CMAT's Theatrical Fake Tears Overshadow Rosalia's International Artist Win at BRIT Awards 2026
The 46th BRIT Awards, held for the first time at Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night, witnessed a blend of emotional victories and playful antics. Irish country-pop singer CMAT, aged 30, became an instant viral sensation after dramatically feigning tears upon losing the Best International Artist award to Spanish superstar Rosalia.
Rosalia Triumphs Over Global Heavyweights
Rosalia, 33, could not contain her excitement after clinching the prestigious Best International Artist award, triumphing over formidable contenders including Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, and Lady Gaga. Accepting the award from presenter JADE, Rosalia expressed profound gratitude, stating, "It's such an honour to bring my music far from home and I would love to share this with all my peers who also make music in Spanish."
Earlier in the evening, CMAT had arrived at the ceremony in a striking colourful checkered dress featuring a long train and front buttons, paired with white heeled shoes and vibrant makeup. Her theatrical reaction to the loss, captured by cameras, added a lighthearted moment to the night's proceedings.
Olivia Dean Sweeps the Board with Four Awards
The evening belonged to British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, 26, who achieved a remarkable sweep by winning in every category she was nominated for. Dean secured the awards for Best Artist, Best Album for "The Art Of Loving," Best Song for "Man I Need," and Best Pop Act. She also triumphed in the Song of the Year category with her collaboration with Sam Fender, "Rein Me In."
This historic performance made Olivia Dean the first woman since Adele in 2021 to simultaneously claim the UK's number one single and album in the same week, with "Man I Need" and "The Art Of Loving," both released in 2025.
Notable Wins and Emotional Tributes
In contrast, Lily Allen, 40, who dominated charts last year with her album "West End Girl," failed to secure any awards despite nominations in key categories. The album chronicled the collapse of her marriage to actor David Harbour, detailing alleged infidelities. Allen, nominated eight times previously with only one BRIT win, did not attend this year's ceremony.
Manchester-born Noel Gallagher, 58, was honoured with the Songwriter of the Year award, following his reunion with brother Liam for the massive Oasis reunion tour. Sharon Osbourne, 73, delivered a heartfelt speech accepting the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away last July.
Supported by daughter Kelly, 41, Sharon described Ozzy as "gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man - he was a true artist" who remained "proud to be that working-class Brummie." The ceremony closed with an all-star rock tribute performance of "No More Tears," curated by Sharon and featuring Robbie Williams alongside former band members.
Breakthrough Artists and Category Winners
Lola Young, 24, won the Breakthrough Artist award after a turbulent period that included a hiatus following a collapse on stage in New York. British rapper Dave, 27, claimed the Hip Hop award for his album "The Boy Who Played The Harp," while Fred Again, Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax took home the Dance award.
Sam Fender triumphed in the Best Rock category, Mark Ronson received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, and SAULT won the R&B award. Other winners included Jacob Alon (Critics Choice), PinkPantheress (Producer of the Year), Geese (Best International Group), and Wolf Alice (Group of the Year).
Performances and Venue Shift
The event featured performances by Harry Styles, Raye, Wolf Alice, Rosalia, and others, with comedian Jack Whitehall returning to host for the sixth time. The BRIT Awards, traditionally held at London's O2 Arena since 2011, moved to Manchester this year under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, with plans to rotate locations across the UK in future years.
This shift marks a significant change for the ceremony, which has previously been hosted at venues including Earl's Court, Alexandra Palace, and the Royal Albert Hall.
