Olivia Dean Dominates Brit Awards in Manchester
Olivia Dean was named the UK's new queen of pop, securing four awards as the Brit Awards took place in Manchester for the first time in nearly 50 years, moving from their traditional London venue.
Dean won the highly competitive best British artist category, surpassing breakthrough act winner Lola Young, best rap act Dave, and best rock act Sam Fender.
She also earned best album for her transatlantic success, The Art of Loving, and song of the year for her current number one collaboration with Fender, "Reign Me In."
"This album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels loveless," said Dean, holding back tears of joy.
"I don't know if I ever really thought I'd get [a Brit award], but I did!" she declared during an earlier acceptance speech.
The 26-year-old Londoner, who also won best pop act, performed an elegant rendition of her song "Man I Need" during the event, which featured performances from Harry Styles, best group winners Wolf Alice, pop star Raye, and Alex Warren, who was joined on piano by a velvet-clad James Blunt.
Robbie Williams closed the show with a powerful tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, performing alongside some of the late star's former bandmates.
Genre-defying Catalan artist Rosalia made history as the first Brit winner recognized for music sung in a foreign language, an award typically won by US artists.
"Let's keep celebrating the otherness," she said during her acceptance speech. "Let's celebrate different cultures, different languages."
She was joined by Björk for a show-stopping performance of Björk's recent single "Berghain," which host Jack Whitehall described as starting like "the last night of the proms" and ending like an Ibiza club rave.
Additionally, Rosé made history as the first K-Pop act to win a Brit Award, securing international song of the year for her duet with Bruno Mars, "APT."
Olivia Dean's Rise in Manchester
Dean's four awards reaffirm her status as Britain's biggest new star, following her Grammy win last month in Los Angeles for best new artist.
Her second album, characterized by a jazz-infused sound, contains memorable tracks about the complexities of love, including "Man I Need," "Nice to Each Other," and "So Easy (To Fall in Love)," all of which reached the top 10 in the previous year.
Prior to the ceremony, Dean energized Manchester with a candlelit charity concert at the city's Albert Hall venue on Thursday.
In tribute, Manchester's Deansgate train station was temporarily renamed Olivia Deansgate for the week.
In a lighthearted note, fellow Brit Award winner PinkPantheress, named producer of the year, temporarily became the official voice of the Manchester Metrolink, guiding passengers to the event.
"If you're heading to the show, make sure you hop off the tram at the Etihad campus," she was heard advising passengers. "Keep it cute, keep it moving and I'll see you at the Brits."
Unfortunately, PinkPantheress missed the ceremony, posting on Instagram that she was "devastated I won't be able to make it" after returning from a series of festival performances in Australia.
Harry Styles Shines on Stage
Harry Styles, an investor in the Co-Op Arena, opened the night with a captivating performance of his hypnotic new single "Aperture," appearing as a blend of Talking Heads' David Byrne and a sharply dressed investment banker in high-waisted trousers.
He also participated in several pre-recorded comedic sketches with host Jack Whitehall, who was hosting for the final time. Whitehall humorously referenced Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, joking that the Brits was "the only party he's allowed into these days," alluding to Prime Minister Keir Starmer blocking Burnham's candidacy in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election.
K-Pop band Huntr/x, consisting of singers Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, energized an outdoor stage with their breakout hit "Golden."
Raye, who won six awards at the 2024 Brits, performed a reimagined version of her hit "Where Is My Husband!" before transitioning into her new soul ballad, "Nightingale Lane."
Ellie Roswell Advocates for Grassroots Music
After Wolf Alice won best group, lead singer Ellie Roswell spoke out in support of small independent artists and venues, highlighting that 30 pubs and clubs had closed in the past year.
"It shouldn't be a battle to survive as a band or any artist," she said. "We shouldn't be reliant on favours or winning one funding schemes in order to do things at a level we feel proud of."
Black Sabbath legend Ozzy Osbourne received a posthumous lifetime achievement award months after his death at age 76.
Country star Dolly Parton delivered an unexpected video tribute, praising Osbourne's ability to captivate audiences with his theatrics and musical talents.
Osbourne's widow Sharon and daughter Kelly took the stage to deliver a heartfelt eulogy.
"He was proud to be a working class Brummy," Sharon said, "and he never let anyone forget it."
"He was the most humble egomaniac you could ever meet!"
Fans were treated to a special performance of Osbourne's 1991 song "No More Tears" by members of Black Sabbath and Metallica, accompanied by Robbie Williams.
Tributes were also paid to Stone Roses bassist Mani and soul singer Roberta Flack in a new In Memoriam segment.
Mark Ronson, who received the outstanding achievement prize, took time to remember the late Amy Winehouse, crediting her with launching his career.
Winehouse appeared on screen during a medley of Ronson's hits, including "Valerie" and "Uptown Funk."
Ronson was joined by Ghostface Killah for "Ooh Wee," and Dua Lipa, who performed a joyous rendition of "Electricity" while walking a runway before draping herself across Ronson's piano, sipping a Martini.
Manchester Music Icons Honored
Before the ceremony began, several artists were announced as winners of early awards.
Jacob Alon received the rising star prize, and hometown hero Noel Gallagher was named songwriter of the year.
Gallagher accepted his award from Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, thanking fans and bandmates, including his brother Liam.
"Without them, I'd just be a singer-songwriter. No one gives a [damn] about singer-songwriters," he joked.
Other Manchester music legends present included Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess and dance-rock pioneers The Happy Mondays.
"It's great that we're here," said Shaun Ryder, frontman of The Happy Mondays, before presenting an award.
Additional reporting by Annabel Rackham and Mark Savage.
