A Year of Ascendancy: Olivia Dean’s Breakthrough

Dean’s triumph follows a remarkable 2025, propelled by the critical and commercial success of her second album, ‘The Art Of Loving’. The album resonated deeply with audiences, establishing Dean as a leading voice in contemporary pop music. Her win for Album of the Year underscores the album’s artistic merit and cultural impact. The collaborative track ‘Rein Me In’ with Sam Fender further cemented her position, earning them the Song of the Year award. But what is it about Dean’s songwriting and performance that has captured the hearts of so many?

Beyond Dean: A Night of Stellar Performances and Recognition

The 2026 BRIT Awards showcased a diverse lineup of performances, captivating audiences both in the arena and at home. Harry Styles delivered his first public performance in three years, opening the show with a stunning rendition of ‘Aperture’. A surprise collaboration between Rosalía and Björk added an element of unexpected brilliance, while performances from Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr, and RAYE ensured a dynamic and unforgettable evening.

The night wasn’t solely about celebrating current stars. Mark Ronson was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, recognizing his decades of influence on the industry. Additionally, Noel Gallagher, fresh off Oasis’s hugely successful ‘Live ‘25’ reunion tour, was presented with the Songwriter Of The Year award, a testament to his enduring legacy. PinkPantheress made history as the youngest and first female recipient of the Producer Of The Year award, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of music creators.

A poignant moment of the evening was the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who sadly passed away in July. Robbie Williams, alongside members of Osbourne’s long-standing band – Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde – delivered a moving performance in his honor. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of Osbourne’s indelible mark on rock music.

Full List of Winners: A Celebration of Musical Diversity

British Album Of The Year

• Dave – ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp’
• Lily Allen – ‘West End Girl’
• Olivia Dean – ‘The Art Of Loving’
• Sam Fender – ‘People Watching’
• Wolf Alice – ‘The Clearing’

Song Of The Year

• Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – ‘Blessings’
• Chrystal and NOTION – ‘The Days-NOTION Remix’
• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – ‘Defying Gravity’
• Ed Sheeran – ‘Azizam’
• Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – ‘Victory Lap’
• Lewis Capaldi – ‘Survive’
• Lola Young – ‘Messy’
• Myles Smith – ‘Nice To Meet You’
• Olivia Dean – ‘Man I Need’
• RAYE – ‘Where Is My Husband’
• Sam Fender with Olivia Dean – ‘Rein Me In’
• Skye Newman – ‘Family Matters’

British Artist Of The Year

• Dave
• Fred Again..
• JADE
• Lily Allen
• Little Simz
• Lola Young
• Olivia Dean
• PinkPantheress
• Sam Fender
• Self Esteem

British Group

• The Last Dinner Party
• Pulp
• Sleep Token
• Wet Leg
• Wolf Alice

Breakthrough Artist

• Barry Can’t Swim
• Esdeekid
• Jim Legxacy
• Lola Young
• Skye Newman

International Artist

• Bad Bunny
• Chappell Roan
• CMAT
• Doechii
• Lady Gaga
• Rosalia
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Sombr
• Taylor Swift
• Tyler, The Creator

International Group

• Geese
• HAIM
• HUNTR/X
• Tame Impala
• Turnstile

International Song

• Alex Warren – ’Ordinary’
• Chappell Roan – ‘Pink Pony Club’
• Disco Lines and Tinashe – ‘No Broke Boys’
• Gigi Perez – ‘Sailor Song’
• Gracie Abrams – ‘That’s So True’
• HUNTR/X – ‘Golden’
• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – ‘Die With A Smile’
• Ravyn Lenae – ‘Love Me Not’
• Rose and Bruno Mars – ‘Apt.’
• Sabrina Carpenter – ’Manchild’
• Sombr – ‘Undressed’
• Taylor Swift – ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’

Alternative/Rock

• Blood Orange
• Lola Young
• Sam Fender
• Wet Leg
• Wolf Alice

Pop

• JADE
• Lily Allen
• Lola Young
• Olivia Dean
• RAYE

Hip-Hop, Grime and Rap

• Central Cee
• Dave
• Jim Legxacy
• Little Simz
• Loyle Carner

R&B

• Jim Legxacy
• Kwn
• Mabel
• Sasha Keable
• Sault

Dance

• Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
• FKA Twigs
• Fred Again.., Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax
• PinkPantheress
• Sammy Virji

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 BRIT Awards

• Who won British Artist of the Year at the 2026 BRIT Awards?

  Olivia Dean was awarded the prestigious British Artist of the Year award, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the UK music scene.

• What made the 2026 BRIT Awards particularly special?

  The 2026 BRIT Awards marked the first time the ceremony was held outside of London in its 46-year history, taking place in Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

• Which album won British Album of the Year at the 2026 BRITs?

  Olivia Dean’s critically acclaimed album, ‘The Art Of Loving’, was awarded British Album of the Year.

• Who performed at the 2026 BRIT Awards?

  The lineup included performances from Harry Styles, Rosalía (with a surprise appearance by Björk), Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr, and RAYE, among others.

• What award did Mark Ronson receive at the 2026 BRIT Awards?

  Mark Ronson was honored with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, recognizing his significant impact on the music industry.

• Who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 BRITs?

  Ozzy Osbourne was posthumously honored with the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award, with a tribute performance by Robbie Williams and members of his band.