The BRIT Awards 2026 head north to Manchester’s Co-op Live, bringing a landmark night that fuses British music with global pop culture. The ceremony will feature a historic K-pop performance and a Manchester-inspired trophy, while Jack Whitehall returns as host.
Historic K-Pop Performance Confirmed
‘Golden’ Takes Center Stage
KPop Demon Hunters will perform ‘Golden’ at the BRITs, a high-profile collaboration featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI (HUNTR/X). The song has already made waves, picking up nominations for International Group and International Song and becoming the first K-pop single to reach UK number one. ‘Golden’ is also tied to a globally successful film soundtrack, marking a rare crossover between cinema and pop that underscores K-pop’s growing influence on the British charts. The performance will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX and streamed on the BRITs YouTube channel.
Manchester: A New Home for British Music Excellence
Local Spirit in Trophy Design
The BRITs move to Co-op Live signals a deeper celebration of northern music culture. Designer Matthew Williamson has created this year’s trophy with clear nods to Manchester, drawing on the city’s worker bee symbol and industrial heritage for a look that champions local identity. The new design aims to reflect Manchester’s creativity and community spirit while honoring the ceremony’s long history of recognising artistic achievement.
Jack Whitehall Returns to Host
Comedian and presenter Jack Whitehall will host the BRITs for a sixth time. His planned ‘Ode to Manchester’ promises a mix of sharp humour and affectionate tributes that should set a lively tone for the evening.
Celebrating Nominees
The nominations spotlight a mix of established and rising talent. Leading British contenders include Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Sam Fender, alongside major international names. The shortlist reflects diverse genres and a global outlook, reinforcing the BRITs as a forum where UK music meets worldwide trends.
This condensed guide highlights the most significant announcements for the BRIT Awards 2026: a landmark K-pop stage moment, Manchester as host city, a new locally inspired trophy, and familiar hosting flair from Jack Whitehall.
