Brit Awards 2026 Nominations Unveiled: Brit School Alumni Lead the Pack
The highly anticipated nominations for the 2026 Brit Awards have been officially released, showcasing a diverse and exciting lineup of musical talent. The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday 28 February, will mark a historic first as it moves to the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, with the event broadcast live on ITV and ITVX.
Dominant Forces: Olivia Dean and Lola Young Shine
Brit School graduates Olivia Dean and Lola Young emerge as the standout nominees, each securing an impressive five nominations across multiple categories. Dean, who will also perform at the ceremony, is recognised in Song of the Year (with two entries), Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Best Pop Act. Reflecting on her nominations, the Man I Need singer expressed disbelief, stating, "it feels crazy to be nominated five times, adding it would be crazy to be nominated for just one."
Meanwhile, Lola Young competes in Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist, Best Alt/Rock Act, Best Pop Act, and Song of the Year for her hit single Messy. Their dominance highlights the continued influence of the Brit School in nurturing top-tier musical talent.
Notable Nominations and Comebacks
In a significant comeback, indie legends Pulp have received their first nomination for Best Group since 1996, joining contenders like Wolf Alice, Wet Leg, Sleep Token, and The Last Dinner Party. Sam Fender, fresh from his 2025 Mercury Prize win for People Watching, aims to secure Best Alternative/Rock Act for the second consecutive year, alongside four other nominations.
Hollywood makes a strong showing in the international categories, with nominations for songs from Wicked featuring Cynthia Erivo and K-Pop Demon Hunters. The International Artist of the Year category promises a fierce battle among global stars, including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and CMAT.
Category Highlights and Public Votes
Key categories feature a mix of established and emerging artists. The Song of the Year and International Song of the Year categories will be decided by public vote, with entries from Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande), Lewis Capaldi, RAYE, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift, among others.
Other notable nominations include:
- Dave, Wolf Alice, Lily Allen, Fred again.., and newcomer Jim Legxacy each receiving three nominations.
- Breakthrough Artist contenders like Jim Legxacy, Barry Can't Swim, and Skye Newman.
- Album of the Year featuring works from Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, Dave, Lily Allen, and Wolf Alice.
Additional awards, such as Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year, will be announced in the coming weeks, along with further performance details for the ceremony.
A New Venue and Broader Recognition
The shift to Manchester's Co-op Live arena underscores the Brit Awards' commitment to celebrating music across the UK, coinciding with the Mercury Prize also relocating north. This move aims to highlight regional talent and engage a wider audience.
With a blend of pop, rock, R&B, and international acts, the 2026 Brit Awards nominations reflect the vibrant and evolving landscape of the music industry, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of recognition and performance.
