The 2026 BRIT Awards unfolded on February 28 at Manchester’s Co-op Live, marking the first time in the ceremony’s history that the event was staged outside London. The shift north signaled a new chapter for Britain’s biggest music night — and the results ensured it will be remembered.
Olivia Dean emerged as the dominant force, collecting four major trophies and solidifying her status as one of the U.K.’s defining voices. The ceremony also delivered spectacle: Harry Styles opened with “Aperture,” a sleek preview of his forthcoming album, while Robbie Williams led a moving Lifetime Achievement tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a performance of “No More Tears.”
Yet as always, conversation centered less on what was expected and more on what no one saw coming.
“Rein Me In” Wins Song of the Year
The first jolt arrived early. Sam Fender and Olivia Dean claimed Song of the Year with “Rein Me In,” a soulful collaboration that resonated strongly at home. Its victory, however, raised eyebrows.
Dean’s own “Man I Need” had been widely tipped as the frontrunner, buoyed by sustained chart power both domestically and internationally. RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!” was also viewed as a formidable contender.
ROSÉ’s Historic Win
In the international field, ROSÉ made history. “APT.”, her collaboration with Bruno Mars, secured International Song of the Year, making her the first K-pop artist to win a BRIT Award.
The song’s global impact is undeniable. Still, its U.K. peak at No. 2 added intrigue to the outcome. The category featured multiple British chart-toppers, including “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams, “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, and “The Fate of Ophelia” by Taylor Swift.
Geese Take International Group of the Year
Perhaps the evening’s most unexpected result came in International Group of the Year. Geese triumphed in a competitive field that many believed leaned toward HUNTR/X, the fictional trio from the animated project KPop Demon Hunters. The group’s breakout track “Golden” was among 2025’s biggest streaming hits.
Instead, the BRITs honored Geese, whose steady critical acclaim translated into awards recognition.
Rosalía Claims International Artist
Rosalía’s victory in International Artist of the Year also prompted debate. Her album Lux arrived late in the eligibility window and peaked at No. 4 in the U.K. While critically praised, it competed against blockbuster cycles from Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift.
The choice suggested that artistry and innovation carried significant weight with voters, even against overwhelming commercial campaigns.
Taylor Swift Shut Out
The night’s most startling outcome, however, belonged to Taylor Swift. Despite dominating the final stretch of 2025 with her 11th album The Life of a Showgirl, she left empty-handed.
The record posted the largest opening week for an international album in the U.K. this century, debuting with 423,000 units. It became her 14th U.K. No. 1 album, extending her record as the international artist with the most chart-toppers. In an unprecedented chart sweep, “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Opalite,” and “Elizabeth Taylor” occupied the top three positions simultaneously.
Yet none of that translated into a BRIT trophy.
Photo: Brit Awards
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