BRIT Awards 2026 nominations and first performer announced live in Manchester

  1. Home
  2. Audio
The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations have been revealed in Manchester

The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations have been revealed in Manchester

The full list of nominations for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been announced today live from Manchester, as the landmark music awards ceremony moves up north for the first time in its 30-year history.

With just weeks to go until the Co-op Live arena hosts one of the biggest nights in music, all eyes are firmly on Manchester.

And now, thanks to a live broadcast from the venue this afternoon, we know exactly who’s up for an award – and have our first live performer confirmed too.

Olivia Dean is set to perform live at the BRIT Awards when they take place in Manchester on Saturday 28 February.

She’s out in front as one of the most-nominated artists too, with five nominations including MasterCard Album of the Year, Song of the Year (for Man I Need), and Artist of the Year.

Also coming out on top with five nominations is Lola Young, marking a key moment for the next generation of British talent.

With four nominations, there’s Sam Fender, following on from his Mercury Prize win.

And with three nominations apiece is Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again, and Jim Legxacy.

Representing as one of the north’s greatest bands are Sheffield’s Pulp, who have their first BRIT Awards nomination in 30 years.

Other artists to be recognised include Jade, Chapel Roan, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Little Simz, Skye Newman, Sombr, Wet Leg, and loads more.

The live-streamed announcement has been hosted by Charley Marlowe and Sarah Storey, with artists nominated across 15 categories revealed today at Co-op Live, and viewers given a glimpse inside the new home of the BRIT Awards.

There was also a performance from this year’s Critics Choice winner, Jacob Alon.

The actual awards will take place on 28 February, hosted by Jack Whitehall, with an amazing new trophy designed by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson.

The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations have been revealed in Manchester

Some winners will be determined by public vote, including Song of the Year with Mastercard, and International Song of the Year – voting is open on the BRITs WhatsApp channel and socials from Friday 30 January until Friday 13 February.

Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: “The breadth of artists nominated reflects a thriving year in music and reaffirms that British artists continue to capture imaginations across the globe. I think this list is a powerful demonstration of how vibrant and varied music is right now, with artists across different genres and generations reflecting music that is both commercially successful and has lasting cultural impact.

“At its core, the BRIT Awards exists to celebrate creativity, and these nominations set the stage for an exciting and memorable night.”

BPI Chief Executive, Dr Jo Twist OBE, said: “It’s fantastic to see British talent doing so well across the board, especially a next generation of brilliant artists who have broken through with such impact on the global stage in the past 12 months led by Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, PinkPantheress, Skye Newman, among others – our congratulations to all The BRITs nominees and their labels.

“The BRIT Awards with Mastercard in Manchester will provide a compelling moment for them all to shine brightly and to spotlight the diverse breadth of talent drawn across the UK and internationally.”

The BRIT Awards 2026 nominations in full

Artist of the year

Group of the year

Album of the year

Song of the year

International artist of the year

International group of the year

International song of the year

Breakthrough artist

Critics’ Choice

Best alternative / rock act

Best pop act

Best hip-hop / rap / grime act

Best R&B act

Best dance act

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

Exit mobile version