Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead 2026 Brit Awards nominations

Breakout stars Olivia Dean and Lola Young dominate the 2026 Brit Awards nominations, each receiving five nods. They are both shortlisted for Artist of the Year alongside former winners Lily Allen, Dave, and Little Simz.

Sam Fender follows with four nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Single for his duet with Dean, Rein Me In. Reunited indie band Pulp receive their first Brit nomination since 1996, for Best Group, recognising their album More, the first in 25 years.

Key nominations • Most nominations: Olivia Dean, Lola Young – 5 each • Other notable nominees: Sam Fender – 4; Lily Allen, Wolf Alice, Dave, Fred Again, Jim Legxacy – 3 each • Best Album contenders: Olivia Dean (The Art of Loving), Lily Allen (West End Girl), Wolf Alice (The Clearing), Dave (The Boy Who Played the Harp), Sam Fender (People Watching) • Best International Artist: Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, CMAT • Best International Song: Rosé and Bruno Mars (APT), Huntr/x (Golden)

Spotlight on Olivia Dean and Lola Young Olivia Dean, likely front-runner for Best Artist and Best Album, said, “It feels crazy to be nominated for five Brit Awards. Just even one would be crazy.” She will also perform at the ceremony.

Lola Young, 25, is nominated for Best Artist, Best Breakthrough, Best Pop Act, Best Alternative Act, and Song of the Year for Messy. After collapsing on stage last September, she took a break to focus on her health. She is scheduled to perform at SXSW in March, but her attendance at the Brits is not yet confirmed.

Other highlights • Jacob Alon, winner of the Critics Choice Award, will attend the ceremony. The Scottish singer expressed surprise at being in contention for a prize previously won by Adele, Rag ’N’ Bone Man, and Myles Smith.

• K-pop makes its Brit Awards debut with Rosé and Bruno Mars (APT) and Huntr/x (Golden).

• The 2026 ceremony will be held at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena on February 28, marking the first time the Brits are held outside London since 1977. Comedian Jack Whitehall will host for the sixth time.