Stars descended on the red carpet at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for the 46th BRIT Awards, where bold and daring outfits from Tallia Storm, Fleur East, and Rosalia sparked divided opinions among observers.
Eye-Catching Red Carpet Outfits
Tallia Storm, 27, showcased her figure in a skin-tight, plunging catsuit featuring a cartoon-inspired print. The look drew attention but divided fashion watchers on the UK’s premier music night.
Fleur East, host of Strictly It Takes Two, opted for a brown satin co-ord set with dramatic white collar and sleeve details. The ensemble appeared form-fitting, highlighting her silhouette.
Spanish singer Rosalia, 33, arrived in a strapless feathered gown that exposed her toned midriff. The eye-catching design evoked images of swan feathers, adding drama to her appearance.
Capital Radio and This Morning host Sian Welby chose an autumnal rust-colored mini dress with a strapless corset bodice and ruffled skirt. She paired it with platform champagne heels and a chunky pearl necklace for a leggy display.
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Marmalade commanded the carpet in an extravagant silver tasseled dress topped with a headpiece of sequined branches.
Former Love Island contestant Molly Marsh wore a sequined, figure-hugging dress with midriff cutouts, nude mesh at the bust, and a hood over slicked-back hair.
Ex-Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts appeared in a blue dress with slits, sheer panels, and a thigh-high split that seemed distressed for effect.
Kara Marni turned heads in a minimal top with a thin fabric hood preserving modesty, paired with lower-half attire.
Roxy Horner and Toni Laites embraced ballerina-inspired gowns, evoking a different event vibe.
Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty donned a sheer black gown adorned with an elaborate chain necklace.
Ravyn Lenae made a racy statement in a revealing gown with a long train, flashing skin on the carpet.
Gemma Atkinson channeled a retro look with a cropped white blouse featuring dramatic collars, black trousers, and yellow high heels.
Event Highlights and Nominations
The BRIT Awards shift to Manchester marks a new era, moving away from London’s O2 Arena for the first time since 2011. Organizers plan to rotate venues across the UK to broaden access.
This year features 70% female or non-binary nominations, addressing past criticisms. Lola Young and Olivia Dean lead with five nods each, followed by Lily Allen with three for her album West End Girl, which details personal struggles.
British rapper Dave earns three nominations for The Boy Who Played The Harp, his third UK No. 1 album debut. Raye, last year’s record-breaker with six wins, receives one nod and performs tonight.
Raye shared: “We are so grateful to the BRIT Awards for having us back on their stage. Me and the band are very excited.”
Pulp secures its first Group of the Year nod since 1996. International entries include HUNTR/X for International Group and Song, Cynthia Erivo for Song of the Year with “Defying Gravity,” plus Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Chappell Roan.
Olivia Dean, a BRIT School alum, performs and reflects: “To go from being a student in the crowd to a performer 10 years later is really crazy.”
Hosting and Special Tributes
Comedian Jack Whitehall hosts for the sixth time, his first in Manchester, where he began his career. He stated: “I am so excited to be coming back… it feels like a real full circle moment.”
The late Ozzy Osbourne receives the Lifetime Achievement Award. A tribute performance of “No More Tears,” curated by Sharon Osbourne, features Robbie Williams, Zakk Wylde, Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, and Tommy Clufetos.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee, noted: “Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music… This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy.”
BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations
Artist of the Year
- Dave
- Fred Again…
- JADE
- Lily Allen
- Little Simz
- Lola Young
- Olivia Dean
- PinkPantheress
- Sam Fender
- Self Esteem
Group of the Year
- The Last Dinner Party
- Pulp
- Sleep Token
- Wet Leg
- Wolf Alice
Song of the Year (Public Vote)
- Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – Blessings
- Chrystal and Notion – The Days (Notion remix)
- Cynthia Erivo ft Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity
- Ed Sheeran – Azizam
- Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap
- Lewis Capaldi – Survive
- Lola Young – Messy
- Myles Smith – Nice to Meet You
- Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- Raye – Where Is My Husband!
- Sam Fender with Olivia Dean – Rein Me In
- Skye Newman – Family Matters
Other Categories
- International Song of the Year: Alex Warren – Ordinary; Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club; Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys; Gigi Perez – Sailor Song; Gracie Abrams – That’s So True; Huntr/x – Golden; Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile; Rayvn Lenae – Love Me Not; Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT.; Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild; sombr – Undressed; Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
- International Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny, Chappell Roan, CMAT, Doechii, Lady Gaga, ROSALIA, Sabrina Carpenter, sombre, Taylor Swift, Tyler, The Creator
- Breakthrough Artist: Barry Can’t Swim, EsDeeKid, Jim Legxacy, Lola Young, Skye Newman
- International Group: Geese, HAIM, HUNTR/X-EJAE/AUDREY NUNA/REI AMI
- Alternative/Rock Act: Blood Orange, Lola Young, Sam Fender, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice
- Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act: Central Cee, Dave, Jim Legxacy, Little Simz, Loyle Carner
- R&B Act: Jim Legxacy, Kwn, Mabel, Sasha Keable, Sault
- Dance Act: Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas, FKA twigs, Fred Again, Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax, PinkPantheress, Sammy Virji
- Mastercard Album of the Year: Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp; Lily Allen – West End Girl; Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving; Sam Fender – People Watching; Wolf Alice – The Clearing
