Sombr to Perform at Historic BRIT Awards Move to Manchester
Manchester, UK – American singer-songwriter sombr has been confirmed as the latest performer for the 2026 BRIT Awards, joining a lineup that includes Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, and Wolf Alice. The announcement, made Thursday, February 19, comes as the awards prepare for a landmark shift, holding the ceremony for the first time in its 50-year history outside of London, at the newly opened Co-op Live arena.
The 20-year-vintage, whose real name is Shane Boose, is similarly nominated for International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for his single ‘Undressed’. “I’m so honoured to be performing at the iconic BRIT Awards,” sombr said in a statement. “I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me this past year. I love the UK and all the British people, it’s my second home!”
Sombr’s rise to prominence began in 2025 with the release of his debut record, I Barely Know Her, which peaked at Number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. Three singles from the album broke into the Top 10 of the Singles Chart, establishing him as a rising star in the music industry. His momentum has continued into 2026, earning him a Best New Artist nomination at the Grammy Awards and a Best Alternative win at the MTV VMAs. NME reports his latest single, ‘Homewrecker’, is currently tracking to enter the Top 10, marking his fourth hit to achieve this feat in under a year.
The move to Manchester’s Co-op Live arena represents a significant departure for the BRIT Awards, traditionally held in London. The venue, which opened in December 2023, is the largest indoor arena in the UK, with a capacity of 23,500. The trophy for this year’s awards has been designed by Matthew Williamson and is inspired by the city of Manchester.
Jack Whitehall will return to host the BRIT Awards for a sixth consecutive year. Jacob Alon has already been named the winner of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. Other nominees vying for top honors include Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Sam Fender, Lily Allen, and Jim Legxacy. Official Charts Company confirms that Mark Ronson will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, and Noel Gallagher will receive the Songwriter Of The Year award.
The BRIT Awards 2026 will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK and streamed worldwide on YouTube. A full list of nominees can be found here. Sombr is currently on a UK and European tour, with remaining tickets available for purchase.
