Olivia Dean secured four awards at the 2026 BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, at a ceremony held for the first time outside of London, at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on February 28th. The 26-year-traditional singer-songwriter’s success marks a significant moment in her career following the release of her second album, ‘The Art Of Loving’ in 2025.
Dean also won Song of the Year for her collaboration with Sam Fender, “Rein Me In,” and Best Pop Act. The Guardian reported that Dean’s album explores “the joys and frustrations of casual modern dating” and blends genres including bossa nova, trip-hop, neo-soul and jazz.
The BRIT Awards 2026 saw Jack Whitehall host the show for a sixth time. Performances included Harry Styles’ first public appearance in three years, alongside a surprise collaboration between Bjork and Rosalía. Other performers included HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr, and RAYE.
Prior to the ceremony, Jacob Alon was confirmed as the winner of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, and Mark Ronson received recognition for his Outstanding Contribution to Music. Noel Gallagher, following Oasis’ reunion tour, was awarded Songwriter Of The Year. PinkPantheress was recognized as the youngest recipient and first female winner of the Producer Of The Year award.
Olivia Dean’s win for Album of the Year came with a statement about the album’s central theme: “This album is just about love, and loving each other in a world that feels loveless right now.” She was nominated in each of the categories she won, and also for her solo track “Man I Necessitate,” which has remained in the UK Top 10 since its release in August. The song category was determined by a public vote conducted via WhatsApp, as was the award for International Song of the Year, won by Rosé and Bruno Mars for “APT.”
