2026’s BRIT Awards looks set to be one of the most monumental ceremonies in years following a regime change, a new location and the opportunity to recognise a truly bumper year for British music.

Helmed by Sony Music’s Stacey Tang (the organizing committee chair role is rotated between the major labels on a three-year mandate), this year’s ceremony, held on Feb. 28, will leave London for the first time in its nearly 50-year history to head to Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

It’ll provide a moment of well-deserved celebration to take stock after artists like Olivia Dean, Lola Young, Central Cee and RAYE saw huge gains on a global level. Each are recognised in 2026’s nominations across a multitude of categories in one of the strongest nominee fields in years. Potential winners in the most prestigious prizes (particularly album of the year) feel virtually impossible to call at this stage.

But the nature of awards shows means that not every artist can get nods, and some may feel disappointed that their work is not recognized. Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran – two of this century’s biggest male solo pop artists – did not receive the returns that their stature might have indicated, while BRIT Award darlings such as Florence + The Machine were ignored entirely.

There’s good news for some acts who receive their first nominations at the ceremony, particularly in the genre categories, but also for massive international names like Bad Bunny whose recognition feels overdue. Indie band Geese, hardcore favorites Turnstile and mysterious rock band Sleep Token also bring a louder edge to this year’s proceedings with their debut nominations.

Ahead of the ceremony in Manchester, we look at the biggest snubs and surprises from the 2026 BRIT Awards nominations.