Lisa McLoughlin
2026-01-21 17:49:00
The shortlist for the 2026 Brit Awards has been unveiled, with Olivia Dean and Lola Young emerging as this year’s most nominated artists, each securing five nods.
Close behind is Sam Fender, who picks up four nominations following his recent Mercury Music Prize triumph, while Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again and Jim Legxacy are all recognised in three categories apiece.
There is also a notable return for Pulp, who have landed their first Brit nomination in three decades. Already Jacob Alon has been announced as the Brits Critics’ Choice award recipient for 2026.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday February 28, with Jack Whitehall returning to host for a sixth time — now from the ceremony’s new home at Manchester’s Co-op Arena.
The Brit Awards 2026 are designed by British designer Matthew Williamson
Handout
Below is the full list of nominees.
Brits Breakthrough Artist
Brits Song of the Year nominee
Chrystal & Notion – The Days (Notion remix)
Cynthia Erivo – Defying Gravity
Fred Again, Skepta and Plaqueboymax – Victory Lap
Lewis Capaldi – Survive
Myles Smith – Nice To Meet You
Olivia Dean – Man I Need
Raye – Where’s My Husband?
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
Skye Newman – Family Matters
Olivia Dean leads the nominations with five nods
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Brits Artist of the Year nominees
Brits Group of the Year nominees
Lola Young took, who previously picked up the rising star award, joins Dean with five nominations
PA Wire
Brits International Group of the Year nominees
Brits International Artist of the Year nominees
Brits International Song of the Year nominees
Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club
Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys
Gracie Abrams – That’s So true
Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile
Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not
Bruno Mars & Rosé– APT
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
Brits Album of the Year nominees
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
Jade is nominated for Artist of the Year and Best Pop Act
Getty Images for Bauer
The following five categories are open to a public vote, open Friday January 31-Friday February 14 via the official BRITs WhatsApp channel.
Brits Best Dance Act nominees
Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas
Fred Again, Skepta and Plaqueboymax
Brits Best Pop Act nominees
Brits Best Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act nominees
London rapper Dave is nominated for three awards
AFP via Getty Images
Brits Best R&B Act nominees
Brits Best Alternative/Rock Act nominees
The 2026 BRIT Awards will air live on ITV1 and ITVX on Saturday, February 28