SOMBR to perform at 2026 BRIT Awards

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard has today announced that one of music’s most exciting breakthrough artists, SOMBR, will take to the stage at this year’s ceremony. He joins an outstanding roster of previously revealed performers, including Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI — the vocal talents behind HUNTR/X — alongside Wolf Alice, Alex Warren, Mark Ronson and ROSALÍA.

SOMBR (aka Shane Boose) has rapidly emerged as one of the defining new voices of his generation. Often described as Gen Z’s rockstar heir apparent, his first-ever BRIT nominations — International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for “Undressed” — follow a remarkable year of global success for the New York City musician.

During a landmark 2025, SOMBR’s breakout hit “back to friends” soared to #1 on Spotify’s Global and US charts, entered the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 at #7, and became the #1 Pop song in America. His meteoric rise was matched by sold-out headline tours across the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as high-profile live moments featuring surprise guest appearances from Sam Smith and Laufey.

Building on this momentum, SOMBR entered 2026 with a Best New Artist Grammy nomination, following his “Best Alternative” win at the MTV VMAs, where he also delivered a standout performance. His Gold-certified debut album, I Barely Know Her, co-produced by Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, The Replacements), earned widespread critical acclaim. Three singles from the record achieved simultaneous chart success on both the Official UK Album Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, underlining his international impact.

SOMBR said:
“I'm so honoured to be performing at the iconic BRIT Awards. I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me this past year. I love the UK and all the British people, it's my second home!”

Making its debut at its new Manchester venue, Co-op Live, on Saturday 28th February, The BRIT Awards 2026 will be broadcast live exclusively on ITV and ITVX. Award-winning comedian and writer Jack Whitehall returns as host. Winners will receive the iconic BRITs trophy, newly conceptualised by internationally acclaimed, Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, whose design draws inspiration from his connection to the city.

In another landmark first, spearheaded by Sony Music in collaboration with ITV and YouTube, The BRIT Awards will expand its global reach through an innovative multi-platform partnership. For the first time, UK audiences will be able to stream the ceremony via ITV’s YouTube channel, in addition to ITV1 and ITVX. International viewers can once again watch through The BRITs’ official YouTube channel, marking the 13th consecutive year of global digital streaming.

On the night, fans can tailor their viewing experience — choosing between the prestige of the traditional live broadcast or the immediacy of the global digital simulcast. Coverage begins live at 8.15pm on ITV1 and ITVX, followed by the global simulcast from 8.45pm on ITV’s YouTube channel (UK viewers) and The BRITs’ YouTube channel (international viewers).

‘The Ultimate BRITs Collection’ is available now exclusively on ITVX. This specially curated hub showcases some of the most unforgettable moments in BRITs history, including legendary performances from artists such as Harry Styles, RAYE, JADE, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Lady Gaga and Lily Allen. The collection also highlights BRITs Icons and celebrated collaborations including Ed Sheeran & Stormzy, Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa, Kylie & Justin Timberlake, and many more.

Throughout the ceremony, real-time highlights will be added to the collection and featured on the ITVX homepage, allowing fans to relive the biggest performances, viral moments, and award wins as they happen. Viewers can also rewatch the full show on ITVX and ITV’s YouTube channel.

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, ITV said:
"Our longstanding partnership with The BRITs enters an exciting new chapter this year as the show heads to Manchester. We are committed to giving audiences more of what they love, which is why - for the first time ever - UK fans can join the celebration across ITV1, ITVX, and ITV's YouTube, giving viewers total flexibility in how they choose to experience the spectacle of the biggest night in music. From show-stopping performances to the instant viral highlights, plus with exclusive archives and real-time highlights available to enjoy on ITVX, ITV remains the definitive home for the BRITs, bringing the magic of the night into the nation's living rooms and onto their devices."

Dan Chalmers, Director of YouTube Music, EMEA said:
"We are thrilled that ITV is bringing The BRITs to their YouTube channel for the first time ever. YouTube sits at the epicentre of modern culture, acting as a global stage and curator for the world's most talented artists and creators. While our platform is the digital home for global fandom, at its heart, The BRITs remains a community event - one we want families to experience together. By streaming on YouTube, we’re blending that traditional 'sofa moment' with a borderless community, ensuring the magic of Manchester reaches every screen, everywhere."

The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28th February at Manchester’s Co-op Live.

Leading this year’s nominations are Olivia Dean and Lola Young, each earning five nods, followed closely by Sam Fender with four nominations after his Mercury Prize triumph last year. Additional British nominees include Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, JADE, Wolf Alice, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Skye Newman, Wet Leg and more. British legends Pulp celebrate their first nomination since 1996.

This year’s nominations also reflect major moments from film and pop culture, with Cynthia Erivo recognised for her performance of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’, alongside KPop Demon Hunter’s ‘Golden’ from HUNTR/X.

Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon has been named the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice winner, with Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO completing the shortlist.

The BRITs Fringe programme, recently unveiled, will see Manchester host a citywide celebration of music ahead of the awards, spotlighting its legendary heritage, vibrant current scene, and the emerging talent shaping the future of UK music.

Jack Whitehall returns to host the ceremony for the sixth time, following previous appearances in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018.

This year’s BRIT Award trophy has been designed by Matthew Williamson. Inspired by Manchester’s spirit and resilience, the design features amber-toned resin reminiscent of golden honey — a tribute to the city’s worker bee symbol — set atop a globe representing the global reach of British music.

Mastercard continues its headline sponsorship into its 29th year, while ITV marks its 34th year as the official broadcaster.