Who Won and Lost at the 2026 Brit Awards?

The Brit Awards showcased the shining stars of pop music, with Olivia Dean emerging as a standout winner, taking home four awards including Artist of the Year. The event was marked not only by remarkable performances, such as Rosalía's audacious set, but also by humorous moments and unexpected incidents. The shift of the ceremony to Manchester this year ignited discussions on the evolving landscape of British music and its regional impact.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Brit Awards, held annually to celebrate excellence in British music, saw a vibrant shift this year as the ceremony moved from its traditional London venue to Manchester. This change was not merely geographical; it reflected an intention to highlight the rich musical heritage of the north of England. With Olivia Dean dominating the awards, the evening was filled with spectacular performances and humorous moments that encapsulated the spirit of the event.

Key takeaways

Olivia Dean won four awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Album.
Rosalía's performance captivated audiences with its unique blend of opera and rave.
Jack Whitehall's final hosting stint was filled with humorous quips and unexpected moments.
The relocation to Manchester sparked discussions about the future of British music outside London.
The event served as a platform for emerging talents alongside established stars.

Timeline: how we got here

The Brit Awards have a long history, and this year marks a significant shift. Here’s a brief timeline of key moments leading up to the event:

1977: The first Brit Awards ceremony is held.
2022: The event remains in London, continuing a long tradition.
2023: The Brit Awards are relocated to Manchester for the first time, emphasising regional musical talent.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant news from this year’s Brit Awards includes Olivia Dean's sweeping victories, capturing four major awards and solidifying her status in the industry. Additionally, Rosalía's performance was a highlight, showcasing her unique artistry and stage presence. The evening also featured unexpected incidents, such as a stage invasion during Sombr's performance, which turned out to be part of the show.

What was already established

The Brit Awards traditionally celebrate the best in British music, with categories recognising artists across various genres. The event has a reputation for its star-studded performances and often humorous presentations, particularly under the guidance of returning hosts. The significance of the awards in promoting both established and emerging talent has been a consistent theme throughout its history.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For audiences, the Brit Awards serve as a cultural touchstone, highlighting the UK’s vibrant music scene. The move to Manchester not only enhances local pride but also has potential economic implications, as such high-profile events can boost tourism and local businesses. Viewers also benefit from the exposure to diverse musical styles and talents, which can influence listening habits and preferences.

Businesses and jobs

The music industry is a significant contributor to the UK economy, and events like the Brit Awards play a role in promoting artists who can drive sales across various sectors, including streaming, physical sales, and merchandise. The focus on regional artists like Chrystal emphasizes the potential for growth in local music scenes, which can lead to job creation in venues, production, and promotion.

Policy and regulation

The relocation of the Brit Awards may inspire policymakers to consider how to support the music industry beyond London. This could lead to discussions about funding for music education and venues, particularly in regions with rich musical heritage. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Brit School-inspired creative arts college in Bradford also signals a shift toward nurturing talent in the north.

Numbers that matter

4: Awards won by Olivia Dean, including Best Album and Artist of the Year.
30: The number of independent venues that closed last year, highlighting the challenges faced by grassroots music scenes.
20: Years since Amy Winehouse collaborated with Mark Ronson, a poignant reminder of her legacy at the ceremony.
6,000: Jobs lost in the live music sector last year, as reported by industry sources.
1: The first time the Brit Awards were held in Manchester in its 49-year history.

Definitions and jargon buster

Brit Awards: An annual awards ceremony celebrating achievements in the British music industry.
Artist of the Year: A category recognising the standout artist in a given year.
Best Breakthrough Artist: Awarded to an emerging artist who has made a significant impact in the music scene.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus will likely be on the performances and winners from the Brit Awards, as artists leverage their success for increased visibility and opportunities. Expect to see a surge in streaming and sales for the winning artists, particularly Olivia Dean and Rosalía.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, it will be crucial to monitor how the industry responds to the recognition of regional talents. The potential opening of the creative arts college in Bradford will also be a significant development, aimed at fostering new talent in the UK music scene.

Signals to watch

Watch for changes in music industry funding and support initiatives, particularly for independent venues.
Monitor new releases from artists who gained recognition at the Brit Awards.
Keep an eye on the impact of the relocation of major music events to regional cities.

Practical guidance

Do

Explore the music of the winning artists to support their careers and discover new favourites.
Attend local music events to support grassroots venues and emerging talent.
Engage with music education initiatives in your area, particularly those fostering diversity in the industry.

Don’t

Don't overlook the impact of independent venues; they are vital for the music ecosystem.
Don’t dismiss regional artists; they often bring fresh perspectives and sounds to the industry.
Don’t wait for industry recognition to discover new music; explore independently and support artists directly.

Checklist

Check out the Brit Awards winners for new music recommendations.
Follow emerging artists from the Brit Awards on social media for updates.
Consider attending local gigs to experience live music and support artists.
Stay informed about upcoming music education programmes in your area.
Engage with music communities online to discover new trends and sounds.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Brit Awards highlight the achievements of artists, the situation in the music industry is fluid. The closure of independent venues poses a risk to grassroots talent, and economic uncertainties could impact future events and artist opportunities. Additionally, while the awards celebrate success, they may not fully capture the diversity of experiences within the music community.

Bottom line

The Brit Awards this year not only celebrated individual talents like Olivia Dean but also sparked discussions about the future of music in the UK, especially outside London. This shift to Manchester is a reminder of the wealth of talent throughout the country and the importance of supporting diverse music scenes. As the industry evolves, it is crucial for audiences and stakeholders to engage and nurture the next generation of artists.

FAQs

Who won the most awards at the Brit Awards this year?

Olivia Dean won the most awards, taking home four including Artist of the Year and Best Album.

What was significant about the location of this year's Brit Awards?

This year marked the first time the Brit Awards were held in Manchester, aiming to highlight the city's musical heritage and regional talent.

What were some notable performances at the Brit Awards?

Rosalía's performance, featuring a unique blend of opera and rave, was particularly notable, as was Harry Styles' energetic opening act.