The Brit Awards 2026: A Night to Remember
The Brit Awards 2026 brought a dazzling night of music, celebration, and historic wins to Manchester's Co-op Live arena, marking the first time the ceremony was held outside London. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Jack Whitehall, the 46th edition of the Brit Awards celebrated the best in British and international music from 2025. With unforgettable performances and well-deserved accolades, the night was a testament to the power of music to inspire and connect.
Olivia Dean Steals the Show
The undisputed star of the evening was Olivia Dean, who swept the board with four awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for her collaboration with Sam Fender, "Rein Me In." Dean's soulful artistry and heartfelt performances have solidified her as a leading voice in British music, and her wins were met with thunderous applause.
Other Big Winners
Sam Fender also had a stellar night, taking home two awards, including Best Alternative/Rock Act. His collaboration with Olivia Dean on "Rein Me In" was a highlight of the ceremony, showcasing the depth of talent in the UK music scene.
Wolf Alice continued their reign as one of Britain's most beloved bands, winning Group of the Year, while Lola Young was named British Breakthrough Artist, cementing her status as a rising star.
On the international stage, Rosalía was crowned International Artist of the Year, and Geese took home the award for International Group of the Year. The International Song of the Year went to Rosé and Bruno Mars for their hit "APT."
Performances That Lit Up the Stage
The night was filled with electrifying performances, including Olivia Dean's rendition of "Man I Need" and Harry Styles' soulful delivery of "Aperture." Mark Ronson, who received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, delivered a medley of his greatest hits, joined by special guests Dua Lipa and Ghostface Killah. The ceremony also featured a moving tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A New Era for the Brits
This year's Brit Awards marked a significant shift, with the ceremony moving to Manchester and embracing a more inclusive and diverse lineup of nominees and winners. The event also saw the return of the Critics' Choice Award, won by Jacob Alon, and a renewed focus on celebrating the transformative power of music.
Key Winners at a Glance
- Artist of the Year: Olivia Dean
- Album of the Year: The Art of Loving – Olivia Dean
- Song of the Year: "Rein Me In" – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean
- Group of the Year: Wolf Alice
- British Breakthrough Artist: Lola Young
- International Artist of the Year: Rosalía
- International Song of the Year: "APT." – Rosé & Bruno Mars
- British Group: Wolf Alice
- Best R&B Act: Sault
- International Group of the Year: Geese
- Songwriter of the Year: Noel Gallagher
- Producer of the Year: PinkPantheress
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Ozzy Osbourne
The Brit Awards 2026 was a night of triumphs, surprises, and unforgettable moments, celebrating the best of music and setting the stage for another year of incredible artistry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!