SOMBR Announced as BRIT Awards Performer Days Before Manchester Ceremony
The BRIT Awards are rapidly approaching, with the biggest names in music gathering to celebrate the past year's achievements. In a major announcement just days before the event, breakthrough artist SOMBR has been revealed as a performer for this year's ceremony.
Historic Move to Manchester
For the first time in the awards' history, the ceremony is leaving London and heading to Manchester's Co-op Live arena. SOMBR will be joining a star-studded lineup including Harry Styles and Olivia Dean, performing to a sold-out audience at the prestigious venue.
Speaking about his inclusion, SOMBR expressed his gratitude: "I'm so honoured to be performing at the iconic BRIT Awards. I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me this past year. I love the UK and all the British people, it's my second home!"
SOMBR's Meteoric Rise
SOMBR, whose real name is Shane Boose, has been hailed as Gen Z's rockstar-in-waiting following a phenomenal 2025. The New York City-based artist earned BRIT nominations for International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for his chart-topping single "Undressed".
His breakthrough year included:
- His hit track reaching Number 1 on Spotify's Global and US charts
- Breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 at position #7
- Being crowned the #1 Pop song in America
- Sold-out headline tours across the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand
- Surprise appearances from stars like Sam Smith and Laufey during performances
Recent Accolades and Critical Success
SOMBR kicked off 2026 with a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, following his "Best Alternative" victory at the MTV VMAs where he also performed live. His Gold-certified debut album, I Barely Know Her, co-produced by iconic producer Tony Berg (known for work with Phoebe Bridgers and The Replacements), received widespread critical acclaim.
The album achieved the remarkable feat of having three singles simultaneously charting on both the Official UK Album Chart and Billboard Hot 100.
Full Lineup and Nomination Leaders
The performer lineup also includes Alex Warren, KPop Demon Hunters, Wolf Alice, ROSALÍA, and Olivia Dean. Leading this year's nominations are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nods each, while Sam Fender follows closely with four nominations after his Mercury Prize success last year.
Other notable British acts competing for honours include:
- Lily Allen
- Calvin Harris
- JADE
- Ed Sheeran
- Little Simz
- PinkPantheress
- RAYE
- Skye Newman
- Wet Leg
Notable Nominations and International Categories
British icons Pulp have earned their first nomination since 1996, while Hollywood's influence is evident through nominations for Cynthia Erivo's performance of 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked and KPop Demon Hunter's 'Golden' from HUNTR/X.
The International categories feature nominations for Bad Bunny, Doechii, ROSALÍA, Chappell Roan, CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, HAIM and Tame Impala.
Critics' Choice Award and Ceremony Details
Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon has secured this year's coveted BRITs Critics' Choice award, beating fellow nominees Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO to the prestigious accolade.
The BRIT Awards typically take place towards the end of February or early March. This year's ceremony will occur on Saturday, February 28 at Manchester's Co-op Live arena. The move to Manchester celebrates the city's rich musical heritage, which has produced legendary acts including Oasis, Take That, The Stone Roses, Courteeners, Sarah Harding, Happy Mondays and Joy Division.
For the first time, UK viewers can stream the BRIT Awards across ITV's YouTube Channel, making the ceremony more accessible than ever before.
