The BRITS 2026 Roundup

The biggest night in British music lit up our screens last week as the BRIT Awards 2026 returned. Bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry, the night delivered a night packed with unforgettable performances, emotional speeches and major wins. From headline-grabbing moments on stage to the divas on the red carpet, the event once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated nights in the music calendar. Here is everything you need to know.

For the first time in its history, the BRIT Awards left its traditional London home and headed north to Manchester, one of the UK’s most influential musical cities. The 2026 ceremony took place at the Co-op Live Arena, marking a significant moment for the awards as they embraced a new setting in the heart of the country’s thriving music scene. Known for producing legendary artists and shaping generations of British music, Manchester provided a fitting backdrop for the biggest night in the industry, bringing all the northern energy to the iconic event.

It goes without saying that Harry Styles’ opening performance claimed his ‘Harry Styles Summer’ spot. Singing his new single ‘Aperture’ live for the first time since his ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally’ announcement, Harry took over the stage with dozens of dancers. His look of high-waisted trousers and a shirt and tie definitely mark a move from the feather boas of ‘Harry’s House’ and we can’t wait to see what this new Styles’ era brings.

Olivia Dean, after winning ‘Best New Artist’ at the Grammys just last month, took the BRIT Awards by storm this year. After her breakthrough singles ‘Nice to Each Other’ and ‘Man I Need’ from her incredible 2025 album ‘The Art of Loving’, it is no surprise she won every category in which was nominated - artist of the year, song of the year with Sam Fender, best pop artist and best album. Her performance of ‘Man I Need’ during the show embraced all things loving and feminine, making us so excited for all the girly vibes her ‘The Art of Loving’ tour will bring beginning next month.

Later on in the show Sam Fender, for the second-year running, also took home the Alternative/Rock act.

Another second-time running winner was Dave, winning Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act for the second time, having first won this award in 2022, while also being nominated for best album with ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ and Fred Again... again (get it?) winning British Dance Act.

Alongside Olivia Dean, another powerful female at the awards was definitely Lola Young, taking home her first ever BRIT award for Breakthrough Artist after having 5 nominations.

Spanish artist Rosalía won her first BRIT Award this year, taking the award for International Artist of the Year following her album release ‘LUX’. This comes as no surprise, as she delivered a magnificent performance of her single ‘Berghain’, showing the British audience a mix of opera and electronic. During her performance, Rosalía brought out the Heritage Orchestra and Björk, marking 10 years since the Icelandic performer had appeared at the BRIT Awards.

Group of the Year went to no other than Wolf Alice, presented to them by Manchester’s finest Happy Monday’s Shaun Ryder and Bez - so many icons on stage at once. Later on in the show, Wolf Alice performed their single ‘The Sofa’.

It will come to no surprise that International Song of the Year went to ROSÉ & Bruno Mars for ‘APT’, a song that you most definitely know all the words to even if you have never actually played it. This award also the marks the first ever BRIT Award win for a K-pop artist, leading perfectly into the first ever K-pop performance at the BRITS, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s global phenomenon K-pop Demon Hunters.

An exceptional performance dedicated to Mark Ronson for his Outstanding Contribution to Music award showed Dua Lipa and Ghostface Killah with Amy Winehouse’s band join him on stage for a career-spanning medley. Dua Lipa’s entrance on a disco ball is channelling all the ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally’ we need for the album release.

Following his sell-out and record-breaking Oasis reunion world tour, it is no surprise that Noel Gallager won the Songwriter of the Year award, recognising his 30 years of defining British culture.

Following winning the BRITs Lifetime Achievement award, a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osborne closed the show, reflecting on his incredible legacy and musical talent. Fronted by Robbie Williams and including members of Ozzy’s band over the years, the rockstar tribute of ‘No More Tears’ perfectly reflected upon Ozzy’s impact on British rock music.

From iconic tributes to breakthrough moments and show-stopping performances, the BRIT Awards delivered a night that celebrated the past, present and future of British music.2026 is going to be an incredible year for British music and we can’t wait to see what it’s going to bring!