Highlights and Surprises from the 2026 BRITs Nominations
Surprise: Bad Bunny
Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has secured his first-ever nomination at the BRIT Awards, an acknowledgment that many believe is long overdue. Although Latin music’s presence in the U.K. is limited—evident with his highest-charting album Debí Tirar Más Fotos reaching No. 13 on the Official Albums Chart—Bad Bunny has established himself as a household name. He is set to perform two nights at London’s 62,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in June. His single nomination in the international artist of the year category breaks a long-standing absence of recognition for an artist many feel has greatly contributed to the music scene in the U.K.
Snub: Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, a BRIT Awards icon with 25 nominations and seven wins, finds himself with just one nomination this year for song of the year with “Azizam.” This comes despite his promise of a “big pop” comeback following years of focusing on quieter material. His 2025 album Play only spent one week at the top of the U.K. Albums Chart in September, an unusual outcome for an artist of his stature. While Sheeran remains a popular live performer—scheduled for a U.S. stadium tour in summer 2026—his standing with the Brits Voting Academy seems to be waning, as his last win in a non-honorary category came in 2015.
Surprise: Geese
Fans of the indie band Geese likely did not anticipate this recognition. Their debut album, Projector, made waves in 2021, and the follow-up, 3D Country, further showcased their expansive vision. Their latest release, Getting Killed, is expected to be a classic in years to come, and mainstream accolades continue to mount. A nomination for international group of the year highlights their rapid ascent, affirming their place within the music industry.
Snub: Justin Bieber
Shockingly absent from the BRIT Awards nominations, Justin Bieber’s album Swag gained attention at the Grammys, receiving nominations for both album of the year and best pop vocal album. The lead single “Daises” topped the U.K. Singles Chart in July, while the album itself peaked at No. 4. Historically, Bieber’s record at the BRIT Awards has been inconsistent; his last win occurred in 2016 for international artist of the year. As he heads towards potential Grammy success and a major Coachella performance, his exclusion may reflect a misjudgment by the awards committee.
Snub: Florence + The Machine
Florence + The Machine’s remarkable 2025 album Everybody Scream earned some of the finest reviews in the singer’s career and debuted at the top of the U.K. Albums Chart in October. Despite past successes, including winning album of the year for her debut Lungs, she has been entirely overlooked in 2026. Although it is a competitive year for British acts, the absence of such a celebrated artist raises questions about the nomination process.
Surprise: Jacob Alon
Jacob Alon, typically not recognized by the BRIT Awards, has made a notable impression with his debut LP In Limerence, a tender folk album that peaked at No. 36 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart. His recent nomination for the Mercury Prize and an enchanting performance at the ceremony have broadened his audience. Awarded the Rising Star nod, he stands against two major label pop acts—Sienna Spiro and Rose Gray—promising an exciting trajectory ahead.
Snub: Yungblud
Yungblud’s relationship with critics has been a mixed bag, with the artist expressing hopes that 2025 would mark a turning point. After achieving two No. 1s on the U.K. Albums Chart this year, including Idols in June, he garnered praise for his performance at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert. However, he remains unrecognized at the 2026 BRIT Awards despite three Grammy nominations in rock categories. As endorsements from industry legends flow in, Yungblud’s wait for a BRITs nod continues.
Surprise: Gracie Abrams
After missing out on the BRIT Awards nominations in 2025 despite her successful sophomore album The Story of Us and chart-topping single “That’s So True,” Gracie Abrams returns in 2026 with recognition in the international song of the year category. Her achievements hint at a promising future, with many more accolades likely on the horizon.
