BRIT Awards 2024: Olivia Dean, Rosalía & Geese Among Winners

Olivia Dean dominated the 2026 BRIT Awards, taking home four coveted trophies including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Act and Song of the Year for her collaboration with Sam Fender, “Rein Me In.” The Manchester ceremony, held at the Co-op Live Arena, as well celebrated Rosalía and Geese, alongside a host of other British and international talent.

Dean’s sweep marks a significant moment for the 26-year-old artist, solidifying her position as a leading force in British pop. Her second album, The Art of Loving, has clearly resonated with audiences, earning her both critical acclaim and commercial success. She also secured a Grammy for Best New Artist earlier this year, signaling her growing influence in the US market. The Guardian notes the album’s appeal lies in its relatable exploration of modern dating, combined with a sophisticated blend of musical styles.

Beyond Dean: International Recognition and Political Statements

While Dean was the night’s biggest winner, the BRIT Awards also recognized international artists. Rosalía was crowned International Artist of the Year, while the duo Rosé and Bruno Mars took home the award for International Song of the Year with their track “Apt.” The win for Rosalía follows the release of her album Lux, described as a bold fusion of neo-classical and avant-electronic styles. Geese, the American rock band, won International Group of the Year, and used their platform to deliver a pointed political message. Bassist Max Bassin’s acceptance speech – “Free Palestine, fuck ICE, go Geese” – injected a moment of raw political commentary into the proceedings.

Producer of the Year and Live Performances

PinkPantheress was awarded Producer of the Year earlier in the week, becoming the youngest artist and the first woman to receive the honor. This recognition highlights a shift towards acknowledging the crucial role of producers in contemporary music. The ceremony itself featured performances from a diverse lineup of artists, including Harry Styles, Rosalía, and Olivia Dean, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Pitchfork reports on the full list of performers and winners.

A Seem at Other Key Winners

The awards weren’t limited to headline categories. Fred again.., Lola Young, and Wolf Alice were also honored. Fred again.. (along with Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax) won the Dance Act award for “Victory Lap.” Lola Young was named Breakthrough Artist, a testament to her rising star in the British music scene. Wolf Alice secured the Alternative/Rock Act award, continuing their established presence in the genre. Sam Fender, who collaborated with Dean on the Song of the Year winner, also took home the Alternative/Rock Act award individually. Dave was recognized as the Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act of the Year.

Song of the Year Competition

The competition for Song of the Year was particularly fierce, with nominees including Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas (“Blessings”), Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (“Defying Gravity”), and Ed Sheeran (“Azizam”). “Rein Me In” by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean prevailed, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the song’s resonance with both critics and the public. Dean was also nominated for her solo track “Man I Need” in the same category, highlighting her strong individual presence.

The Business of the BRITs: Streaming and Album Sales

The BRIT Awards, while a celebration of artistic achievement, also reflect the evolving landscape of the music industry. The success of artists like Olivia Dean is intrinsically linked to streaming numbers and album sales. Her win for Album of the Year, for example, underscores the continued importance of the long-form format, even in an era dominated by singles. The awards also serve as a significant marketing platform for artists, boosting visibility and driving further engagement with their music. The Co-op Live Arena, the venue for the 2026 ceremony, represents a substantial investment in live music infrastructure in Manchester, signaling a commitment to the continued growth of the UK music scene.

What’s on the Horizon for the Winners?

For Olivia Dean, the BRIT Awards wins are likely to translate into increased touring opportunities and further collaborations. She’s already confirmed for several summer festivals, and a larger-scale international tour is anticipated. Rosalía is expected to continue pushing boundaries with her music, potentially exploring new sonic territories following the success of Lux. Geese’s politically charged acceptance speech may draw both praise and criticism, but it undoubtedly raises their profile and positions them as a band willing to speak out on important issues. PinkPantheress’s Producer of the Year award will likely open doors to new production opportunities and collaborations with other artists.

Looking ahead, the BRIT Awards will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing face of British music. The awards remain a vital platform for recognizing talent and celebrating the cultural impact of music in the UK and beyond. Highlights from the awards show are available on the BRITs official YouTube channel.