Manchester has shared double celebrations for the Brit Awards 2026 after nominees for this year’s categories were announced.
The British Phonographic Industry’s annual popular music awards – sponsored by Mastercard – announced last year that the event will be held Manchester’s Co-op Live in a historic ‘first’ since 1977.
The 34th instalment of the event will also feature its highest representation of women and non-binary people with 69.2% combined as solo artists or in mixed gender groups.
The 15 categories were announced yesterday by hosts Charley Marlowe and Sarah Story who spoke to nominees and gave viewers a sneak peek at the BRIT’s new home.
The stream also featured an exclusive performance from this year’s BRITs Critics’ Choice winner, Jacob Alon. Award-winning comedian Jack Whitehall is set to host again.
The winners of each category will each take home the iconic BRITs trophy – with this year’s designed by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson who was inspired by his roots to the city.
Among the Brit nominations are Lola Young and Olivia Dean – both former BRIT School students and British breakthrough artists that were recognised as defining a British music revival in the UK.
Lola is nominated across Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist, Song of the Year with Mastercard, Alt/Rock Act and Pop Act.
Olivia is nominated for Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year and Pop Act as well as receiving two nods in Song of the Year with Mastercard for ‘Man I Need’ and ‘Rein Me In’, her collaboration with Sam Fender.
Oliva Dean is also the first performer to be confirmed for this year’s show.
Sam Fender will hope to continue his winning streak as he receives four nominations across Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year, Song of the Year with Mastercard and Alt/Rock Act.
Sam, a previous Critics’ Choice winner, has won Alt/Rock Act twice before and also took home the 2025 Mercury Prize at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena in October.
A host of British artists have also been nominated for three awards – with Lily Allen nominated for Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year and Pop Act – and Wolf Alice for Group of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year and Alt/Rock Act.
Other British artists up for awards this year include Calvin Harris, JADE, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Skye Newman, Wet Leg and more.
British icons Pulp have received their first nomination since 1996, with a nod in Group of the Year.
Hollywood is also represented in this year’s nominations, with two of 2025’s biggest cultural moments featured as Cynthia Erivo secures her first BRIT Award nomination.
Erivo’s rendition of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’ is up for Song of the Year with Mastercard, while KPop Demon Hunter’s ‘Golden’ is also nominated for International Song of the Year.
Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami (Huntrix) are also in the running for International Group.
Among international categories nominees are Bad Bunny, Doechii, ROSALÍA and sombr – who are nominated for the first time in International Artist of the Year – alongside previously nominated artists including Chappell Roan, CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.
Gigi Perez, Gracie Abrams and Ravyn Lenae are in the running for International Song of the Year for the first time, alongside Bruno Mars, who is featured twice for his collaborations with Lady Gaga and ROSÉ.
The winners of Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year will be revealed over the coming weeks, along with other show announcements.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK said: “The breadth of artists nominated reflects a thriving year in music and reaffirms that British artists continue to capture imaginations across the globe.
“I think this list is a powerful demonstration of how vibrant and varied music is right now, with artists across different genres and generations reflecting music that is both commercially successful and has lasting cultural impact.
“At its core, the BRIT Awards exists to celebrate creativity, and these nominations set the stage for an exciting and memorable night.”
BPI Chief Executive, Dr Jo Twist OBE, said: “It’s fantastic to see British talent doing so well across the board.”
She added: “Especially a next generation of brilliant artists who have broken through with such impact on the global stage in the past 12 months led by Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, PinkPantheress, Skye Newman, among others.
“Our congratulations to all The BRITs nominees and their labels. The BRIT Awards with Mastercard in Manchester will provide a compelling moment for them all to shine brightly and to spotlight the diverse breadth of talent drawn across the UK and internationally.”
The Brit Awards will take place on 28 February and will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Fans can vote via the BRITs WhatsApp channel or BRITs socials from midday on Friday 30th January until the vote closes at 6pm on Friday 13th February.
Further information on the vote can be found at brits.co.uk/vote.
Featured image credit: DawBell.
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