AJ Odudu Stuns on Brit Awards Red Carpet as Ceremony Embraces Diversity
AJ Odudu looked absolutely sensational as she graced the red carpet at the Brit Awards 2026, held at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday. The Big Brother host, aged 38, sent pulses racing by showcasing her incredibly toned abs in a plunging silver sequinned bralette. She completed her dazzling ensemble with a figure-hugging black maxi skirt, posing confidently ahead of the star-studded ceremony. Adding extra sparkle, AJ wore a pair of chandelier diamond earrings and accentuated her features with glamorous makeup, making her a standout presence at the event.
Nominations Reflect a Shift Towards Gender Inclusivity
Since the Brit Awards removed gendered categories like Best Male and Best Female, the ceremony has faced criticism for the low number of female artists nominated, particularly in 2023 when the Artist Of The Year shortlist was entirely male. However, 2026 marks a significant change, with 70 percent of this year's nominations being female or non-binary artists. This shift highlights a broader move towards inclusivity in the music industry, addressing past imbalances and celebrating diverse talent.
Leading Nominees and Their Achievements
Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead the nominations with five each, showcasing their rising prominence in the music scene. Comeback queen Lily Allen follows closely, recognized in three categories for her critically acclaimed fifth album, West End Girl. The album chronicles the collapse of her marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour and his alleged infidelities. Allen will compete against Young and Dean for Artist Of The Year, as well as for Album Of The Year and Pop Act.
Lola Young, aged 24, is also nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative/Rock Act. Following the announcement, she expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating, 'Five BRIT nominations, how is this even possible? I've had this dream a thousand times, so I'm slightly convinced that my alarm clock is about to wake me up. Seriously, this means so much to me.'
Olivia Dean, aged 26, made history by becoming the first woman since Adele in 2021 to claim the UK's No 1 single and album in the same week, with her song Man I Need and album The Art Of Loving, both released in 2025. Nominated in five categories, she will also perform at the ceremony. Dean shared her excitement, saying, 'To go from being a student of The BRIT School in the crowd to being a performer 10 years later is really crazy, and I'm so excited to see everyone in Manchester.'
Other Notable Nominees and Performers
British rapper Dave has been recognized in three categories: Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year, and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act. The 27-year-old released his third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, in 2025, becoming the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one in the UK's official chart.
Raye, who holds the record for the most BRIT Awards won at a single ceremony with six awards last year, has been nominated in one category this year. She will perform as the final act at the ceremony, adding to the night's excitement. Her real name is Rachel Keen, and she previously broke records held by artists like Blur, Adele, and Harry Styles.
Full List of Brit Awards 2026 Nominations
The nominations span various categories, reflecting a diverse range of musical genres and talents. Key categories include:
- Artist Of The Year: Dave, Fred Again..., JADE, Lily Allen, Little Simz, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Sam Fender, Self Esteem
- Group Of The Year: The Last Dinner Party, Pulp, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice
- Song Of The Year (Voted For By The Public): Includes tracks by Calvin Harris, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, and Raye
- International Artist Of The Year: Features Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga among others
- Mastercard Album Of The Year: Nominees include Dave, Lily Allen, Olivia Dean, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice
This year's Brit Awards not only celebrate outstanding musical achievements but also underscore a commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
