Lola Young and Olivia Dean top 2026 BRIT nominations

BRIT Awards 2026

The 2026 BRIT Awards nominations were unveiled on January 21, with British artists Olivia Dean and Lola Young leading the field with five nominations each.

The 46th annual ceremony will be held on February 28, 2026, at the Co-op Live in Manchester, marking the first time the BRITs are staged outside London. These nominations highlight the impact of fresh British talent alongside established stars.

Representation among nominees also reflects a notably diverse field. With categories ranging from Artist of the Year to International Song of the Year, the stage is set for a major celebration of music.

Young and Dean tie for most nods

Both Lola Young (25) and Olivia Dean (26) received five nominations each, the most of any artists this year. Each is nominated in major categories, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act, showcasing their widespread industry recognition.

Young’s hit “Messy” is also up for Song of the Year, while Dean received two nods in that category for “Man I Need” and “Rein Me In” (with Sam Fender). Their dominance underscores a shift toward newer voices in UK music.

Categories for Artist of the Year

The Artist of the Year category features a strong mix of British talent, including Lola Young and Olivia Dean alongside established names like Sam Fender, Lily Allen, Dave, Fred again.., PinkPantheress, Self Esteem, JADE, Little Simz, and RAYE.

This lineup reflects both commercial success and critical acclaim from across the UK scene. Competition in this category is widely regarded as one of the toughest. Fans are already speculating about potential winners in social and fan communities.

Breakthrough Artist spotlight

Lola Young is also shortlisted for Breakthrough Artist, highlighting her rapid rise over the past year. Other nominees in this category include Barry Can’t Swim, EsDeeKid, Jim Legxacy, and Skye Newman, representing a wide spectrum of emerging talent.

This category celebrates artists who made significant impacts in 2025. Young’s inclusion showcases her connection with both industry and audiences. It underscores how her creative work has resonated widely.

Album and international nominations

Olivia Dean is nominated for Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, along with Sam Fender, Dave, Lily Allen, and Wolf Alice. In the International Artist of the Year category, global stars like Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Doechii, Rosalia, CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tyler, the Creator are recognized.

This mix of British and international names reflects the BRIT Awards’ global reach. The nominations showcase how music continues to transcend borders.

Group of the Year nominees

The Group of the Year category includes The Last Dinner Party, Pulp (nominated for the first time in three decades), Sleep Token, Wet Leg, and Wolf Alice. This list blends legacy acts with newer groups, highlighting genre diversity.

Fans have praised the return of Pulp as a historic moment. This category often features lively debate about the state of UK band music. The nominees reflect both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Sam Fender close behind

Sam Fender follows closely with four nominations, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (People Watching), Alternative/Rock Act, and Song of the Year (Rein Me In). His Mercury Prize attention and critical acclaim contribute to a strong awards presence.

Fender’s multiple nods position him as another frontrunner for top honors. His nominations reflect a balance of mainstream and artistic recognition.

Notable multi-nominees

Other artists with multiple nominations include Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred again.., and Jim Legxacy, each picking up three nods. This range reflects a vibrant and varied field that includes established stars and rising talents.

The diversity in nominations spans genres from pop to rock and hip-hop, highlighting the BRITs’ wide musical scope. Fans are anticipating who will convert nominations into wins.

International Song and Group categories

In addition to domestic categories, the 2026 BRIT Awards include International Song of the Year nominees like Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and works by Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter, and others.

In the International Group of the Year, nominees include Geese, HAIM, Huntr/x, Tame Impala, and Turnstile. These categories reflect the global diversity the BRITs celebrate beyond UK-centric awards.

Ceremony details and context

The 2026 BRIT Awards ceremony is set for February 28, 2026, in Manchester’s Co-op Live arena and will be broadcast on ITV and ITVX. Hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, the event marks a historic relocation from London.

The BRITs recognize achievements in British and international music from the eligibility year. The shift to Manchester has generated additional excitement among fans and artists alike.

Are ticket resale companies creating problems for fans? Explore how Olivia Dean calls out ticket resale companies, highlighting a growing industry problem fans are tired of facing.

What the nominations signify

The prominence of Lola Young and Olivia Dean signifies a generational shift in British music. Their dominance in major categories reflects both commercial success and cultural relevance. This year’s nominations showcase a broad spectrum of talent across genres and styles.

They also highlight how the music industry continues to evolve toward greater representation. With diverse nominees and exciting matchups, the BRIT Awards promise a vibrant celebration of contemporary music.

Were you shocked by Lola Young’s on-stage collapse? See why Lola Young pauses the concert after an on-stage collapse.

Which nomination category at the 2026 BRIT Awards are you most excited about, and who do you think will take home Artist of the Year between Lola Young and Olivia Dean? Tell us in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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