Brit Awards 2026 Highlights: Olivia Dean’s Big Wins, Manchester Move, and Key Performances and Tributes
The 2026 Brit Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall and held for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena, celebrated British and international music with standout moments beyond the awards themselves. Olivia Dean dominated the night, winning four major honors including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for ‘The Art of Loving,’ marking her as a breakout success following her recent Grammy win. Other winners included Sam Fender, Wolf Alice, Lola Young (Breakthrough Artist), and Dave. The ceremony featured Manchester icons like Noel Gallagher, who received a special songwriting award and gave an emotional speech thanking his brother Liam and former Oasis bandmates amid cheers from the crowd, plus a video message from Pep Guardiola. Shaun Ryder and Bez of Happy Mondays added chaotic humor during interactions with the host. Surprise collaborations included Björk joining Rosalía, James Blunt on piano for Alex Warren, and Dua Lipa appearing on a disco ball for Mark Ronson’s medley honoring his outstanding achievement award, which incorporated Ghostface Killah, Kasabian’s Serge Pizzorno, and Amy Winehouse’s vocals. Harry Styles opened the show with a gospel choir-backed performance of his new single ‘Aperture’ in a bold Chanel womenswear suit. The event paid heartfelt tributes to the late Ozzy Osbourne, with Sharon and Kelly Osbourne accepting a lifetime achievement award, introduced by a video from Dolly Parton praising his authenticity and legacy. Robbie Williams led an all-star musical tribute. Other nods included Amy Winehouse in Ronson’s segment and Stone Roses bassist Mani in the In Memoriam. Some political moments slipped through, like a ‘free Palestine’ shout from Geese’s drummer during their international group win, though swearing and certain jokes were censored for the ITV broadcast. The night blended celebration, nostalgia, and surprises, highlighting the Brits’ shift north and its focus on music’s cultural impact.