The BRIT Awards 2026: Everything you need to know
It took place in Manchester for the first time
On Saturday 28th February, The BRIT Awards with Mastercard took place for the first time outside of London, in Manchester at the Co-op Live Arena.
Harry Styles opened the show with a live TV debut of his song 'Aperture', followed by performances by RAYE, Robbie Williams - with a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, Olivia Dean, Mark Ronson - including Dua Lipa, Sombr, Wolf Alice, Rosalía and HUNTR/X from Kpop Demon Hunters.
Find out more about the fantastic night of music, include the performers, the nominees, and winners along with this year's host, Jack Whitehall. Here's all of the details about The BRIT Awards 2026, including the fancy new trophy!
When were The BRIT Awards 2026?
The 2026 BRIT Awards took place on Saturday 28th February.
How can I watch the ceremony?
The BRIT Awards 2026 aired on live ITV1/ITVX and STV1/STV Player as well as on YouTube around the world. You can rewatch the full show on ITVX and STV Player.
Who performed on the night?
There were several artists announced to perform at this year's BRITs, Mark Ronson, Wolf Alice, RAYE, Harry Styles, Rosalía, Alex Warren, Sombr, Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X, and Robbie Williams.
Robbie Williams brought the show to a close with a tribute to the late Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne.
Watch the 2026 performances from the night.
2026 performers:
- Harry Styles
- Alex Warren
- Mark Ronson
- Olivia Dean
- Sombr
- RAYE
- Robbie Williams - tribute
- Rosalía
- HUNTR/X (special performance)
- Wolf Alice
Who was nominated?
Nominations for the main ceremony were announced on 21st January from 5pm, during a live stream on The BRIT Awards Instagram and Facebook channels. Sam Fender led the nominations with four, followed by Olivia Dean who had three along with a joint nomination with Sam Fender.
Others artists with three nominations were Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again.. and Jim Legxacy.
Who won at The BRIT Awards 2026?
Olivia Dean picked up all the awards she was nominated for, three individual awards for Pop Act, Artist of the Year, and Mastercard Album of the Year, along with Song of the Year with Mastercard awarded to Sam Fender and Olivia, for their song 'Rein Me In'.
See the full list of The BRIT Awards 2026 winners.
Who hosted the awards?
Comedian Jack Whitehall returned to host the ceremony for the sixth time. The BRIT Awards announced the news on social media, in December 2025, with Jack Whitehall's Ode to Manchester.
Where were they held?
The BRIT Awards have been held in London since they first started 48 years ago, with the show taking place at The 02 Arena since 2011. However, that changed in 2026, as for the next two years, The BRIT Awards are moving to Manchester's Co-op Live.
Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK and Ireland said: “This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards. Moving to Manchester, the home of some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, will invigorate the show and build on the BRITs legacy of celebrating and reinvesting in world-class music.
"Hosting the show in Manchester, with its vibrant cultural history, perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the BRIT Awards. I can’t wait to see the show at the amazing state-of-the art Co-op Live venue.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “For The BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester. After 48 years, it is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture.
"Greater Manchester has an unparalleled music heritage known around the world, and this summer will play host to some of the biggest gigs on the planet. That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name. We thank our friends at the BPI for choosing Manchester and we will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision.
"Celebrating the BRIT Awards right here in the home of 24 hour party people is the next chapter in its story and you can be sure that we will help them do it in style.”
Who won BRITs Critics' Choice Award 2026?
The Critics' Choice nominees were announced as Jacob Alon, Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO in late 2025.
In January 2026, the Critics' Choice winner for 2026 was announced as Scottish and Irish singer Jacob Alon.
Who won The BRITs Outstanding Contribution To Music in 2026?
Ahead of the ceremony, it was announced that producer and DJ Mark Ronson would be honoured with the highly coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music award at this year’s ceremony.
Mark Ronson is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music and has played a pivotal role in shaping era-defining and multi-platinum records for renowned artists worldwide, while also achieving significant international recognition as both a solo artist and producer. His accolades include two BRIT Awards, nine GRAMMY Awards for notable works such as ‘Uptown Funk’ featuring Bruno Mars and ‘Back To Black’ with Amy Winehouse, as well as an Academy Award and Golden Globe for co-writing ‘Shallow’ with Lady Gaga for the film A Star Is Born.
Who won The BRITs Songwriter of the Year in 2026?
It was announced on Wednesday 4th February that Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher had won a BRIT Award for Songwriter of the Year.
The BRITs Songwriter of the Year award recognises exceptional songwriting talent, and is decided by a select panel of expert judges. Noel attended the ceremony in Manchester on 28th February to receive his award.
Who won The BRITs Producer of the Year in 2026?
Just days ahead of the ceremony, it was revealed that multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and producer PinkPantheress is the recipient of this year’s Producer of the Year Award.
PinkPantheress said: “As the first woman to win this award, I’m grateful to be recognised. My music production is the thing I’m proudest of, and I’ve worked really hard at it, so I hope this inspires others to pursue their passion.”
Who won The BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026?
Global rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, the celebrated founding member and frontman of Black Sabbath and pioneering ‘godfather’ of British heavy metal, was honoured at this year’s ceremony, with a BRITs Lifetime Achievement award, in recognition and celebration of his inimitable impact and influence on music worldwide.
An all-star rock tribute performance, fronted by Robbie Williams closed the show on the night, and paid homage to Ozzy, who sadly passed away last July.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: “Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music. Possessing an unmistakable voice and unique presence, he reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide.”
The BRIT Awards 2026 trophy
The 2026 BRIT Award was unveiled on Wednesday 19th November 2025! British designer Matthew Williamson, who was born in Manchester, designed the 2026 award.
On what designing this year's trophy meant to him, Matthew says: “Following in the footsteps of great designers and artists before me, it’s an honour and a career highlight to design the 2026 BRITs trophy. The BRITs is an event I've watched since childhood, and I’m still so immersed in it to this day. I've always looked at it in awe and wonder, so to even be offered this opportunity feels like a real milestone moment.”
On his inspiration for this year’s trophy, Matthew said: “I wanted to create something timeless and stylish that each recipient would feel proud to own and display. Whilst colour and pattern may have been a more predictable route for me, I wanted to pause, take stock and offer something truly personal to me. Above all, I wanted to ensure it connected to Manchester, the BRITs’ new location and my hometown.
“Cast in a chic amber toned resin, the statue resembles the golden honey of a worker bee, Manchester‘s logo symbolising the city's role during the Industrial Revolution and so much more. This spirit to work hard and be part of the essential fabric of the nation still resonates with me today. The BRITs also represents the global reach of British music and so I designed the statue to sit on top of a globe. I imagine each deserving winner will feel on top of the world as they receive their award and I cannot wait to see the trophy I designed being part of the celebrations on the night.”
Now read:
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Robbie Williams leads special tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at The BRIT Awards 2026