Manchester Rocks: Harry Styles, Rosalía, and More Light Up the 2026 BRIT Awards

The BRIT Awards shook things up this year, landing in Manchester's Co-op Live on Saturday, February 28th, marking the first time in the ceremony's nearly five-decade history that it wasn't held in London.

The city of Manchester embraced its role as host, showcasing its vibrant music scene that pulsates through the pubs, clubs, and bars of this Northern capital.

The 2026 BRITs aimed high, delivering a compelling show packed with local and international talent. Broadcast on ITV (and YouTube) on a Saturday night, the acts brought their A-game.

Harry Styles made a triumphant return to the stage, opening the show with his first live performance since 2023. This performance is set to kick off a year of live shows, including a seven-city residency and a record-breaking 12-night run at London's Wembley Stadium.

Several artists made their BRITs debut, including Alex Warren, Sombr, and Rosalía, the latter taking home a trophy. Olivia Dean, a big winner of the night, also graced the BRITs stage for the first time, commanding the stage like a seasoned professional.

Following the Grammys, the night featured a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July 2025. Robbie Williams took on vocal duties, backed by Ozzy's former bandmates.

Here's a breakdown of the performances, ranked:

• Alex Warren: Despite his chart success, Warren's performance of "Ordinary" felt like an introduction to many U.K. audiences. His vocal performance was strong, but the song didn't quite ignite the room.

• HUNTR/X: Their pre-recorded performance of "Golden" brought K-pop to the BRIT Awards. EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna delivered strong vocals, but the pre-recorded format struggled to maintain momentum.

• RAYE: RAYE opted for a medley, blending "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" with "Nightingale Lane." While showcasing her vocal range, the shift in pace lost some of the audience.

• Wolf Alice: Fresh off their Group of the Year win, the London-based rock band performed "The Sofa." Ellie Rowsell's vocals shone, and the intimate set design added class.

• Sombr: Sombr injected some chaos with a staged gatecrasher during "Homewrecker." The performance, including "Back to Friends," resonated with the Manchester crowd.

• Ozzy Osbourne Tribute: Robbie Williams, backed by Ozzy's former bandmates, delivered a powerful rendition of "No More Tears," a fitting tribute to the rock icon.

• Olivia Dean: Dean's performance of "Man I Need" offered a glimpse of her upcoming U.K. arena tour, showcasing her classy and polished style.

• Harry Styles: Harry's return with "Aperture" was a highlight, setting the tone for a night of high-quality performances. The audience clearly loved having him back on stage.

• Rosalía: Rosalía's performance of "Berghain" was both stately and thrilling, featuring an orchestra, choir, and even a surprise cameo from Björk. The performance culminated in hard-hitting techno beats, leaving the crowd stunned.

• Mark Ronson: Ronson's medley, featuring Ghostface Killah, The Dap-Kings, and Dua Lipa, was a masterclass in collaboration. The performance showcased Ronson's musical journey and proved to be the night's winning act.

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