Get ready for a golden night in Manchester! The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard is set to make history with an incredible performance by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the talented vocalists behind HUNTR/X from the Netflix sensation, KPop Demon Hunters.
These artists are nominated for two prestigious BRIT Awards, including International Group and International Song for their hit 'Golden'. And they're bringing their talent to Manchester's Co-op Live for a special performance that will be filmed and shared with fans worldwide during the BRIT Awards ceremony on February 28th.
EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI shared their excitement, saying, "We're over the moon to be nominated for celebrating KPop Demon Hunters! We can't wait to perform for our UK fans in Manchester. See you soon!"
This marks a groundbreaking moment for The BRITs, as it's the first time a K-pop artist will grace the stage. KPop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm, becoming Netflix's most popular film ever and receiving critical acclaim for its animation and soundtrack. The film's success is undeniable, winning Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globes and Best Original Song for 'Golden', which also earned a Grammy and a nomination at the 2026 Academy Awards.
'Golden' has made history on its own, becoming the first K-pop single to reach UK Number 1 in 13 years and spending an impressive 12 weeks at the top of the charts. It even ranked 7th on Spotify's global list of most streamed tracks in 2025. And the impact of KPop Demon Hunters continued with 'Soda Pop' and 'Your Idol' reaching Number 3 and 5, respectively, on the Official UK Singles Chart, a first for the K-pop genre.
The BRIT Awards will debut at its new Manchester home, Co-op Live, on February 28th, with a live broadcast exclusively on ITV and ITVX. The award-winning comedian and writer Jack Whitehall will return as host, and winners will take home the iconic BRITs trophy designed by Manchester's own Matthew Williamson, inspired by the city's spirit and resilience.
This year's nominations are led by Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five each, closely followed by Sam Fender with four after his Mercury Prize win. Other notable British artists up for awards include Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, JADE, Wolf Alice, Ed Sheeran, and more. Even British icons Pulp are back with their first nomination since 1996.
Hollywood also makes an appearance with Cynthia Erivo's rendition of 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked and the talented trio EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI from KPop Demon Hunters. International artists like Bad Bunny, Doechii, ROSALÍA, and others are also nominated across various categories.
Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon takes home this year's BRITs Critics' Choice award, with Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO joining him on the shortlist.
The BRITs Fringe, a series of events celebrating Manchester's musical heritage and future, has also been announced. It's a chance to explore the city's vibrant music scene and discover the next generation of UK talent.
Jack Whitehall, the award-winning comedian and presenter, will host the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018. His 'Ode to Manchester' video, shared exclusively on BRITs' social media, showcases his love for the city and its unique culture.
The BRIT award trophy for 2026 has been designed by the renowned British designer Matthew Williamson, who drew inspiration from Manchester's worker bee mascot and the city's global musical influence. The trophy is a stunning amber-toned resin globe, a true work of art.
Mastercard continues its long-standing headline sponsorship of The BRITs as it enters its 29th year, with ITV as the official broadcaster for the 34th consecutive year. These partnerships are crucial in supporting The BRITs' vision and values, including fundraising for The BRIT Trust, which promotes music education and wellbeing through charities like The BRIT School and Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy.
Get ready for a night of musical excellence and celebration as The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard takes over Manchester!
