Olivia Dean and Lola Young are among 2025’s biggest breakout stars, each earning five nominations for the 2026 Brit Awards. Both are shortlisted for Artist of the Year alongside Lily Allen, Dave, and Little Simz.
Sam Fender follows his Mercury Prize win with four nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Single for his duet with Dean, Rein Me In. Legendary indie band Pulp also returns, nominated for Best Group for More, their first album in 25 years. The nomination comes almost three decades after Jarvis Cocker’s infamous stage protest during Michael Jackson’s Earth Song performance in 1996.
Dean’s Big Year
Olivia Dean is a favorite for Best Artist and Best Album after the success of her soulful, chart-topping album The Art of Loving. “Even one nomination would feel surreal. Five is incredible,” Dean says. Her journey from the Brit School to Brit Awards nominee marks a full-circle moment.
Emerging Stars and International Acts
She is currently on a break after last year’s health scare, with her next performance set for SXSW 2026.Critics Choice Award winner Jacob Alon also made the shortlist, surprising many with his delicate, acoustic style.
International recognition highlights the rise of Latin music, with Bad Bunny and Rosalía earning first-ever Brit nominations. K-pop enters the scene with Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT and Huntr/x’s Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters.
