Sian Welby was the first celebrity to walk the red carpet at the BRIT Awards, held at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Saturday, and she showed off her long legs with her outfit.
The 39-year-old radio presenter wore a short, rust-colored dress perfect for fall. It had a strapless, corset-style top and a ruffled skirt.
Sian smiled brightly, adding height with a pair of champagne-colored platform heels and completing her look with a statement pearl necklace.
Tonight marks the first time the BRIT Awards will be held at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena as the 46th annual show kicks off.
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.
Starting in 2026, there will be 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 been nominated for both 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 she couldn’t believe she’d received five BRIT Award nominations. It felt like a dream come true, so much so that she half-expected to wake up at any moment.
I’m truly touched and incredibly grateful for this recognition. It’s an honor to be considered with such a talented group of nominees.
Olivia, age 26, achieved a rare feat in 2025: she became the first female artist since Adele in 2021 to simultaneously top the UK charts with both a single (“Man I Need”) and an album (“The Art Of Loving”).
She has been nominated in five categories and will be performing at the Award ceremony.
The singer said in January that it feels amazing to return to Manchester after starting as a student in the audience at The BRIT School and then performing there a decade later.
British rapper Dave received nominations in three categories: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Hip Hop, Grime, or Rap Act.
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 incredible success last year when she won a record six awards.
The 28-year-old singer had a successful night, winning three awards including Song of the Year for her popular track “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake. She also took home the awards for R&B Act and Best New Artist.
She now holds 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 best wishes.
British icons Pulp have received their first nomination for Group of the Year since 1996.
This year’s nominations include strong representation from Hollywood, with the KPop-inspired group HUNTR/X from Netflix receiving a nomination for International Song of the Year for their track “Golden,” and also being 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, joining 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 ceremony – considered the most important event in British music – will be held in Manchester, and organizers are 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’s hosted before 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 since he attended The University of Manchester.
I recently shared a little love for Manchester on social media! In a fun video I put together, I highlighted some of the city’s most iconic spots – everything from the vibrant Curry Mile to the famous Coronation Street set. It’s a place with so much character, and I wanted to show everyone what makes it special.
I’m absolutely thrilled he’s returning for this year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester! It’s such a special event, and I know that city means a lot to him, so it feels perfect that it’s happening there.
It’s incredibly special to be back hosting at the Co-op Live – the venue is just a short walk from the comedy club where I performed my very first ten-minute set years ago. It feels like my career has 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.
Oh my god, I still can’t believe Ozzy is gone. It’s been a year, but it feels like yesterday. He wasn’t just a singer, he was Black Sabbath, and his voice, his whole vibe… it changed everything. Seriously, every band I love owes something to him. He completely redefined music, and the world will never forget what he did. He was one of a kind, truly.
The awards show will conclude with a special rock tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, performed by Robbie Williams. Sharon Osbourne, a longtime fan and family friend, personally requested that Williams headline the performance.
Sharon personally selected a unique version of “No More Tears” – the hit song from Ozzy’s hugely popular 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 over the years.
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. Beyond his musical career, he also hosted The BRIT Awards in 2008, joined by 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 Lifetime Achievement 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.
In 2026, Sony Music UK will begin a three-year run overseeing the event, having been the driving force behind its relocation to Manchester.
They’ve performed at many famous venues 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 their very first location, Wembley Conference Centre.
However, relocating the event from the capital marks a significant turning point in its history – perhaps the most dramatic one yet.
According to a source speaking to 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 the UK music industry, and now more people will be able to experience it firsthand. By moving the event, it will be easier for fans in Manchester and nearby towns to attend.
Recently, many people have felt the awards ceremony should be moved, following the examples of events like The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards. This is the first time the event won’t be so focused on London, benefiting both those nominated and music fans.
Jason Iley, CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, announced that The BRIT Awards are moving to Manchester. He believes this move, to a city known for its legendary musicians, will energize the show and continue the BRITs’ tradition of supporting and celebrating great music.
As a huge fan of the BRITs, I’m so excited they’re bringing the show to Manchester! It feels like the perfect city, with its incredible music scene and history, to really capture the energy of the awards. And I can’t wait to experience it all at the brand new Co-op Live – it sounds absolutely amazing!
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, stated that bringing The BRIT Awards to the region is a significant achievement for Greater Manchester.
It’s fantastic that this renowned international event will be held in London, a city famous for its music and culture, after a gap of 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 opportunities 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’s a success.
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.
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2026-02-28 19:35