BRIT Awards 2026: Full List of Nominees Revealed

Get ready for the BRIT Awards 2026 with the complete lineup of nominees leading the charge in Manchester’s first-ever hosting of the iconic ceremony.

The excitement is palpable as the full list of nominations for the 2026 BRIT Awards has been unveiled, showcasing a dazzling array of talent with Lola Young and Olivia Dean leading the pack in this year’s race for glory. If you're like me, a music fan who’s been following these rising stars and veterans alike, this year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of British and international music.

The BRIT Awards 2026 stage setting up for a spectacular night.

A Historic Night in Manchester

For the very first time in almost half a century, the BRIT Awards will take center stage in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena on Saturday, February 28. This move breaks tradition and gives the ceremony a fresh, vibrant backdrop filled with the city’s legendary musical spirit. And guess who’s back? The ever-charming Jack Whitehall returns to host for the sixth time, promising his signature blend of wit and charisma to keep the night lively.

Rising Stars and Critics’ Choice Winner

Before diving into the nominations, big applause goes to Scottish art-folk sensation Jacob Alon, who clinched the coveted BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. Jacob bested tough competition from Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO, joining an elite club of past winners like Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, and Jorja Smith. It’s a sign that fresh artistry is still the heart of the BRIT Awards.

The Nominees You Can’t Miss

The full list of nominations reads like a who’s who of today’s most exciting acts. Sam Fender, Lily Allen, and Olivia Dean are standing tall with multiple nods, and it’s impossible not to root for them.

Artist Of The Year nominees include:

• Dave
• Fred Again..
• JADE
• Lily Allen
• Little Simz
• Lola Young
• Olivia Dean
• PinkPantheress
• Sam Fender
• Self Esteem

Old and new fans alike will be thrilled to see Lola Young’s name across several categories: Breakthrough Artist, Alternative Rock, Pop, Song Of The Year, and Artist Of The Year.

Olivia Dean in a captivating live performance.

Group Of The Year nominations revive some Britpop nostalgia with Pulp making their first appearance in three decades alongside rising stars The Last Dinner Party, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice.

Internationally, nominees like Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Rosalia bring star power, while the Mastercard Album of the Year contenders feature heavyweights such as Lily Allen, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, and Dave.

Highlights from Key Categories

Song of the Year

This category is packed with vibrant hits like:

• RAYE’s viral masterpiece “Where Is My Husband?”
• Lewis Capaldi’s emotional comeback “Survive”
• The magical “Defying Gravity” by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande from Wicked
• Collaborative bangers like Fred Again, Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax’s “Victory Lap”
• And Lola Young’s “Messy” — a personal favorite!

Check out the official music video for RAYE's “Where Is My Husband?” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK5TyISxZ_M

International Song

Diverse and fresh, this list includes tracks from:

• Alex Warren “Ordinary”
• Chappell Roan “Pink Pony Club”
• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars “Die With A Smile”
• Taylor Swift “The Fate Of Ophelia”

Sam Fender delivering a powerful set at Reading Festival 2023. Photo credit: Andy Ford

Breaking Through and International Flair

Breakthrough Artist nominees include Barry Can’t Swim, Esdeekid, Jim Legxacy, Lola Young, and Skye Newman. On the international front, the scene is equally electric with names like Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Rosalia, and Taylor Swift fighting for top honors.

Diverse and Empowering Nominations

A remarkable 70% of this year’s nominees are women and non-binary artists—a historic high for the BRITs, reflecting an industry moving toward greater inclusivity and representation. Plus, the ceremony honors music’s crossover into film with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and HUNTR/X receiving nods for their work in Wicked and the Netflix hit Kpop Demon Hunters.

Public Voting and The Iconic Trophy

Fans will have their say in the Song Of The Year and International Song categories, with details about the voting process to be announced soon.

Adding to the night’s allure is the trophy design by Matthew Williamson, inspired by his Manchester roots and the city’s renowned resilience. The amber-resin statue resembles the golden honey of the worker bee, Manchester’s proud mascot—an artful tribute to the host city.

“Five BRIT Nominations, how is this even possible? I’ve had this dream a thousand times, so I’m slightly convinced that my alarm clock is about to wake me up,” said Lola Young. “Seriously, this means so much to me...”

“It feels crazy to have five BRIT Award nominations, it’s very surreal and I’m still processing it,” Olivia Dean added. “I remember watching the BRITs on TV when I was younger... attending the awards is going to feel very emotional.”

Central Cee electrifying the crowd at Reading Festival 2023. Photo credit: Andy Ford

Broadcast and Past Highlights

ITV continues as the official broadcaster for the 34th year, airing the ceremony exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. Looking back, last year’s ceremony was dominated by Charli XCX, who walked away with five awards and paid tribute to late collaborator SOPHIE, a touching moment that showed how interconnected and inspiring the music community truly is.

Below is the full list of 2026 BRIT Awards nominees:

Artist Of The Year

• Dave
• Fred Again..
• JADE
• Lily Allen
• Little Simz
• Lola Young
• Olivia Dean
• PinkPantheress
• Sam Fender
• Self Esteem

Group Of The Year

• The Last Dinner Party
• Pulp
• Sleep Token
• Wet Leg
• Wolf Alice

Mastercard 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
• Skye Newman

International Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Chappell Roan
• CMAT
• Doechii
• Lady Gaga
• Rosalia
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr
• Taylor Swift
• Tyler, The Creator

International Group

• Geese
• HAIM
• HUNTR/X (K-Pop Demon Hunters)
• Tame Impala
• Turnstile

Song Of The Year

• 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, Kkepta 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 with Olivia Dean – ‘Rein Me In’
• Skye Newman – ‘Family Matters’

International Song

• Alex Warren – ’Ordinary’
• Chappell Roan – ‘Pink Pony Club’
• Disco Lines and Tinashe – ‘No Broke Boys’
• Gigi Perez – ‘Sailor Song’
• Gracie Abrams – ‘That’s So True’
• HUNTR/X – ‘Golden’
• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – ‘Die With A Smile’
• Ravyn Lenae – ‘Love Me Not’
• Rose and 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 and Rap

• Central Cee
• Dave
• Jim Legxacy
• Little Simz
• Loyle Carner

R&B

• Jim Legxacy
• Kwn
• Mabel
• Sasha Keable
• Sault

Dance

• Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
• FKA Twigs
• Fred Again.., Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax
• PinkPantheress
• Sammy Virji

FAQ

• Who is hosting the BRIT Awards 2026?
  Jack Whitehall returns as host for the sixth time, bringing his unique humor to the ceremony.
• Where will the 2026 BRIT Awards be held?
  For the first time ever, the ceremony will take place at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
• Which artists received the most nominations?
  Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead with five nominations each, followed closely by Sam Fender with four.
• Can the public vote for any categories?
  Yes, voting will be open for Song Of The Year and International Song, with details to be announced.
• What’s special about this year’s BRIT Awards trophy?
  Designed by Matthew Williamson, the trophy features amber resin inspired by Manchester’s worker bee mascot.

For fans who want to bring the magic of the BRIT Awards home, shop your favorite album cover posters and immortalize these iconic moments at Architeg Prints. Celebrate the music that moves you every day!