Global pop sensation Harry Styles has been confirmed as a headline performer for the 2026 Brit Awards, set to take place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester. This announcement marks a significant moment for the prestigious music ceremony, which will be held in Manchester for the very first time in its history.
First Live TV Performance of New Material
The performance will serve as Styles's first live television appearance showcasing songs from his highly anticipated fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. This will be his first live performance since concluding his extensive world tour in July 2023, making the Brit Awards slot a major comeback moment for the former One Direction star.
While the exact setlist remains under wraps, organisers have confirmed that viewers can expect to hear fresh material from the new album performed live for the first time on television. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting new music from Styles since his last album release.
Record-Breaking Stadium Plans
In related news, Styles has also revealed plans for a record-breaking series of concerts at London's Wembley Stadium. The singer will 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 2026.
This stadium announcement follows the positive critical reception of Styles's latest single, Aperture, which has been praised for its lyrical depth and musical innovation. Critics have noted the track's characteristic blend of personal vignettes and atmospheric production that has become synonymous with Styles's post-One Direction career.
Brit Awards 2026 Lineup and Nominations
Styles joins an already impressive lineup of confirmed performers for the 2026 ceremony, including Olivia Dean, who leads this year's nominations alongside Lola Young with five nods each. Dean is competing in several major categories, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her chart-topping second album, The Art of Loving.
The nominations list features a diverse range of British and international talent, including:
- Lily Allen
- Rappers Dave and Little Simz
- Pop singer JADE
- Bands Pulp, Geese and Wolf Alice
- International stars Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Chappell Roan and Rosalia
Further performances are expected to be announced in the coming weeks leading up to the ceremony, which promises to be one of the most star-studded Brit Awards in recent memory.
Ceremony Details and Host
The 2026 Brit Awards will take place on Saturday 28 February at Manchester's Co-Op Live Arena, with comedian Jack Whitehall returning to host the ceremony. This marks a significant geographical shift for the awards, which have traditionally been held in London, reflecting the growing importance of Manchester as a cultural hub within the UK music scene.
As anticipation builds for both Styles's performance and the ceremony itself, music fans across the country are preparing for what promises to be a landmark event in the British music calendar, showcasing both established superstars and emerging talent on one of the industry's most prestigious stages.
