Olivia Dean Crowned UK’s Pop Queen at 2026 BRIT Awards
Olivia Dean was the big winner at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester on Saturday, February 28, picking up four trophies.1 She triumphed in the album of the year, artist of the year, and pop act categories as a soloist, and shared the song of the year award with her collaborator Sam Fender for their song “Rein Me In.”1
Historic Venue and New Winners
The BRITs took place outside of London for the first time in its nearly 50-year history, opting for the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.1 The show featured performances from Dean, Harry Styles, Wolf Alice, Alex Warren, HUNTR/X, and more, and was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall for a sixth time.1
Dean’s Breakthrough Success
Olivia Dean’s success marks her as a rising star in the UK music scene. Her sophomore LP, The Art of Loving, won the coveted album of the year prize, beating out competition from Dave, Lilly Allen, Sam Fender, and Wolf Alice.1 She also secured the artist of the year prize, continuing a trend established over the past four ceremonies, with winners including Adele (2022), Harry Styles (2023), RAYE (2024), and Charli xcx (2025).1
“This album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels loveless,” Dean said while accepting her award.1
Fender and Other Honorees
Sam Fender continued his success, winning the alternative/rock act category for the second consecutive year and the third time in five years.1 Lola Young was named breakthrough artist, winning her first BRITs trophy.1 Wolf Alice secured the group of the year prize for the second time in their career.1
Rosalía made history as the first Spanish-language artist to win the international artist of the year category, competing against Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and others.1 Dave became the first two-time winner of the hip hop/grime/rap act award.1
International Recognition and Lifetime Achievements
ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” won the international song of the year award, with ROSÉ becoming the first K-pop artist to win at the BRIT Awards.1 HUNTR/X’s “Golden” was performed during the ceremony.1
Honorary awards were also presented, with Noel Gallagher collecting songwriter of the year, PinkPantheress earning producer of the year, and Mark Ronson winning the outstanding contribution to music award.1 A posthumous lifetime achievement award was given to Ozzy Osbourne, accompanied by a tribute performance led by Robbie Williams.1
2026 BRIT Awards: Complete List of Winners
- Mastercard album of the year: Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Artist of the year: Olivia Dean
- Group of the year: Wolf Alice
- Breakthrough artist: Lola Young
- Song of the year: “Rein Me In,” Sam Fender (with Olivia Dean)
- International artist of the year: ROSALÍA
- International group of the year: Geese
- International song of the year: “APT.,” ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
- Alternative/rock act: Sam Fender
- Hip-hop/grime/rap act: Dave