Olivia Dean and Lola Young have topped the nominations for the 2026 Brit awards, each receiving five nods. The singer-songwriters have cemented their breakthroughs to the front rank of British pop, with Dean nominated for artist and album of the year, pop act, and song of the year for both 'Man I Need' and 'Rein Me In' (alongside Sam Fender). Young is up for artist of the year, breakthrough artist, alternative/rock, pop, and song of the year for 'Messy'.
The awards ceremony will be held for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena on Saturday 28 February, broadcast on ITV with Jack Whitehall hosting. Dean is the first announced performer. Jarvis Cocker will also return to the Brits stage 30 years after his infamous Michael Jackson protest during the 1996 ceremony.
Sam Fender earns four nominations including artist and album of the year for his Mercury-winning album 'People Watching'. Lily Allen caps a remarkable return with three nominations, including artist and album of the year for 'West End Girl'. Rappers Dave and Jim Legxacy each receive three nods, with Jim earning breakthrough artist recognition.
Wolf Alice and Fred Again also receive three nominations each. Jade, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, and Self Esteem are nominated for artist of the year. This year, 70% of nominees are female or non-binary, or mixed-gender groups, a significant shift after criticism of male-dominated nominations in recent years. However, of the 116 eligible British albums, only 41 were by female acts or mixed-gender groups.
In the international categories, established artists also feature prominently, though full details are yet to be announced.
