The BRIT Awards 2026 lit up Manchester on February 28, turning the Co-op Live Arena into the epicenter of British music. Broadcast live on ITV1 and hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, the 46th edition of the ceremony celebrated chart-toppers, breakthrough voices and global icons — but the night ultimately belonged to one artist.
Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner, sweeping major categories and firmly establishing herself as one of the defining voices of her generation.
Olivia Dean’s Standout Moment
Heading into the ceremony as one of the most-nominated artists, Dean converted momentum into major wins. She took home:
- Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year (The Art of Loving)
- Best Pop Act
It was a clean sweep that reflected both commercial success and critical acclaim. Over the past year, Dean’s soulful songwriting and modern pop sensibilities have pushed her from rising star to headline act — and the BRITs confirmed it officially.
Other Big Winners of the Night
Sam Fender continued his strong awards run, winning Song of the Year for “Rein Me In” (with Olivia Dean) and Best Alternative/Rock Act.
Wolf Alice claimed Group of the Year, reinforcing their standing as one of the UK’s most consistent rock acts.
Internationally, Rosalía won International Artist of the Year, while indie band Geese secured International Group of the Year. In a historic moment, Rosé and Bruno Mars won International Song of the Year for “APT.”
The ceremony also paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mark Ronson received Outstanding Contribution to Music. Noel Gallagher was named Songwriter of the Year, and PinkPantheress took home Producer of the Year.
Full List of Winners – BRIT Awards 2026
Artist of the Year
- Dave
- Fred again..
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean — WINNER
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Group of the Year
- The Last Dinner Party
- Pulp
- Sleep Token
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice — WINNER
Album of the Year
- Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp
- Lily Allen – West End Girl
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving — WINNER
- Sam Fender – People Watching
- Wolf Alice – The Clearing
Song of the Year
- Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas – “Blessings”
- Chrystal & Notion – “The Days (Notion Remix)”
- Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande) – “Defying Gravity”
- Ed Sheeran – “Azizam”
- Fred again.., Skepta & 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” — WINNER
- Skye Newman – “Family Matters”
International Artist of the Year
- Bad Bunny
- Chappell Roan
- CMAT
- Doechii
- Lady Gaga
- Rosalía — WINNER
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Sombr
- Taylor Swift
- Tyler, The Creator
International Group of the Year
- Geese — WINNER
- Haim
- HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI)
- Tame Impala
- Turnstile
International Song of the Year
- Alex Warren – “Ordinary”
- Chappell Roan – “Pink Pony Club”
- Disco Lines & Tinashe – “No Broke Boys”
- Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
- Gracie Abrams – “That’s So True”
- HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI) – “Golden”
- Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – “Die With A Smile”
- Ravyn Lenae – “Love Me Not”
- Rosé & Bruno Mars – “APT.” — WINNER
- Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
- Sombr – “Undressed”
- Taylor Swift – “The Fate of Ophelia”
Breakthrough Artist
- Barry Can’t Swim
- EsDeeKid
- Jim Legxacy
- Lola Young — WINNER
- Skye Newman
Critics’ Choice
- Jacob Alon — WINNER
- Rose Gray
- Sienna Spiro
Best Alternative / Rock Act
- Blood Orange
- Lola Young
- Sam Fender — WINNER
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Best Pop Act
- Jade
- Lily Allen
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean — WINNER
- RAYE
Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act
- Central Cee
- Dave — WINNER
- Jim Legxacy
- Little Simz
- Loyle Carner
Best R&B Act
- Jim Legxacy
- Kwn
- Mabel
- Sasha Keable
- Sault — WINNER
Best Dance Act
- Calvin Harris & Clementine Douglas
- FKA twigs
- Fred again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax — WINNER
- PinkPantheress
- Sammy Virji
A Ceremony of Momentum
Beyond the trophies, the 2026 BRITs reflected a shifting industry. Established names held their ground, but newer voices took center stage. The genre spread — from grime and R&B to alternative rock and global pop — showed just how diverse British music has become.
Final Words
The BRIT Awards 2026 will be remembered as the night Olivia Dean fully arrived.
Three major trophies, critical recognition, and undeniable audience support — it was more than just a winning streak. It was a statement. And if this year’s results are any indication, the next chapter of British music is already here — and it sounds a lot like Olivia Dean.
