Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 1st March 2026, 10:23 AM
The 2026 BRIT Awards unfolded in Manchester on Saturday, 28 February, marking the first occasion in nearly fifty years that the ceremony was staged outside London. The Northern city embraced the spotlight, celebrated for its rich musical heritage and thriving live scene that has long defined its pubs, clubs, and iconic venues.
This year’s BRITs sought to deliver a compelling, high-energy show, featuring a diverse mix of local and international talent. The broadcast, shown on ITV and streamed on YouTube, ensured that performers pulled out all the stops for a prime Saturday night audience.
Harry Styles opened the evening with his first live performance since 2023, signalling a full-scale live comeback. His set heralds a 2026 tour, including a seven-city residency and a record-breaking twelve-night stint at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Several artists made their BRITs debuts. Alex Warren, Sombr, and Rosalía performed for the first time, although only Rosalía secured a trophy. Olivia Dean, the night’s biggest winner, also graced the stage for the first time, delivering a polished and confident performance that underscored her rising stature.
A poignant tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed in July 2025, saw Robbie Williams take the microphone, supported by Ozzy’s former bandmates Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde. Their rendition of “No More Tears” served as a fitting and hard-edged close to the ceremony.
The evening featured a variety of standout performances, from intimate rock sets to high-octane pop medleys. Billboard’s rankings of the night’s performances provide a detailed snapshot of highlights and fan favourites:
| Rank | Performer / Act | Notes on Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Alex Warren | Debut BRITs performance of “Ordinary”; polished but audience engagement moderate. |
| 9 | HUNTR/X | Pre-recorded U.K. No. 1 “Golden”; strong vocals but struggled to sustain momentum live. |
| 8 | RAYE | Two-song medley “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” + “Nightingale Lane”; showcased vocal range, some audience drop-off. |
| 7 | Wolf Alice | Performed “The Sofa” post-Group of the Year win; intimate staging highlighted Ellie Rowsell’s voice. |
| 6 | Sombr | Injected drama with fake gatecrasher during “Homewrecker,” followed by “Back to Friends”; crowd loved it. |
| 5 | Ozzy Osbourne Tribute | Robbie Williams led the tribute with Ozzy’s former bandmates; intense and memorable finale. |
| 4 | Olivia Dean | First BRITs stage; “Man I Need” displayed poise and vocal clarity ahead of upcoming arena tour. |
| 3 | Rosalía | First live BRITs performance of “Berghain”; won award, commanding and theatrical delivery. |
| 2 | Harry Styles | Opened the show; energised crowd, signalling major comeback. |
| 1 | Full Ensemble Highlights | Diverse, engaging three-hour ceremony, balancing local talent and international stars. |
Manchester’s hosting of the 2026 BRIT Awards proved a resounding success, combining historic musical culture with contemporary spectacle, and offering a template for future regional ceremonies.
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