Quick Read
- The 2026 Brit Awards were held at Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena on February 28, marking the first time outside London.
- Olivia Dean won Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Loving,’ and Pop Act.
- Sam Fender won Alternative/Rock Act and shared Song of the Year with Olivia Dean for ‘Rein Me In.’
- Lola Young was named Breakthrough Artist, while Wolf Alice won Group of the Year.
- Noel Gallagher, PinkPantheress, Mark Ronson, and Ozzy Osbourne received special industry honors.
MANCHESTER (Azat TV) – The 2026 Brit Awards ceremony made a significant historical move, taking place at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester on Saturday, February 28. This marked the first time the prestigious event was held outside London, signaling a new chapter for the British music industry’s biggest night. The ceremony saw soul-pop sensation Olivia Dean emerge as a dominant force, securing multiple major accolades, including the coveted Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her acclaimed second record, The Art of Loving. Sam Fender also celebrated significant wins, notably for Alternative/Rock Act and a joint Song of the Year award with Dean.
Historic Shift to Manchester for Brit Awards 2026
The decision to host the 2026 Brit Awards in Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-Op Live arena represented a landmark moment, breaking a long-standing tradition of the event being held exclusively in London. Comedian Jack Whitehall returned for his sixth time as host, guiding attendees and viewers through a night of celebration and recognition. The move aimed to broaden the awards’ reach and acknowledge Manchester’s vibrant musical heritage and its growing status as a major cultural hub. The venue itself, Co-Op Live, provided a contemporary backdrop for the star-studded event, which was broadcast live on ITV and ITVX.
The voting process for the awards involved the BRITs Voting Academy, a diverse panel of industry figures, artists, and critics. Fan engagement was also a key component, with the public casting their votes via WhatsApp for the Song of the Year and International Song of the Year categories, reflecting a modern approach to audience participation.
Olivia Dean Dominates Top Categories
Olivia Dean, 26, was undoubtedly one of the night’s biggest winners, capping off a remarkable year that saw her second album, The Art of Loving, achieve widespread success. Her triumphs at the Brit Awards included the highly competitive Album of the Year, regarded as the night’s most significant prize, and Artist of the Year. Dean also shared a win with Sam Fender for Song of the Year with their collaboration, “Rein Me In,” and took home the award for Pop Act. Her impressive performance at the BRITs followed her earlier Grammy Award for Best New Artist in January, solidifying her status as a leading voice in contemporary music.
Lola Young also had a standout night, winning Breakthrough Artist and receiving five nominations, tying with Dean for the most nods. Sam Fender’s recognition as Alternative/Rock Act further cemented his strong presence in the British music scene. Other notable winners included Wolf Alice for Group of the Year, Dave for Hip-hop/Grime/Rap, and SAULT for R&B Act. International honors went to ROSALÍA for International Artist, Geese for International Group, and ROSÉ & Bruno Mars for International Song with “APT.”
Star-Studded Performances and Special Honors
The 2026 Brit Awards featured an array of electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music. The stage at Co-Op Live lit up with sets from artists such as Harry Styles, RAYE, JADE, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Lady Gaga, and Lily Allen. These performances added to the spectacle of the evening, showcasing the diverse talent celebrated by the awards.
The red carpet, a traditional highlight, also drew significant attention, with a host of celebrities and musicians gracing the event. Attendees included Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, Rosalía, Mark Ronson, Sombr, Rosé, Bebe Rexha, Robbie Williams, and Calvin Harris. Beyond the music world, personalities like Jeff Goldblum, Maya Jama, AJ Odudu, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Jamie Laing, and Sophie Habboo added to the glamour of the evening, as reported by Deadline.
Several special awards were announced prior to and during the ceremony. Scottish folk artist Jacob Alon was named the Critics’ Choice winner in January. Noel Gallagher received the Songwriter of the Year award, PinkPantheress was honored as Producer of the Year, and Mark Ronson was recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. A poignant moment of the night was the posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award presented to the late Ozzy Osbourne, accompanied by a tribute performance led by Robbie Williams, celebrating the iconic rock legend’s enduring legacy.
Diversity and Industry Recognition at the 2026 BRITs
The 2026 Brit Awards marked a significant stride towards greater inclusivity within the British music industry. This year’s nominations saw the highest representation of women and non-binary artists in the awards’ history, accounting for almost 70 percent of all nominees. This reflected a concerted effort by the BRITs Voting Academy to better acknowledge the breadth and diversity present in popular music today, moving beyond traditional categories and embracing a wider range of genres and artists, from indie to hip-hop and international acts like Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny and Spanish musician Rosalia.
The shift of the Brit Awards to Manchester, coupled with the recognition of a diverse array of talent and the celebration of artists like Olivia Dean and Sam Fender, underscores a dynamic evolution in how British music achievements are celebrated and presented to a global audience.