Noel Gallagher’s Speech at the 2026 BRIT Awards
Noel Gallagher, the former Oasis guitarist and frontman of The High Flying Birds, was awarded the Songwriter of the Year title at the 2026 BRIT Awards. The ceremony took place on Saturday night at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, marking a significant shift for the annual event.
Despite their famously turbulent relationship following Oasis’s split in 2009, Noel publicly acknowledged his brother Liam during his acceptance speech. He credited Liam’s distinctive voice and presence as crucial to the band’s musical legacy. Additionally, he thanked the members of his current band, Roll With It, for their role in the successful reunion tour.
The award was somewhat controversial, as Noel has not written a new song in two years. However, he defended his win by highlighting the record sales of his recent work. “I haven’t written a song for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one, but I’ll take it,” he said. He also suggested that if anyone had a problem with his win, they could meet him on the red carpet.
Noel mentioned that he is currently in the studio and expects to release new music soon. He also hinted that the BRITs might have chosen him because the ceremony was held in Manchester for the first time.
Olivia Dean Dominates the BRIT Awards
Olivia Dean had an outstanding night at the 2026 BRIT Awards, winning four awards: Best Artist, Best Album, Best Song, and Best Pop Act. She became the first woman to claim the UK’s No 1 single and album in the same week since Adele in 2021.
Dean’s success came after the release of her 2025 album, The Art Of Loving, and the single Man I Need. She was also nominated for Song of the Year for Rein Me In featuring Sam Fender, which won the category.
Other Notable Winners
Lily Allen, despite her successful album West End Girl, did not win any awards. Sharon Osbourne accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her late husband, Ozzy Osbourne. Her heartfelt speech celebrated Ozzy’s legacy and his impact on the music world.
A special rock tribute performance closed the show, featuring a rendition of No More Tears by Robbie Williams and other musicians who had worked with Ozzy over the years.
Lola Dean, who had recently taken a break from music after collapsing on stage, won the Breakthrough Artist award. British rapper Dave won the Hip Hop category, while Fred Again, Skepta, and PlaqueBoyMax took home the Dance award.
The BRIT Awards Move to Manchester
The 2026 BRIT Awards marked a historic shift as the ceremony moved to Manchester for the first time. Previously held annually at London’s O2 Arena since 2011, the event is now set to rotate across the UK for the foreseeable future.
Comedian Jack Whitehall returned as host, marking his sixth appearance at the ceremony. He credited Manchester for shaping his early comedy career.
Sony Music UK, which will oversee the next three years of the BRIT Awards, cited Manchester’s rich musical heritage as a key factor in the decision. Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, praised the move, calling it a “massive coup” for the city.
Jason Iley, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, expressed excitement about the change, stating that hosting the event in Manchester would invigorate the show and celebrate its legacy.
A New Era for the BRIT Awards
The move away from London signals a new era for the BRIT Awards, reflecting a broader trend in the music industry to diversify locations and reach new audiences. As the ceremony continues to evolve, it remains a celebration of British music and its global influence.
