Those watching described as an ‘awkward’ moment during the ceremony as it was broadcast live on ITV
Viewers watching the BRIT Awards 2026 unfold live from Manchester were left baffled by what they described as an ‘awkward’ moment during the ceremony as it was broadcast live on ITV.
Saturday night’s (February 28) awards bash saw the prestigious music event move north for the first time, with a multitude of stars descending on the city as Co-Op Live hosted the ceremony.
But for those not able to make it inside the arena, the ceremony, hosted by comedian, presenter and actor Jack Whitehall, was broadcast on ITV and ITVX.
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Harry Styles opened the show with a performance of his latest single Aperture. The former One Direction star, who is known for his flamboyant style, removed the jacket of his Chanel suit for the performance, and took to the stage in his suit trousers and tie.
He was joined by a gospel choir for the performance, which opened with synchronised hand shaking and head movements and concluded in the same way.
The performance comes three years after his last performance on the Brits stage at the awards in 2023, which saw him take home four gongs following the release of his album Harry’s House.
Meanwhile, Olivia Dean later performed Man I Need against a pink backdrop in a black sparkling dress, and Raye sang her hit Where Is My Husband! Also, Rosalia brought out Icelandic pop star Bjork for her performance of Berghain, which also features Yves Tumor, who was played on the PA system.
But the big moments of the night were also the awards themselves, with Olivia, Rosalia , Wolf Alice and Lola Young among the winners. However, some of those watching the ceremony unfold from home were confused when a number of awards were seen being given out in a compilation section.
It left many flocking to social media questioning whether the show was live, with it confirmed by insiders at the event that the awards were for Best R&B Act, Best Pop Act, Best Alternative/Rock Act, Best Hip-hop/Rap/Grime Act and the Critics Choice Award -were given out during the ad breaks.
@userdemisexual said: “This is so awkward? why wouldn’t you show this live? #Brits2026.” @Christi17553827 commented: “Thought the #Brits2026 was live?! When were these other awards given out?!”
@Bex0111 complained: “@BRITs whose idea was it to not show a chunk of awards live?! Given us a montage. We enjoy the nominations & guessing who would win. Do better please #Brits2026.” @acotswoldvoice added: “Why have they turned this into the BAFTAs where the minor awards are presented in the breaks #BRITs2026.”