Global music sensation Harry Styles has been confirmed as a headline performer for the highly anticipated 2026 Brit Awards ceremony. This significant announcement marks a major coup for the awards show, which will be held for the very first time at Manchester's state-of-the-art Co-Op Live Arena.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
The performance will represent Styles's first live appearance since concluding his extensive world tour in July 2023, making it a highly anticipated comeback for his legion of fans. More importantly, it will serve as the inaugural live television performance of material from his forthcoming fourth studio album, titled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
While the specific setlist for his Brits slot remains under wraps, organisers have confirmed that audiences can expect to hear fresh tracks from the new record. Styles is currently in the final stages of preparing the album's release, alongside planning a series of global arena and stadium residencies.
Star-Studded Line-Up Takes Shape
Styles joins an already impressive roster of confirmed performers for the ceremony. Olivia Dean, who leads this year's nominations with an impressive five nods alongside fellow pop artist Lola Young, is also set to grace the stage. Dean is in contention for several top awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her chart-topping second album, The Art of Loving.
She has also received dual nominations for Song of the Year, for her solo single "Man I Need" and for her collaboration with fellow nominee Sam Fender on "Rein Me In". The awards organisers have indicated that further performance announcements are expected in the lead-up to the event.
A Competitive Field of Nominees
The 2026 Brit Awards nominations list showcases a diverse array of talent from across the musical spectrum. Notable British artists in the running include the iconic Lily Allen, acclaimed rappers Dave and Little Simz, pop singer JADE, and revered bands such as Pulp, Geese, and Wolf Alice.
The international categories feature some of the world's biggest stars, with Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Chappell Roan, and Rosalía all receiving nominations, underscoring the awards' global prestige.
New Music and Record-Breaking Plans
Styles's Brit Awards performance follows the recent release of his well-received new single, "Aperture". Critics have praised the track, with one review noting his signature lyrical style of "vignettes and half-phrases" that invite listener interpretation, culminating in what was described as a "giddy rush" of synth-driven pop clarity.
In further exciting news for UK fans, Styles has also announced a record-breaking residency at London's Wembley Stadium. He is now scheduled to perform an unprecedented 12 shows at the iconic venue, surpassing Coldplay's previous record of 10 nights. General sale tickets for this monumental tour will become available from 2pm on Friday, 30 January.
The 2026 Brit Awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, 28 February, and will be hosted by the popular comedian Jack Whitehall, promising an evening of celebration, stellar performances, and potentially historic moments for British music.
