The BRIT Awards makes history this weekend, moving out of London for the first time in 49 years to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Saturday, 28 February, with fans predicting one artist will ‘dominate’
The BRIT Awards returns this weekend for its 2026 ceremony and it’s making history by venturing outside London for the first time in its 49-year existence. The event takes place this Saturday, 28 February, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.
Comedian Jack Whitehall is back for his sixth stint as the main host of the BRIT awards whilst Charley Marlowe and Tyler West will front the Red Carpet coverage. Olivia Dean and Lola Young are leading the pack this year with five nominations each, with Sam Fender hot on their heels with four, and fans reckon one artist is poised to dominate proceedings – Olivia.
The 26-year-old Londoner is experiencing a phenomenal year, evolving from a “best-kept secret” to an international sensation with chart-topping success on both sides of the Atlantic.
Earlier this month, she scooped Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards, becoming the first British artist to secure the “Big Four” trophy since Dua Lipa in 2019.
She was also appointed Record Store Day UK 2026 Ambassador and was recently honoured as Rookie of the Year by Billboard.
Dean additionally became the first British solo female artist since Adele to simultaneously hold the UK No. 1 album and single.
Her breakthrough smash “Man I Need” conquered the UK charts and peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100, whilst she’s delivered other massive hits including “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” and “Nice To Each Other”.
Discussing this year’s awards on Reddit, one fan commented: “It seems like an Olivia Dean sweep is imminent this year.”
Meanwhile, another commented: “Olivia seems to be the frontrunner here but for Album of the Year I can see Lily Allen (critically acclaimed, had a viral moment) and Sam Fender (Mercury Prize winner, Brit Awards love him) winning too.”
A third remarked: “I can see it being similar to Raye’s year where she [Olivia] sweeps most of the categories.”
That said, plenty of observers reckon it could equally be Lily Allen’s moment to shine.
“I can see Lily Allen snatching a few,” one person suggested, whilst another dubbed it “Lily Allen’s renaissance”.
A third weighed in: “Genuinely one of the strongest years for British music in a really long time.
“The past few years have relied heavily on one or two acts making waves, whereas this year feels competitive.
“Predicting big wins for Olivia Dean and Lily Allen. Sam Fender has a lot of momentum behind him after the Mercury Prize win so I wouldn’t be shocked if he takes one of the big prizes home either.”
Beyond the main awards, the late Ozzy Osbourne is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, whilst Noel Gallagher has been crowned Songwriter of the Year. Mark Ronson is also being honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Music.
Furthermore, PinkPantheress becomes the inaugural female recipient of Producer of the Year, and Jacob Alon claims the Critics’ Choice award.
The ceremony will also showcase performances from some stellar artists, including Olivia Dean, alongside Harry Styles, RAYE, Wolf Alice, Sombr and Alex Warren.
The Brits Awards 2026 will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK at 8:15PM. In a first, UK fans can also tune in live on YouTube.
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