Olivia Dean dominated the 2026 BRIT Awards, securing four major prizes including artist of the year and album of the year. The ceremony, held for the first time at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, also saw historic wins for Rosalía and Rosé. Performances by Harry Styles, Rosalía, and others highlighted the event hosted by Jack Whitehall.
The 2026 BRIT Awards took place on February 28 at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena, marking the first time the ceremony was held outside London in its 46-year history. Olivia Dean emerged as the top winner, taking home four awards: British artist of the year, Mastercard album of the year for 'The Art of Loving', song of the year for 'Rein Me In' with Sam Fender, and best pop act. This sweep made her the fourth Grammy best new artist winner to claim multiple BRITs in a two-year cycle, following Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, and Culture Club. Dean's victories continued a trend of female solo artists dominating key categories, with women winning album of the year for the third consecutive year after RAYE in 2024 and Charli XCX in 2025.
Rosalía made history as the first Latin artist to win international artist of the year, beating nominees including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bad Bunny. She delivered a standout performance of 'Berghain' from her album 'LUX', joined by Björk for a verse, complete with an orchestra and choir that transitioned into rave mode. Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win a BRIT, sharing the international song of the year award with Bruno Mars for 'APT.', the fifth straight win in that category by a female solo artist or collaboration.
Other notable wins included Wolf Alice for British group of the year, their second such honor and the first for a female-fronted group. Sam Fender won alternative/rock act for the third time in five years, while Dave secured hip hop/grime/rap act for the second time. Geese won international group of the year, with vocalist Max Bassin stating in his acceptance speech, 'Free Palestine, fuck ICE, go Geese.' PinkPantheress was named producer of the year, the youngest recipient at 24 and the first woman to win the award since its inception in 1982. Honorary awards went to Noel Gallagher for songwriter of the year, Mark Ronson for outstanding contribution to music, and a posthumous lifetime achievement to Ozzy Osbourne, honored with a tribute performance by Robbie Williams and former band members.
Performances featured Harry Styles' first live outing in three years with 'Aperture', Raye's medley of 'Where Is My Husband!' and 'Nightingale Lane', Wolf Alice's 'The Sofa' in a 1970s living room set, and Mark Ronson's medley including Dua Lipa. The event celebrated British music's diversity, with snubs noted for artists like Taylor Swift and Lily Allen, who went home empty-handed despite nominations.
