous female artists and would definitely be the favourite pairing, Jacob is definitely the quirkier choice." But here's where it gets controversial... Does the "quirkier" label subtly suggest that artists who don't fit a conventional mold face an uphill battle, even with immense talent? What do you think?
Interestingly, even those who don't win the Rising Star award can still achieve significant success. Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi, both runners-up in previous years, have become global superstars. This highlights the exceptional talent pool within the UK music industry and the enduring power of the BRIT Awards to identify and promote emerging artists.
This year's ceremony marks a significant shift, as the BRIT Awards move to Manchester to celebrate the city's rich musical heritage. However, some insiders are concerned that organizers may struggle to attract A-list attendees, as many of them reside in London. Will the change of venue impact the star power of the event? Only time will tell. The two-year deal will see the annual awards held at the city's Co-Op Live venue. The host for the 2026 ceremony is yet to be announced, following Jack Whitehall's impressive five-year run in the role, which ended in 2025. Before moving to London's O2 Arena in 2012, the awards were held at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre.
So, who do you think will take home the Rising Star award? Will it be Rose Gray's club-scene energy, Sienna Spiro's social media savvy, or Jacob Alon's unique folk sound? And more importantly, do you believe the move to Manchester will enhance or detract from the BRIT Awards experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
