Sombr confirmed to perform at the BRITs 2026 with Mastercard
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard today reveals that one of music’s most talked about new artists, SOMBR, will perform at this year’s show. He joins an incredible line-up of recently announced artists Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X, Wolf Alice, Alex Warren, Mark Ronson and ROSALÍA.
SOMBR (aka Shane Boose) has been called Gen Z’s rockstar heir apparent and his debut BRIT nominations - for International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for his hit single “Undressed” - come hot on the heels of a massive 2025 for the New York City musician. In 2025, his smash single “back to friends” hit #1 on Spotify’s Global and US charts, cracked the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 (#7) and was the #1 Pop song in America. His rapid rise led to sell out headline tours in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand and saw appearances from surprise guests like Sam Smith and Laufey. SOMBR entered 2026 with a Best New Artist Grammy nod following his “Best Alternative” win at the MTV VMAs, where he also performed. His Gold-certified debut album, I Barely Know Her, was co-produced by the legendary Tony Berg (Phoebe Bridgers, The Replacements) and received rave reviews, with three of the singles charting simultaneously on the Official UK Album Chart and Billboard Hot 100.
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!”
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.
This year, in another first spearheaded by Sony Music on behalf of the UK music industry, The BRIT Awards will reach a global audience through an innovative multi-platform rollout with ITV and YouTube, as they join for a global partnership. For the first time ever, UK viewers can watch the show on ITV’s YouTube channel, as well as on ITV1 and ITVX. For the 13th year running, international viewers can tune in via The BRITs’ YouTube channel.
On the night, fans can choose their front row seat to all the action from the UK’s biggest night in music, whether they want the prestige of the live linear premiere or the digital energy of a global simulcast. From 8.15pm on Saturday 28th February, viewers can tune in live via ITV1 and ITVX; or from 8.45pm as the global digital simulcast begins on ITV’s YouTube channel (for UK viewers) and The BRITs’ YouTube channel (for international viewers).
‘The Ultimate BRITs Collection’ is available now exclusively on ITVX. This hub of specially curated videos will feature a selection of the most iconic moments from BRITs history - including show-stopping performances from the likes of Harry Styles, RAYE, JADE, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Lady Gaga and Lily Allen, a look back at BRITs Icons, and some unique collaborations including Ed Sheeran & Stormzy, Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa, Kylie & Justin Timberlake and many more.
On the big night itself, videos featuring real-time highlights from the show will be added to the collection, whilst also being available on the ITVX homepage. These clips will allow music fans to relive the night’s most viral moments and unmissable talking points, uploaded as they happen. Expect Jack Whitehall's best bits, spectacular live performances and highlights from all the big winners. In addition to this, the show will be available to rewatch in full on ITVX and the ITV YouTube channel. Tune in live at 8:15pm on ITV1 and ITVX, or stream from 8.45pm on ITV’s YouTube channel (UK) or The BRITs’ YouTube channel (international).
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 from Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Leading the charge for this year’s nominations 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 is 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.