Olivia Dean was the biggest winner at the 2026 BRIT Awards, held for the first time at Co-op Live. The London-born artist collected four trophies, including Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year for The Art Of Loving, at the ceremony organised by the BRIT Awards.
Olivia also won Pop Act and Song Of The Year for “Rein Me In” alongside Sam Fender. The event marked the first time the awards moved from London to Manchester, with organisers confirming the ceremony will return to the arena again in 2027.
Her second album has already spent seven weeks at No.1 in the UK and, according to the Official Charts Company, has reached consumption of 434,089 units since its release in September 2025.
During the ceremony, Olivia reflected on the record while accepting one of the night’s major awards:
“Making this album has changed my life, I feel proud to have made it and to have worked with everyone I did on it. This album is just about loving and loving each other in a world that feels lovelessness right now.”
Later in the night, collecting Artist Of The Year, she added:
“It takes a lot of people to be a good artist. It’s not lost on me that I have good people around me.”
The win continues a recent run of female artists dominating the awards, following victories by Raye in 2024 and Charli XCX in 2025.
Ceremony moves to Manchester for the first time
The 2026 edition was the first BRIT Awards ceremony staged outside London. Host Jack Whitehall opened the show by welcoming viewers to Manchester, referencing the city’s musical heritage.
Organisers reported the largest television audience in the event’s history. The move north was positioned as part of a wider effort to broaden the ceremony’s reach across the UK music scene.
Harry Styles opens the show
Harry Styles launched the ceremony with the first BRIT Awards performance of his UK No.1 single “Aperture”. The performance used the arena’s central stage and walkway, setting up momentum ahead of his forthcoming album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally., scheduled for release on 6 March.
K-Pop and global acts featured at The Brits
The ceremony also reflected the global reach of current pop. Performers including Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the voices behind Huntr/x from K-Pop Demon Hunters, performed “Golden” outside the venue in a pre-recorded segment with fireworks.
The awards also produced a milestone moment for K-pop. “Apt” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars won International Song Of The Year.
Tributes, speeches and standout performances
Several other moments defined the night.
Noel Gallagher received the Songwriter Of The Year award, presented by Bobby Gillespie. During his acceptance speech, Gallagher acknowledged his bandmates:
“They brought those songs to life. Without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter.. and no one gives a shit about singer-songwriters.”
Producer and DJ Mark Ronson collected the Outstanding Contribution award, later joined on stage by Dua Lipa and Ghostface Killah during a medley performance that included a tribute to Amy Winehouse.
Elsewhere, Wolf Alice used their acceptance speech after winning Group Of The Year to highlight the closure of grassroots venues across the UK. Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell said:
“Thank you to those who continually fight to keep them open.”
Ozzy Osbourne honoured with lifetime achievement award
Ozzy Osbourne received the BRITs Lifetime Achievement award. The honour was introduced by Dolly Parton via video message and accepted by Sharon and Kelly Osbourne.
Sharon Osbourne reflected on his career:
“He was at the top of his game for 56 years. He was totally unpredictable, a wild man, a true artist… He was the most humble egomaniac you could ever meet.”
A tribute performance of “No More Tears” followed, fronted by Robbie Williams and featuring musicians who had previously worked in Osbourne’s band.
Full list of selected winners from The Brit Awards 2026
Key winners announced during the ceremony included:
- Artist Of The Year: Olivia Dean
- Mastercard Album Of The Year: The Art Of Loving – Olivia Dean
- Song Of The Year: Sam Fender with Olivia Dean
- Group Of The Year: Wolf Alice
- Breakthrough Artist: Lola Young
- Dance Act: Fred again.. / Skepta / PlaqueBoyMax
- International Artist Of The Year: Rosalía
- International Song Of The Year: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – “Apt”
- R&B Act: SAULT
- Songwriter Of The Year: Noel Gallagher
- Outstanding Contribution: Mark Ronson
- Lifetime Achievement: Ozzy Osbourne
