Olivia Dean and Lola Young Lead Nominations for 2026 Brit Awards with Five Each

The 2026 Brit Awards nominations highlight a strong year for British music, with breakout stars Olivia Dean and Lola Young each receiving five nominations, the highest of any artists. They are both contenders for Artist of the Year, alongside names like Lily Allen, Dave, and Little Simz. Dean’s soulful album ‘The Art of Loving’ has earned her spots in categories such as Album of the Year and Pop Act, plus song nods for ‘Man I Need’ and her duet ‘Rein Me In’ with Sam Fender. Young is nominated for Breakthrough Artist, Pop Act, Alternative/Rock Act, and Song of the Year for her hit ‘Messy,’ following her rise as one of 2025’s most-streamed acts, though she is currently on a health-related break after collapsing on stage last year. Sam Fender secures four nominations, including Album of the Year for ‘People Watching’ and his collaboration with Dean, building on his recent Mercury Prize success. Reunited band Pulp earns their first nomination since 1996 in the Group category for ‘More,’ their first album in 25 years, competing against strong acts like Wolf Alice, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Sleep Token. The Album of the Year race is competitive, featuring Dean, Allen’s ‘West End Girl,’ Wolf Alice’s ‘The Clearing,’ Dave’s ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp,’ and Fender’s politically charged record. Internationally, Latin artists Bad Bunny and Rosalía receive first-ever Brit nods in Best International Artist, while K-pop enters the Best International Song category with tracks like Rosé and Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ Jacob Alon has been named the Critics’ Choice winner. The ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall, will take place on February 28, 2026, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, marking the first time the Brits are held outside London since 1977.