The BRIT Awards 2026: Nominations announced

Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the way!

JADE, Lola Young, Olivia Dean and Sam Fender
Author: Alex RossPublished 21st Jan 2026
Last updated 22nd Jan 2026

The biggest night in music is almost here. The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard are making history with their first-ever Manchester show, and now the all-important nominations have landed!

The 2026 noms were unveiled on Wednesday 21st January on Bring on the BRITs with Mastercard: The 2026 Nominations, a livestream exclusively hosted on the BRITs’ Instagram and Facebook pages.

Who is nominated for a BRIT Award?

British artists Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the way, with five nominations each, whilst Sam Fender follows up his Mercury Prize with a cool four nominations.

Dave, Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Jim Legxacy and Fred Again.. are all up for three awards, whilst British rock band Pulp have received their first nomination in 30 years.

Other notable artists to receive a BRIT nomination in 2026 include Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, JADE, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, RAYE, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Little Simz, Sombr, Wet Leg and PinkPantheress.

Check out the full list of BRITs noms below:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Dave
Fred again..
JADE
Lily Allen
Lola Young
Olivia Dean
PinkPantheress
Sam Fender
Self Esteem

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Bad Bunny
Chappell Roan
CMAT
Doechii
Lady Gaga
ROSALÍA
Sabrina Carpenter
Sombr
Taylor Swift
Tyler, The Creator

GROUP OF THE YEAR - Promoted by Absolute Radio

The Last Dinner Party
Pulp
Sleep Token
Wet Leg
Wolf Alice

INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Geese
HAIM
HUNTR/X - EJAE/ Audrey Nuna/ REI AMI
Tame Impala
Turnstile

MASTERCARD ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Dave: 'The Boy Who Played the Harp'
Lily Allen: 'West End Girl'
Olivia Dean: 'The Art of Loving'
Sam Fender: 'People Watching'
Wolf Alice: 'The Clearing'

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

Barry Can't Swim
EsDeeKid
Jim
Lola Young
Skye Newman

SONG OF THE YEAR WITH MASTERCARD

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas: 'Blessings'
CHRYSTAL, NOTION The Days - 'NOTION Remix CHAOS'
Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande): 'Defying Gravity'
Ed Sheeran: 'Azizam'
Fred again.. and Skepta: 'PlaqueBoyMax Victory Lap'
Lewis Capaldi: 'Survive'
Lola Young: 'Messy'
Myles Smith: 'Nice To Meet You'
Olivia Dean: 'Man I Need'
RAYE: 'WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!'
Sam Fender (with Olivia Dean): 'Rein Me In'
Skye Newman: 'Family Matters'

INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR

Alex Warren: 'Ordinary'
Chappell Roan: 'Pink Pony Club'
Disco Lines & Tinashe: 'No Broke Boys'
Gigi Perez: 'Sailor Song'
Gracie Abrams: 'That's So True'
HUNTR/X - EJAE/ Audrey Nuna/ REI AMI: 'Golden'
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars: 'Die With A Smile'
Ravyn Lenae: 'Love Me Not'
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars: 'APT'
Sabrina Carpenter: 'Manchild'
Sombr: 'undressed'
Taylor Swift: 'The Fate of Ophelia'

POP ACT

JADE
Lily Allen
Olivia Dean
Lola Young
RAYE

DANCE ACT

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
FKA twigs
Fred again../Skepta/ PlaqueBoyMax
PinkPantheress
Sammy Virji

HIP HOP, GRIME, RAP ACT

Central Cee
Dave
Jim Legxacy
Little Simz
Loyle Carner

R&B ACT

Jim Legxacy
kwn
Mabel
Sasha Keable
SAULT

ALTERNATIVE/ROCK ACT

Blood Orange
Lola Young
Sam Fender
Wet Leg
Wolf Alice

The BRIT Awards 2026 Critics' Choice winner was revealed on 19th January, with Jacob Alon picking up the prestigious award.

How to vote?

Fans will be able to vote via WhatsApp between 12pm GMT on Friday 30th January until 11:59pm on Friday 13th February. Find out more about voting right here.

When are The BRIT Awards?

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard with take place on Saturday 28th February 2028, with comedian Jack Whitehall back for hosting duties.

Alongside the nominations being announced, Olivia Dean was confirmed as the first performer for this year's event!

Where are they held?

For the first time in history, The BRIT Awards are leaving London and will take place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Now read:

The BRIT Awards 2026: Everything you need to know

Jack Whitehall confirmed to host The BRIT Awards 2026

The BRIT Awards to leave London for the first time and move to Manchester

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