Nominations for The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have been unveiled ahead of British music’s biggest night as it heads north to Manchester’s Co-op Live on Saturday 28 February 2026.
The nomination announcement, hosted by Radio 1’s Sarah Storey and presenter Charley Marlowe showcased this year’s nominees and featured exclusive performances.
Lola Young and Olivia Dean are at the forefront of the nominations, each receiving five nods across major categories including Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist, and Song of the Year with Mastercard.
Olivia Dean, who also secured two Song of the Year nominations for ‘Man I Need’ and ‘Rein Me In’, has been confirmed as the first performer for the live show.
Sam Fender, fresh from his Mercury Prize win, follows closely with four nominations spanning Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Alt/Rock Act.
Other artists with multiple nominations include Dave, Fred again.., Jim Legxacy, Lily Allen and Wolf Alice, each recognised in three categories this year.
The nominations also highlight international and cross-genre moments from the past year, with Cynthia Erivo’s rendition of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’ up for Song of the Year and KPop Demon Hunters earning a nod in International Song of the Year.
Pop icons such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, and RAYE appear across the shortlist, alongside the British group Pulp, receiving their first BRIT nomination in 30 years.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records UK, said: “The breadth of artists nominated reflects a thriving year in music and reaffirms that British artists continue to capture imaginations across the globe.”
BPI Chief Executive Dr Jo Twist OBE added: “It’s fantastic to see British talent doing so well across the board… our congratulations to all The BRITs nominees and their labels.”
With winners to be revealed on 28 February live from Manchester with long-time host Jack Whitehall resuming hosting duties.
The public are invited to vote for Song of the Year and International Song of the Year via WhatsApp, anticipation is building for what organisers are calling a defining night for British music.
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