Jacob Alon has been announced as the winner of the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award 2025, the first Scottish recipient of the prestigious award since its launch in 2015.
The BBC Introducing Artist of the Year award is presented to an artist who, with the support of BBC Introducing, has made a significant impact that year and is on the path to stardom. The award is well known for tipping the next big breakthrough act and has a strong track record of selecting artists that go on to achieve huge success the following year. Previous winners 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 Jacob 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, Jacob played for BBC Introducing at The Lower Third and performed a special live session for BBC Introducing in Scotland.
This year, Jacob released their debut studio album In Limerence, which was shortlisted for the 2025 Mercury Prize Album of the Year, and performed on Later…with Jools Holland and on the BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury 2025. They have also been named one of 6 Music’s Artist of the Year 2025 and embarked on their first UK headline tour.
Jacob was presented with the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award by Phoebe I-H and Stephanie Cheap from BBC Introducing in Scotland, a station that has been pivotal in Jacob’s career, with the station giving Jacob their first radio play, marking the beginning of their relationship with BBC Introducing.
The full interview where Jacob Alon is announced as BBC Introducing Artist of the Year 2025 will be available to listen to on BBC Introducing in Scotland on Friday 14 November, 8pm-11pm.
Jacob Alon says: “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 says: “Kelly Betts, Editor of BBC Introducing says: “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.”