The Mercury Prize nominee following in footsteps of Arlo Parks as winner of prestigious award

Alon who this year released their debut studio album In Limerence, was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize Album of the Year.

The BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award is presented to an artist who, with the support of BBC Introducing, a platform that supports and promotes unsigned, undiscovered, and emerging musical artists, has made a significant impact that year and is on the path to stardom.

Musicians can upload their music, which is then considered for airplay on local and national BBC Radio shows.

Previous winners of the award, known or tipping the next big breakthrough act, include Olivia Dean, Tom Grennan, Myles Smith, Arlo Parks, Nia Archives, Declan McKenna, and Self Esteem.

Known for their free-spirited folk music, Scottish singer-songwriter Alon, 24, began uploading their music to the BBC Introducing uploader in 2023 and saw early support from BBC Introducing Scotland, performing at BBC Introducing Live at Tenement Trail that year. In 2024, Alon played for BBC Introducing at The Lower Third and performed a special live session for BBC Introducing in Scotland.

They also performed on Later…with Jools Holland and on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury 2025 and have also been named one of 6 Music’s Artist of the Year 2025 and embarked on their first UK headline tour.

Alon said: “It's an honour to be awarded the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award, and to join a list of people that I really admire, it's very surreal. I probably wouldn't be doing what I'm doing if BBC Introducing hadn’t given me a chance right at the start with a live recording of one of my songs. It really does feel like it kickstarted this whole journey and I'm so grateful and owe so much to the team for supporting me, and also so many of my friends and people that I love.

“I hope this gives hope to anyone that doesn't necessarily believe they can do this, because I didn’t believe I could do this at one point. And I hope this might someone else to take a chance and upload something they've made to BBC Introducing. The world will only be a better place with more art in it, and I couldn't think of a more welcoming and inclusive platform.”

Kelly Betts, editor of BBC Introducing said: “I’m thrilled to announce Jacob Alon as our 2025 Introducing Artist of the Year and the first Scottish artist to receive the award in its ten-year history. BBC Introducing have supported Jacob since 2023, and it’s been a joy to witness their artistic evolution and growth. They’re a remarkable talent and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.

“This award not only celebrates an exceptional artist, but also represents our commitment to nurturing, spotlighting and championing the next generation of artists. Congratulations to Jacob, we have no doubts that this is just the beginning of a great career.”