By CeCe Sammy-Lightfoot
With the Brit Awards 2026 on the horizon and the nominees now confirmed, this is the point where my excitement really kicks in… and my real listening begins.
As a vocal coach, I’m always drawn to the “breakthrough” category. It’s the moment an artist steps from building momentum into a full industry spotlight. And while that’s thrilling, it also comes with a new kind of pressure that can test both voice and mindset in ways most people never see.
Over this awards season, I’ll be sharing a short series of blogs covering:
- What I’ve seen (and coached) when artists hit moments like this
- What I’ll be listening for as we get closer to the night itself
- What tends to help artists deliver when the stakes suddenly feel bigger than ever
And I’d genuinely love to hear from you too. Message me on Instagram or TikTok with who you’re backing and why.
“The most revealing vocal moments don’t happen after success, they happen right before it.” CeCe Sammy-Lightfoot.
Why “breakthrough” is such a unique moment
Breakthrough artists aren’t beginners. They’ve already connected with audiences, built a sound, and created real buzz. But awards season introduces a fresh set of demands: bigger stages, tighter schedules, higher expectations, and non-stop visibility.
That combination can expose weaknesses fast, not because an artist isn’t talented, but because the environment is intense. If you’ve ever wondered why someone can sound brilliant on a record, then slightly different on a huge televised performance… this is often why.
Breakthrough doesn’t mean “fully formed”
At this stage, I’m not listening for perfection. I’m listening for readiness:
- Can they stay grounded when adrenaline spikes?
- Can they deliver consistently across long days and big moments?
- Can they keep their identity while handling pressure?
This year’s Brit Awards Breakthrough Artist nominees are:
- Barry Can’t Swim
- EsDeeKid
- Jim Legxacy
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
Each has a distinct vocal identity and clear strengths. Some lead with tone and emotional honesty, others with control, texture, range, or musical precision. But every strength can also become a vulnerability under pressure, and that’s where the right tools matter.
A quick personal story
A few years ago, I remember getting a call from the team around Jim Legxacy. Before any session, I did what I always do: I listened properly to understand the individual sound.
Because yes, technique matters, but not at the expense of identity.
This is where the balance becomes everything.
Raw, instinctive voices can tighten, push, or oversing when the moment hits. But if an artist leans too heavily into technique alone, they can start to sound safe and lose the grit, character, or emotional truth that made people pay attention in the first place.
What I encourage artists to find is the meeting point: protect the rawness, while building the technique that supports it.
Technique isn’t there to impress. It’s there to protect the voice when the moment gets loud.
And moments don’t get much louder than the Brit Awards.
A key point for upcoming artists
The artists who thrive are rarely the ones trying to prove something. They’re the ones focused on communication.
Breath, phrasing, and presence often matter more than vocal tricks. Staying grounded often matters more than volume. The goal is to deliver the message, not win a technical contest.
“A singer who can stay present under pressure will always outlast one who just hits the notes.”
Why the voting process matters
I’ve previously been part of the Brit Awards Voting Academy, and it shaped how I view this season. The Academy includes people across the industry who understand craft, growth, and longevity, not just hype.
That said, the public plays a vital role too. Engagement and support matter because an artist’s relationship with their audience is the foundation of a real career.
But popularity alone doesn’t sustain a voice.
What I’ll be listening to for now and on the night
In the weeks leading up to the Brit Awards, and again when performances land, I’ll be sharing honest vocal observations, what’s working, what’s risky, and why.
Not as a reporter.
Not as a superfan.
But as someone who genuinely cares about long-term careers.
“Awards nights come and go, vocal habits stay.”
This is the start of the conversation, not the conclusion. And when the Brit Awards 2026 arrive, we’ll see which breakthrough voices were truly ready for what comes next.
Until then, come and tell me who you’re backing, and why. Let’s make this a proper music and vocal community.