Raye showcased her incredible talent and solidified her status as a leading British music star with a stunning performance at the 2026 BRIT Awards on Saturday.
The 28-year-old British singer gave a powerful and moving performance at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, captivating both the celebrity audience and viewers watching from home, who praised her as ‘incredible’.
The night was full of memorable performances, but RAYE truly stood out, proving to everyone – both viewers at home and the music industry insiders in attendance – that she’s currently one of the best artists around.
The record producer, originally from Tooting, played her popular songs “Where Is My Husband?” and “The Nightingale Lane.”
Rachel Keen, known as Escapism’s creator, looked incredibly elegant at the event. She wore a stunning, dark, jewel-covered strapless dress and her signature bouncy blow-dry hairstyle.
People watching at home were amazed by the singer’s incredible performance and immediately went to X to share their thoughts online, saying:
As a huge fan, I have to tell everyone – Nightingale Lane’s performance was absolutely incredible, especially considering she’s been battling illness for weeks! She truly poured her heart and soul into it, and it really showed. I was blown away!
‘Incredible as always; Ate as usual’;
‘Just fantastic-sublime’;
Raye’s performance was also a return to the BRIT Awards after her record-breaking night two years prior, when she won six awards – more than any other artist had ever won in a single evening.
I’m so excited! Tonight marks a huge moment for the BRIT Awards – the 46th edition is launching from Manchester’s amazing new Co-op Live Arena, and it’s the very first time they’ve held the show there. I can’t wait!
After getting rid of separate awards for male and female artists, the ceremony has received criticism for not nominating enough women. This was especially noticeable in 2023, when all the nominees for Artist of the Year were men.
In 2026, we’ll see a significant shift, as women and non-binary individuals are expected to make up 70% of this year’s nominees.
Lola Young and Olivia Dean are the frontrunners for the awards, each receiving five nominations. Lily Allen, making a successful return to music, is also a strong contender with three nominations for her highly praised album, ‘West End Girl’.
The 40-year-old singer details the breakdown of her marriage to David Harbour, from Stranger Things, on her new album, including claims of infidelity during their relationship.
At the awards ceremony, she’s nominated for Artist of the Year alongside Young and Dean. She’s also in the running for Album of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year.
Lola, who is 24 years old, has also been nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Alternative/Rock Act. However, it’s unclear if she plans to be at the awards ceremony.
She reacted to the news with disbelief, saying, ‘Five BRIT Award nominations? It feels surreal! I’ve dreamt of this so many times, I half expect to wake up any minute now.’
I’m truly touched and incredibly grateful for this honor. It means the world to me to be recognized with such a talented group of nominees.
Olivia, age 26, recently achieved a feat not seen in the UK since Adele in 2021: she topped both the singles and album charts in the same week. Her song “Man I Need” and album “The Art Of Loving,” both released in 2025, reached number one simultaneously.
She has been nominated in five categories and will be performing at the Award ceremony.
The singer said it’s amazing to go from being a student in the audience at The BRIT School to performing there ten years later, and they’re really looking forward to the show in Manchester.
As a huge fan, I was so thrilled to see Dave get nominated for three MOBO Awards! He’s up for Artist of the Year, and his album is in the running for Album of the Year – both well deserved, in my opinion. Plus, he’s nominated for Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act, which really highlights his incredible talent and influence in the genre.
In 2025, the 27-year-old artist released his third album, ‘The Boy Who Played The Harp.’ He’s now the first British rapper to have three albums reach the top spot on the UK charts.
Raye received one nomination this year, following her historic win of six awards last year.
Oh my gosh, you guys, I was screaming when she won Song of the Year for ‘Escapism’ with 070 Shake! It was the very first award of the night, and she totally deserved it! And it didn’t stop there! She then won for R&B Act and Best New Artist! I knew she was amazing, and everyone else is finally realizing it too! I’m so proud, I could literally cry!
She now has the record for winning the most BRIT Awards at one event. Previously, Blur, Adele, and Harry Styles each held the record with four wins – Blur in 1995, Adele in 2016, and Harry Styles in 2023.
Raye has also been announced as the final act to perform at this year’s BRIT Awards.
The singer, whose real name is Rachel Keen, will take to the stage during the star-studded show.
Before taking the stage, Raye expressed her gratitude to the BRIT Awards for inviting her and her band to perform again. She shared her excitement and sent her love to everyone.
British icons Pulp have received their first nomination for Group of the Year since 1996.
This year’s nominations also include several Hollywood connections, with Netflix’s KPop group HUNTR/X – known for their song ‘Golden’ – being nominated for International Song of the Year and also considered for International Group of the Year.
Cynthia Erivo received her first nomination for Song of the Year with Mastercard for her performance of ‘Defying Gravity’ from the musical Wicked.
Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan are also nominated for awards alongside other international artists.
For over a decade, the BRIT Awards have taken place each year at London’s O2 Arena. However, the Daily Mail reports that this year’s event, considered the most important night for British music, will be held in Manchester. Organizers are also planning to move the show to different cities around the UK in the years to come.
Jack Whitehall is back to host the awards show for the sixth time. He previously hosted in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.
He left the show in 2022, with Mo Gilligan hosting for the next two years. In 2024, Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo all co-hosted the event.
This will be Whitehall’s first performance in Manchester, a city he feels shaped his comedy beginnings. He studied at The University of Manchester, which played a key role in developing his early career.
A new social media video, called ‘Ode to Manchester,’ features the TV star showcasing famous spots around the city, including the Curry Mile and the Coronation Street set.
He expressed his excitement about returning for the BRIT Awards in Manchester, a city he feels a strong connection to.
It’s incredibly special to be back hosting this show at Co-op Live, the city where I began my comedy journey. The venue is just a short distance from the club where I performed my very first ten-minute set years ago – it really feels like things have come full circle.
He added: ‘Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.’
The late Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ozzy Osbourne, the singer for Black Sabbath, died last July and will be remembered for his unique and lasting influence on music around the globe.
The awards show will conclude with a special rock performance led by Robbie Williams. Sharon Osbourne, a longtime fan of the music and friend of the family, personally requested that he participate.
Sharon personally selected a unique version of “No More Tears” – the popular song from Ozzy Osbourne’s 1991 album of the same name – to be included.
This show will feature an incredible group of British and international musicians, including many who have performed with Ozzy Osbourne throughout his career.
Robbie will share the stage with Zakk Wylde, Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, along with Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, and Tommy Clufetos.
Ozzy Osbourne is a legendary figure in music and a rock icon. In 2008, he also hosted The BRIT Awards alongside his family – Sharon, Kelly, and Jack.
Stacey Tang, who leads the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and is a co-president at RCA Records (Sony Music UK), stated that Ozzy Osbourne is a hugely influential figure in music.
With a truly recognizable voice and captivating stage presence, he revolutionized rock music, influencing countless artists for years to come.
This award honors an incredible career defined by innovative work and lasting impact, which still resonates with people around the globe.
Ozzy Osbourne died at his home in Buckinghamshire on July 22nd at the age of 76, following a heart attack and cardiac arrest.
The 2026 event marks the beginning of a three-year partnership with Sony Music UK, who were key in choosing Manchester as the host city.
The event has been held at many iconic locations over the years, including Earl’s Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel, and its very first venue, Wembley Conference Centre.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m seeing a really exciting shift with this move! It truly marks a new chapter for the ceremony – honestly, it feels like the biggest change we’ve seen yet. It’s a moment that will definitely be remembered as a turning point.
According to a source speaking with the Daily Mail, the BRIT Awards are leaving London for the first time in their 47-year history. Since the awards began in 1977, they’ve always been held in the capital city.
It will likely be disappointing for artists and performers in London, but many in the music industry believe these events don’t always have to take place at the same locations every year.
The BRIT Awards is the most important event in British music, and now more people will be able to experience it firsthand. By moving the event, fans in Manchester and nearby areas have a much better chance of attending.
Recently, many people have felt it was time to move the awards ceremony, following the examples of events like The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards. This is the first time the awards won’t be so focused on London, benefiting both those nominated and their fans.
Jason Iley, CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, announced that The BRIT Awards are moving to Manchester. He believes this change will energize the show, celebrate great music, and continue the BRITs’ tradition of supporting the music industry, especially given Manchester’s rich history of producing legendary artists.
Manchester’s lively and historic culture makes it the ideal city to host the BRIT Awards. I’m really excited to experience the show at the fantastic new Co-op Live arena.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated that bringing The BRIT Awards to the city is a significant achievement for the region.
It’s fantastic that this renowned international event is finally coming to London, a city famous for its music and culture, after 48 years.
Greater Manchester is world-renowned for its incredible musical history, and this summer promises some truly massive concerts.
We were able to achieve this thanks to our dedication to supporting new artists and providing them with the chance to gain recognition.
We’re delighted the BPI chose Manchester, and we’re committed to making sure they’re happy with their decision. We’ll do everything we can to ensure it was the right choice.
Hosting the BRIT Awards in Manchester, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife, marks an exciting new phase for the event, and we’re committed to making it a spectacular show.
Read More
- Clash of Clans Unleash the Duke Community Event for March 2026: Details, How to Progress, Rewards and more
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Jason Statham’s Action Movie Flop Becomes Instant Netflix Hit In The United States
- Kylie Jenner squirms at ‘awkward’ BAFTA host Alan Cummings’ innuendo-packed joke about ‘getting her gums around a Jammie Dodger’ while dishing out ‘very British snacks’
- Hailey Bieber talks motherhood, baby Jack, and future kids with Justin Bieber
- eFootball 2026 Jürgen Klopp Manager Guide: Best formations, instructions, and tactics
- Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 8 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- How to download and play Overwatch Rush beta
- Brent Oil Forecast
- Brawl Stars February 2026 Brawl Talk: 100th Brawler, New Game Modes, Buffies, Trophy System, Skins, and more
2026-03-01 03:21