Who is Jorga Smith? British singer set to perform at 2026 Ballon d'Or

Jorga Smith, a British singer-songwriter, has been selected to perform at the 2026 Ballon d'Or gala. The event is scheduled for Monday evening in London and will also feature American rapper French Montana. These musical acts are part of an entertainment program accompanying the presentation of football's individual awards, including the Best Player prize.

The 70th edition milestones

This year marks the 70th iteration of the award presented by "France Football" magazine since its inception in 1956. For the first time, the ceremony takes place in Britain. Former French striker Thierry Henry and sports broadcaster Kate Scott have been assigned as hosts for the evening, which brings together figures from football and media.

Musical roots and early career

Born Jorga Alice Smith on June 11, 1997, in England's West Midlands county, she began writing songs at a young age, influenced by her local musical environment. Her professional debut occurred in 2016 with the release of "Blue Lights," a track that helped expand her audience. During that same year, she released additional works that supported her initial launch.

In 2017, Smith contributed vocals to two tracks on Canadian rapper Drake's project "More Life." This collaboration played a significant role in spreading her music beyond the United Kingdom. Throughout her career, she has worked with various artists, including Stormzy, Kali Uchis, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar.

Awards and discography highlights

Smith’s debut album, "Lost & Found," was issued in June 2018. It featured a blend of soul and R&B, reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart. The record also earned a nomination for the Mercury Prize, an award recognizing albums released in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Her accolades include winning the Critics' Choice award at the Brit Awards in 2018 and being named Best British Female Artist in 2019. That same year, she received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. She continued releasing new material, including the EP "Be Right Back" in 2021 and the album "Falling or Flying" in 2023, which broadened her musical experimentation.

Smith’s style combines rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz, with influences from reggae and hip-hop. She shares the stage with French Montana, an American rapper known for his hip-hop work and connection to his Moroccan heritage.