Brit Awards 2026: Olivia Dean and Lola Young Lead Nominations
The British music industry’s flagship awards, the Brit Awards, have announced their 2026 nominations, and it’s a standout year for two exceptional singer-songwriters. Olivia Dean and Lola Young each secured five nominations, signaling their rise to the front rank of British pop music.
Olivia Dean: A Global Sensation
Dean, 26, is nominated for artist and album of the year, pop act, and has two chances at winning song of the year for "Man I Need" and "Rein Me In," the latter featuring a guest spot with Sam Fender. Dean’s follow-up album to her 2023 debut, The Art of Loving, has been a global sensation, topping the UK charts and currently sitting at No 3 in the US. Lead single "Man I Need" has barely been out of the UK Top 10 since its release in August and reached No 1.
Dean’s Impact
Dean’s music spans a sophisticated range of styles from bossa nova to neo-soul, capturing the confounding and joyous business of being in love. Her opening performance at the awards ceremony, held for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena on Saturday 28 February, is highly anticipated.
Lola Young: A Versatile Talent
Young, 25, is up for artist of the year, breakthrough artist, and appears in two of the genre categories, for alternative/rock and pop. Her 2025 album I’m Only F**king Myself is a charismatic and magnificently sweary portrait of addiction, romantic frustration, and more. Young is also nominated for song of the year for "Messy," which was released back in May 2024 but continued its commercial success right through the awards’ eligibility period: it spent four weeks at No 1 and 60 weeks on the chart in total.
Young’s Recognition
Both Young and Dean are up for best new artist at next month’s Grammy awards, highlighting their growing international acclaim.
Other Notable Nominees
Rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer Jim Legxacy also received multiple nominations, reflecting his significant impact on the British music scene. His versatile talent and innovative style have earned him a place among the year’s most celebrated artists.
Sam Fender’s Continued Success
Sam Fender is nominated three more times, including for artist and album of the year, thanks to his social-realist portraiture on UK No 1 album People Watching, which won the 2025 Mercury prize. Fender’s collaboration with Dean on "Rein Me In" adds another layer to his already impressive nomination list.
Lily Allen’s Remarkable Re-entry
Lily Allen caps one of the most remarkable re-entries into British pop with three nominations, including artist and album of the year. After four albums which had earned nine Brit nominations between them, Allen stepped away to focus on acting and podcasting. However, she returned in 2025 with West End Girl, a portrait of a failing open marriage, which became a massive hit.
Allen’s Candid Lyrics
The ultra-candid lyrics in West End Girl, featuring sex toys, hook-up apps, and heartbreakingly toxic relationship dynamics, ensured it became massively discussed and a commercial hit. Allen’s return to the music scene is a testament to her enduring talent and relevance.
Brit Awards 2026: A Night to Remember
The Brit Awards 2026 ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall and broadcast on ITV, promises to be a night of celebration and excellence in British music. With such a talented lineup of nominees, the awards are set to highlight the best of the best in the industry.
Manchester’s First Time Hosting
For the first time, the ceremony will be held in Manchester, adding a unique flavor to the event. The Co-op Live arena will be the stage for some of the most memorable performances and moments in Brit Awards history.
Conclusion
As the British music scene continues to evolve and thrive, the Brit Awards 2026 nominations reflect the dynamic and diverse talent that defines the industry. Olivia Dean, Lola Young, and the other nominees are set to make their mark, and the ceremony promises to be a celebration of their hard work and creativity.
