Brit Awards 2026 Nominations Unveiled with Historic Manchester Move
The nominations for the 2026 Brit Awards have been announced in full, showcasing a landmark year for female and non-binary representation in the UK music industry. For the first time in the award show's history, the ceremony will be held outside London, taking place at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester on 28 February 2026.
Women and Non-Binary Artists Dominate the List
This year's nominations are notable for their unprecedented diversity, with women and non-binary artists accounting for almost 70 per cent of nominees – the highest representation in Brits history. Leading the charge are soul-pop singer Olivia Dean and rising star Lola Young, who each received five nominations, including a coveted spot in the prestigious Artist of the Year category.
Olivia Dean, 26, enjoyed a phenomenal year in 2025 following the success of her second album, The Art of Loving, and hit singles such as "Man I Need" and "Nice to Each Other". She is nominated twice for Song of the Year – for "Man I Need" and for her collaboration with Sam Fender, "Rein Me In". Dean expressed her astonishment at the recognition, stating: "It feels crazy to have five Brit Award nominations, it's very surreal and I'm still processing it. I remember watching the Brits on TV when I was younger, and having gone to Brit School and now having this full-circle moment 10 years later, attending the awards is going to feel very emotional."
Major Categories and Notable Contenders
The Album of the Year category, regarded as the night's biggest prize, features strong competition. Alongside Dean's The Art of Loving, the shortlist includes Sam Fender's third record People Watching, Lily Allen's comeback album West End Girl, Dave's The Boy Who Played the Harp, and Wolf Alice's The Clearing. Sam Fender is also a contender for Artist of the Year, while Lily Allen's renaissance continues with nominations in that category and for Best Pop.
In a nostalgic moment for music fans, Britpop icons Pulp make a triumphant return to the awards with their first Brit nomination in three decades, competing for Best Group. The Group of the Year category also includes The Last Dinner Party, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice.
International Recognition and Genre Diversity
The nominations reflect the global and eclectic nature of contemporary popular music. The International Solo Artist category features Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny alongside pop artist Chappell Roan, Irish singer CMAT, Spanish musician Rosalia, Florida rapper Doechii, and global giants Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga.
Meanwhile, the International Group category includes buzzy New York band Geese, LA pop trio Haim, and Hunter X, the band behind the songs from the hit Netflix film K Pop Demon Hunters, alongside Tame Impala and Turnstile.
Full List of Nominations
Artist of the Year:
- Dave
- Fred Again
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
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 Legxacy
- Lola Young
- Sky Newman
International Artist:
- Bad Bunny
- Chappell Roan
- CMAT
- Doechii
- Lady Gaga
- Rosalia
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Sombr
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, the Creator
International Group:
- Geese
- Haim
- Hunter X
- Tame Impala
- Turnstile
Song of the Year (public vote):
- Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – "Blessings"
- Chrystal and Notion – "The Days (Notion Remix)"
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – "Defying Gravity"
- Ed Sheeran – "Azizam"
- Fred Again, Skepta and 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 and Olivia Dean – "Rein Me In"
- Skye Newman – "Family Matters"
International Song (public vote):
- Alex Warren – "Ordinary"
- Chappell Roan – "Pink Pony Club"
- Disco Lines x Tinashe – "No Broke Boys"
- GG Perez – "Sailor Song"
- Gracie Abrams – "That's So True"
- Hunter X – "Golden"
- Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – "Die With a Smile"
- Raven Lenni – "Love Me Not"
- Rose x Bruno Mars – "APT"
- Sabrina Carpenter – "Manchild"
- Sombr – "Undressed"
- Taylor Swift - "The Fate of Ophelia"
Alternative/Rock:
- Blood Orange
- Lola Young
- Sam Fender
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Pop:
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- RAYE
Hip-hop/Grime/Rap:
- Central Cee
- Dave
- Jim Legxacy
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
R&B:
- Jim Legxacy
- KWN
- Mabel
- Sasha Keeble
- Sault
Dance Act:
- Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
- FKA twigs
- Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax
- PinkPantheress
- Sammy Virgi
Critics Choice:
- Jacob Alon
The 2026 Brit Awards ceremony at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester will be hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, promising an evening that celebrates both musical excellence and a significant step forward in industry inclusivity.
