Wolf Alice to perform at the 2026 BRIT Awards with Mastercard
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard today announces that one of the UK’s most celebrated and exciting bands Wolf Alice will perform at this year’s show. They are the first group confirmed to perform and join recently announced artists Harry Styles and Olivia Dean, showcasing the best of British talent.
Wolf Alice are nominated for three awards this year, Group of the Year, Alternative/Rock Act and Mastercard Album of the Year for their fourth studio album ‘The Clearing’, which reached Number 1 upon release last year. The band recently announced a huge summer show at Finsbury Park on 5th July, where they will be joined by The Last Dinner Party, Lykke Li, Rachel Chinouriri, Keo, and Florence Road.
Debuting at its new Manchester home, the Co-op Live, on Saturday 28th February The BRIT Awards will be broadcast live exclusively on ITV and ITVX. Award-winning comedian and writer Jack Whitehall returns to host the show, and the winners of each category will each take home the iconic BRITs trophy, this year conceptualised and designed by internationally acclaimed and Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, inspired by his roots to the city.
Theo Ellis, Wolf Alice said:
"We’re truly honoured to get the opportunity to play this year’s BRIT Awards! Can’t wait to see what everyone’s wearing, can’t wait to see who else is playing, can’t wait to have ten mini wines (after we play). Most of all can’t wait for a big night out in Manny. Make sure to tune in and watch it all live on the telly.”
The public vote opens tomorrow at midday GMT for Song of the Year with Mastercard and International Song of the Year, exclusively on WhatsApp as part of the BRITs continued partnership with Meta. Fans will have the chance to vote for their favourite songs once daily beginning midday GMT tomorrow (Friday 30th January) until the vote closes at 6pm GMT on Friday 13th February. Casting a vote is as simple as sending a WhatsApp message. To get started, head to the BRITs WhatsApp channel or BRITs socials. Further information on the vote can be found at brits.co.uk/vote
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 28th February from Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Last week, nominations were announced for this year’s awards. Leading the charge for 2026 are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nominations each, closely followed by Sam Fender with four nominations following his Mercury Prize win last year. Other British artists up for awards this year include Lily Allen, Calvin Harris, JADE, Wolf Alice, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Skye Newman, Wet Leg and more. British icons Pulp have received their first nomination since 1996.
Hollywood is also represented in this year’s nominations, with two of 2025’s biggest cultural moments featured with Cynthia Erivo for her rendition of Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’ and KPop Demon Hunter’s ‘Golden’ from HUNTR/X - EJAE / Audrey Nuna / REI AMi. A number of artists have received nominations across International categories too, including Bad Bunny, Doechii, ROSALÍA, sombr, Chappell Roan, CMAT, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, HAIM and Tame Impala.
Scottish singer/songwriter Jacob Alon was also recently announced as the winner of this year’s BRITs Critics’ Choice. Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO joined Jacob on the shortlist of the prestigious Critics’ Choice award.
Details for the BRITs Fringe, a programme of engagement taking place across Manchester ahead of this year’s event, were also announced recently. BRITs Fringe celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage, its vibrant contemporary scene and the next generation shaping the future of UK music.
Award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer Jack Whitehall will be the host for this year’s ceremony. The news was announced via his “Ode to Manchester”, shared exclusively across BRITs’ socials. In true Jack fashion, he covers everything from the cobbles of Coronation Street to the Curry Mile, the Industrial Revolution to the invention of barm cake. Jack’s return to Manchester marks his sixth time presenting the show, having previously hosted in 2025, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018.
This year the BRIT award has been designed by internationally acclaimed British designer Matthew Williamson. Inspired by his Manchester roots and the city’s famous drive and resilience, the trophy is amber toned resin - resembling the golden honey of a worker bee, the city’s mascot - atop a globe representing the worldwide reach of British music.
Mastercard will continue their long-standing headline sponsorship of The BRITs as it moves into its 29th year. ITV remains the official broadcaster for the 34th year, with the awards airing on ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
These partnerships are vital in supporting and amplifying The BRITs’ vision and values, including fundraising for the awards’ charitable arm, The BRIT Trust, with a core pillar of the Trust the distribution of funds to charities which promote education and wellbeing through music, including The BRIT School and Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy.