Winningest winner: Olivia Dean
The Brit Awards celebrated the most prominent and talented pop artists from the UK and internationally. Among the night's top achievers was pop star Olivia Dean, who secured victories in every category she was nominated for: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Artist, and Best Album for her acclaimed work, The Art Of Loving.
Dean appeared visibly moved as she made her third appearance at the podium during the ceremony.
"It takes a lot of good people to make a good artist... I don't know what else to say. Thank you, bye!"
Greatest rave up in a church: Rosalía
Rosalía delivered one of the most striking performances of the evening with her recent single, "Berghain." Her act combined elements of opera, rave, and theatricality, featuring thunderous strings, Wagnerian vocals, and a guest verse from Bjork.
The performance evolved through multiple tempo changes, culminating in an intense rave breakdown. Bjork appeared dressed in an elaborate blue alien costume, adding to the audacity of the moment. The audience was captivated throughout.
Highest waistband: Harry Styles
Harry Styles opened the ceremony with a rendition of "Aperture," dressed in a Chanel pin-striped suit reminiscent of a school uniform, notable for its high waistband. Despite the restrictive attire, Styles flawlessly executed the complex choreography from the music video.
This performance marked the launch of his new musical phase, "Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally," which promises a more club-oriented sound compared to his previous albums.
Host Jack Whitehall praised the act, describing it as:
"The musical equivalent of sitting on the washing machine."
Best entrance: Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa made a memorable entrance by descending from the ceiling on a disco ball, a spectacle that was widely admired.
Best reaction shot: CMAT
Rosalía won the Best International Artist award, expressing her gratitude to the audience:
"It's such an honour to bring my music far from home and I would love to with all my peers who also make music in Spanish."
Country-pop singer CMAT, who was also nominated in the category, accepted the result with good humor, feigning tears for the cameras.
Best reaction shot (runner-up): Jim Legxacy
Rising rap artist Jim Legxacy was nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist but lost to pop star Lola Young. He expressed his disappointment humorously by balancing one drink atop another.
Biggest guffaws: Jack Whitehall
Jack Whitehall hosted the Brits for the sixth and final time, delivering a series of sharp and humorous remarks throughout the evening.
At the start, he addressed the possibility of swearing, assuring viewers:
"There might be some swearing but don't worry, we've got the best in the business on the bleep button. It's the guy who did the Baftas. Nothing gets past him."
He joked about Robbie Williams' resilience:
"Robbie Williams has more comebacks than his hairline."
He also quipped about Shaun Ryder and Bez:
"Shaun Ryder and Bez had aged like service station flowers."
Referencing Lily Allen's latest album, he remarked:
"Her album West End Girl was launched into the charts like a torpedo, only this torpedo didn't sink a ship it destroyed a harbour."
Noticing Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in the audience, Whitehall joked:
"This is the only party he's allowed into these days."
This referred to Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer's decision to bar Burnham from standing in recent by-elections.
A joke about Peter Mandelson being on the guest list was cut from the ITV broadcast.
Mightiest intake of breath: Everyone in the press room
During New York singer-songwriter Sombr's performance of "Undressed," a stage invader rushed towards him but was promptly subdued by security and removed from the stage.
The press room fell silent, concerned about the disruption to their coverage.
"Is that real? Did that just happen?"
Shortly after, a curtain fell, fireworks exploded, a band appeared, and Sombr resumed his performance. A public relations representative confirmed the incident was staged as part of the show, much to the relief of attendees.
Most unexpected triumph: Robbie Williams sings Ozzy Osbourne
Robbie Williams was announced to lead a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, a choice that surprised some. However, Williams delivered a powerful rendition of Osbourne's 1991 track "No More Tears," backed by Metallica's Robert Trujillo and longtime Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde.
The tribute was curated by Sharon Osbourne, who had previously selected Yungblud for Ozzy's farewell concert. Her involvement ensured the performance honored Osbourne's legacy effectively.
Most honest assessment of their chances of winning an award based on the financial returns of their latest album: Self Esteem
On the red carpet, pop artist Self Esteem candidly acknowledged her slim chances of winning Artist of the Year.
"Why don't you think you'll win?"
"Oh, come on. I've not bolstered the UK economy at all."
The full interview revealed a thoughtful perspective uncommon in typical award show conversations.
Least accurate prize: Songwriter of the year
The Brits aimed to honor Manchester after relocating the ceremony north, but only one nominee, Chrystal, hailed from the city. Chrystal's song "The Days" was nominated for Best Single.
Noel Gallagher, Oasis legend and songwriter of numerous anthems, was awarded Songwriter of the Year. This decision aligned with Oasis's reunion tour success, which brought their songs back into the Top 10 charts.
Gallagher himself admitted the award was somewhat undeserved:
"I haven't written a song in two years."
Classiest act: Mark Ronson
Mark Ronson, known for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, and Christina Aguilera, received the Outstanding Contribution Award. Despite his typically relaxed demeanor, his acceptance speech was notably emotional.
Ronson dedicated the award to Amy Winehouse, recalling their first meeting:
"I realised on the way here that on Thursday 6 March, it'll be 20 years to the day that Amy Winehouse came up to my studio. She said, 'I'm here to meet Mark Ronson.' She said, 'Oh, I thought you were an old guy with a beard.' But we talked for four hours and that night we wrote Back To Black and that changed my life forever."
He reflected on his career, noting:
"The music I made with Amy is the reason any of them know who I am anyway."
During his performance, Ronson brought out Amy's former band and incorporated archival footage, preserving her legacy.
Frankest confession: Jade
On the red carpet, Jade expressed relief at not performing this year, referencing her ambitious three-act performance of "Angel Of My Dreams" at the previous Brit Awards.
"I'm so relieved I'm not performing this year."
Most powerful speech: Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice, winners of Best Group, used their acceptance speech to advocate for the survival of grassroots music venues.
Frontwoman Ellie Rowsell addressed the audience:
"Pubs, clubs and grassroots venues are where we quite literally learned to play our instruments and write our songs. Despite the billions of pounds the live sector contributes to our economy, last year 30 independent venues closed down, 6000 jobs were lost and over half of small venues made no money at all."
"It shouldn't be a battle to survive as a band or an artist. We shouldn't be reliant on favours or one-off funding schemes. It shouldn't feel like a golden ticket, but a viable career position for anyone, from any background."
Most chaotic interview: Shaun Ryder and Bez
Shaun Ryder and Bez, members of Happy Mondays, participated in a notably unpredictable interview with host Jack Whitehall an hour into the show.
Ryder humorously described their relationship as:
"A 42-year sexless marriage."
When Whitehall inquired about the current phase of their relationship, the conversation continued with Ryder making an off-color joke about Paddington Bear after Whitehall announced them as the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing.
Biggest redemption: Alex Warren
Alex Warren experienced difficulties at the recent Grammy Awards, where technical issues caused him to sing out of sync during his performance of "Ordinary." He later explained on TikTok that his earpiece malfunctioned, playing the music twice.
At the Brit Awards, Warren redeemed himself with a flawless performance of the same song alongside James Blunt and Manchester's Hallé Orchestra. He concluded by dedicating the song to his wife, Kouvr, with a broad smile.
"Totally wasn't nervous,"
he later posted on Instagram.
Best award show development: Short speeches
This year, acceptance speeches were notably concise and focused, with most winners thanking their mothers and avoiding lengthy remarks.
Olivia Dean, upon receiving Best Pop Act, expressed her feelings:
"No way. Pop music is kind of confusing. I don't really know what it means but I think it's about togetherness and making people feel good."
Skepta, awarded Best Dance Act alongside Fred Again, admitted:
"I thought they tell you before you win so I don't have a speech ready."
Lola Young, Best Breakthrough Artist, commented on her appearance and the state of music:
"I'm not wearing eyelashes so I don't know how I feel about that right now but we'll make it work. It is a great time in British music and music in general. When the outside world can feel horrifyingly bleak and quite frankly scary sometimes, music can be a great escape."
Best music industry decision: Going north
For the first time in its 49-year history, the Brit Awards were held in Manchester, marking a significant departure from London. The move included a series of fringe events such as art trails, industry showcases, and exclusive live gigs featuring artists like Olivia Dean, Robbie Williams, and the Foo Fighters.
Internet personality Angry Ginge humorously remarked:
"It shows people are realising London is a ****hole."
While the broader impact on Manchester remains to be seen, the city boasts a rich musical heritage, having produced iconic bands such as Oasis, Joy Division, and the Stone Roses, and hosting the legendary Hacienda nightclub and Parklife festival.
As the late Factory Records founder Tony Wilson famously said:
"What Manchester does today, London does tomorrow."
Similar to other events like the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize, which are also held outside London, the Brits aim to inspire a new generation of artists beyond the capital.
A Brit School-inspired creative arts college is planned to open in Bradford in 2028 to nurture northern talent.
However, only one of this year's main Brit Award nominees, singer-songwriter Chrystal, originates from Manchester.
