BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations Unveiled with Exciting New Categories
The music industry is buzzing with anticipation as the nominations for the BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have been officially announced. This year's ceremony promises to be a spectacular celebration of British musical talent, with a fresh lineup of artists vying for the coveted trophies.
Leading the Pack: Breakthrough Stars Shine Bright
Announced on Wednesday 21st January 2026, the nominations reveal that Lola Young and Olivia Dean are leading the charge with an impressive five nominations each. This recognition follows their remarkable breakthrough years, cementing their status as rising stars in the UK music scene.
Close behind is the acclaimed singer-songwriter Sam Fender, who has secured four nominations. Meanwhile, Lily Allen makes a triumphant return with three nominations, largely thanks to the success of her latest project, West End Girl.
Historic Venue and Star-Studded Performances
The 2026 ceremony is set to make history by taking place on Saturday 28th February at the Manchester Co-op Live Arena. This marks the first time the BRIT Awards will be held at this prestigious venue, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Organisers have teased that a major international star will perform on the night, though the identity remains under wraps. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.
Full List of Nominees Across Key Categories
The nominations span a diverse range of categories, highlighting the breadth of talent in the music industry. Here are the key nominees:
Song of the Year with Mastercard (Supported by Capital FM)
- Calvin Harris, Clementine Douglas - 'Blessings'
- CHRYSTAL, NOTION - 'The Days - NOTION Remix'
- Cynthia Erivo (feat. Ariana Grande) - 'Defying Gravity'
- Ed Sheeran - 'Azizam'
- Fred again.., Skepta, 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'
Mastercard 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
Artist of the Year
- Dave
- Fred again..
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
How to Vote for Your Favourites
The public will play a crucial role in determining the winners of two key categories: Song of the Year with Mastercard and International Song of the Year. Voting will be conducted exclusively via WhatsApp, offering a convenient and accessible way for fans to have their say.
Detailed instructions on how to cast your vote will be announced shortly through the official BRITs WhatsApp channel and social media accounts. Fans are advised to follow these channels closely to ensure they don't miss out on the opportunity to support their favourite artists.
Broadcast Details and Additional Information
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will be broadcast live on ITV, as well as STV, ITVX, and STV Player, ensuring that viewers across the UK can tune in to the festivities. The event promises to be a night of unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and well-deserved recognition for the artists who have defined the past year in music.
As the countdown to the ceremony begins, the excitement continues to build. With a historic venue, a secret superstar performance, and a talented roster of nominees, the BRIT Awards 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable events in recent music history.
