Stars Prepare for Historic Brit Awards in Manchester
Olivia Atwood, Kelly Osbourne, and Maya Jama led the celebrities getting glamorous for the 2026 Brit Awards on Saturday night. Hours before the star-studded ceremony, stars began their preparations for the red carpet, sharing glimpses on social media.
Olivia Atwood posted a sweaty workout photo on Instagram, captioning it, 'Paying tax before @Brits glam'. Kelly Osbourne, whose late father Ozzy Osbourne is receiving the Lifetime Achievement award, shared a makeup chair snap from her hotel room, writing, 'Time to get with the #GlamFam and get ready for the @brit.awards!' Maya Jama, the Love Island presenter, posed in a bikini before a swim, noting, 'Brits dayyyy. What a coincidence the Brits move to Manchester when I do'.
Jamie Laing also posted a photo of his wife Sophie Habboo getting hair and makeup done ahead of their night out.
Historic Move to Manchester
The 46th Brit Awards is launching at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena for the first time, ending a long-standing tradition of being held in London. This shift marks a new era for the ceremony, which has faced criticism in recent years for gender imbalances in nominations.
After removing gendered categories, the awards saw backlash in 2023 when the Artist of the Year shortlist was entirely male. However, 2026 brings significant change, with 70% of nominations being female or non-binary artists.
Leading Nominees and Performers
Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, followed by Lily Allen with three nods for her album West End Girl. Olivia Dean, who became the first woman since Adele in 2021 to top both the single and album charts simultaneously, will perform at the ceremony.
British rapper Dave is nominated in three categories, including Artist of the Year, while Raye, who won a record six awards last year, is set to perform as the final act. Other notable nominees include Pulp, receiving their first Group of the Year nomination since 1996, and international stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.
Tributes and Hosting Details
The late Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, featuring a tribute performance led by Robbie Williams. Comedian Jack Whitehall returns to host the ceremony for the sixth time, expressing excitement about presenting in Manchester, where he began his comedy career.
Industry figures, including Sony Music UK's Jason Iley and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, praised the move, highlighting Manchester's rich music heritage and the opportunity to engage new audiences.
Full Nomination List Highlights
- Artist of the Year: Dave, Lily Allen, Lola Young, Olivia Dean
- Group of the Year: Pulp, Wolf Alice, The Last Dinner Party
- Song of the Year: Calvin Harris, Raye, Olivia Dean
- International Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter
The 2026 Brit Awards promises a night of celebration, innovation, and recognition, setting the stage for future ceremonies across the UK.
