Noel Gallagher praised his brother Liam while he accepted the Songwriter of the Year gong at the 2026 BRIT Awards.

The Oasis rocker, 58, was honoured at the annual ceremony on Saturday night at the Co-op Live arena. 

Despite their famously turbulent relationship following the split of Oasis in 2009, Noel publicly acknowledged Liam, 53, and his role in their shared musical legacy.

He credited his brother’s distinctive voice and presence as a crucial part of the songs that defined an era of British rock.

Noel also thanked the rest of the Roll With It band after their hugely successful reunion last year.

The singer was introduced by Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, who awarded him the prize in front of the packed crowd.

Noel Gallagher hailed his brother Liam while he accepted Songwriter of the Year gong at the 2026 BRIT Awards at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on Saturday night

Noel Gallagher hailed his brother Liam while he accepted Songwriter of the Year gong at the 2026 BRIT Awards at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on Saturday night

Despite their famously turbulent relationship following the split of Oasis in 2009, Noel, 58, publicly acknowledged Liam, 53, and his role in their shared musical legacy

Despite their famously turbulent relationship following the split of Oasis in 2009, Noel, 58, publicly acknowledged Liam, 53, and his role in their shared musical legacy

Noel bluntly said: ‘Yes, Manchester! I’m gonna start by saying I’ve got to thank my brother. And Bonehead, Guigsy and Andy and Gem. Without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter and nobody gives a s*** about singer-songwriters.’

The High Flying Birds frontman was introduced by Pep Guardiola – the manager of his beloved football team Manchester City – and he issued a rallying cry for City that divided the crowd at the Co-Op Live Arena.

Noel added: ‘Up the f****** blues.’

The award for Noel was somewhat controversial as he hasn’t written a new song for two years – although the rocker insisted that he would ‘have it out’ with anyone who wanted to complain about it.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Noel previously said: ‘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.

‘Well, I think the BRITs is all based on record sales, and I’m not sure there was another single songwriter that sold… I mean, we sold a million records last year. Didn’t even get off the couch and I’m not sure there’s a songwriter that can match that. 

‘But you know, if anybody’s got a problem with it, meet me there. We’ll have it out on the red carpet.

‘If any of those wet wipes songwriting teams, all 11 of them, want to write a song between the lot of them, want to have it out on the red carpet, I’m there.’

Noel explained that he has written new music but felt that he was honoured because it is the first time that the BRIT Awards are being held in Manchester.

He said: ‘I’m in the studio now, so I’d better do something out soon. If I am honest I think they just were desperate to get someone from Oasis up there ‘cos it is in Manchester.’

He credited his brother's distinctive voice and presence as a crucial part of the songs that defined an era of British rock

He credited his brother’s distinctive voice and presence as a crucial part of the songs that defined an era of British rock

The singer was introduced by Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, who awarded him the prize (seen together on stage)

The singer was introduced by Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie, who awarded him the prize (seen together on stage)

'Yes, Manchester! I'm gonna start by saying I've got to thank my brother. And Bonehead, Guigsy and Andy and Gem. Without them I'd just be a singer-songwriter and nobody gives a s*** about singer-songwriters,' Noel said in his acceptance speech

‘Yes, Manchester! I’m gonna start by saying I’ve got to thank my brother. And Bonehead, Guigsy and Andy and Gem. Without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter and nobody gives a s*** about singer-songwriters,’ Noel said in his acceptance speech

The 46th edition of the BRIT Awards took place at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena for the first time on Saturday. 

Olivia Dean swept the floor as she took home four awards – winning in every category she was nominated for.

The British singer and songwriter, 26, won Best Artist, Best Album, Best Song and Best Pop Act.

In the Song of the Year category Olivia was nominated for two, for her single Man I Need, as well as her song Rein Me In with Sam Fender – which won.

Olivia, 26, became the first woman to claim the UK’s No 1 single and album in the same week since Adele in 2021, with her song Man I Need and album The Art Of Loving, both released in 2025. 

It was a completely different night for Lily Allen who didn’t take home any awards.

While she dominated the charts last year with the release of her fifth studio album West End Girl, Lily Allen failed to beat Miss Dean in categories Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Pop Act categories.

The singer, 40, used the album to chronicle the collapse of her marriage to Stranger Things star David Harbour, 50, and detailed his alleged affair with ‘Madeline’ whilst they were together.

Despite being nominated eight times previously, the Not Fair hitmaker has only ever won one BRIT award and did not attend this year’s ceremony. 

Manchester born Noel Gallagher, 58, was honoured with this year’s Songwriter of the Year award, after he reunited with his brother Liam for their mammoth Oasis reunion tour. 

Sharon Osbourne, 73, took to the stage to accept an award on behalf of her late husband Ozzy Osbourne, who was honoured with the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award.

Supported by her daughter Kelly, 41, the TV personality gave a heartfelt speech, saying: ‘[Ozzy] was gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man – he was a true artist. 

‘He came from a small, working-class neighbourhood in Birmingham and rose to become one of the most recognisable and respected musicians of his life. He never stopped pushing himself to do better.

‘He was the most humble ego-maniac you could ever meet. And yes, at the end of the day, he will always be a rock star. Ozzy’s heart never left England. Wherever he was in the world, he was always proud to be that working-class Brummie.’ 

What followed was an all-star rock tribute performance, to close the show on the which paid homage to Ozzy, who sadly passed away last July.

Olivia Dean swept the floor as she took home four awards – winning in every category she was nominated for, which included Best Artist, Best Album, Best Song and Best Pop Act

Olivia Dean swept the floor as she took home four awards – winning in every category she was nominated for, which included Best Artist, Best Album, Best Song and Best Pop Act

This performance was a special arrangement of ‘No More Tears’ – the title track from Ozzy’s multi-million selling 1991 album of the same name and was curated by Sharon Osbourne herself.

The performance featured musicians that played as part of Ozzy’s band over the years; Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos and Zakk Wylde; and was fronted by Robbie Williams, who was invited personally by Sharon to be part of this special moment, as a long-standing fan of the music, and friend of the Osbourne family.

Lola Dean, 24, who was nominated for five awards, took home the award from breakthrough artist after a turbulent few months.

It comes after a hiatus from music, following the 25-year-old sparking concern when she collapsed on stage at a New York gig in September.

She cancelled her remaining tour dates to take a break and get her ‘head in a better place’, but has since returned to the music scene and took to the stage to accept her award last night.

British rapper Dave, 27, won in the Hip Hop category off the back of releasing his third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, at the end of last year.

British producer and DJ Fred Again, real name Fred Gibson, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax took home the Dance award, while Sam Fender triumphed in the Best Rock category.

Ten-time Grammy Award winning artist and producer Mark Ronson, 50, received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, before taking to the stage to perform.

And SAULT took home the R&B award, whilst Jacob Alon won the Critics Choice award and PinkPanthress won Producer of the Year.

Geese won Best International Group and Rosalia won Best International Artist whilst International Song of the Year was taken home by ROSE and Bruno Mars. 

International Song of the Year was won by Rosé and Bruno Mars for APT with Rosé at the ceremony to accept the honour. 

The Group of the Year award was won by Wolf Alice after the success of their fourth album The Clearing.

‘We want to dedicate this award to all the people who helped us out in the early years of Wolf Alice,’ singer Ellie Roswell said. 

American rock band Geese won International Group of the Year, their first BRIT award.

Spanish star Rosalia won the International Artist of the Year award, beating out the likes of Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga.   

Harry Styles took to the stage to perform, just seven days before his hotly anticipated album, Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally.

Seven-time BRIT winner, Raye, 28, also performed her hit single, Where Is My Husband, which was nominated for Song of the Year.

Wolf Alice, ROSALIA and Alex Warren, SOMBR, RAYE, and EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix’s global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters, also performed.

The BRIT Awards have been held annually at London’s O2 Arena since 2011, but the Daily Mail revealed that the annual showpiece, regarded as the biggest night in British music, will be held in Manchester this year and is likely to move around the UK in different locations for the foreseeable future.

Comedian Jack Whitehall returned to present the ceremony for the sixth time, having previously hosted the event in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025.

He stepped away in 2022 when Mo Gilligan took over for two ceremonies, and Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo co-hosted the event together in 2024.

This was his first time presenting in Manchester, and Whitehall, 38, credits the city as shaping his early comedy career after he studied at The University Of Manchester. 

The 2026 event was the first of three years under the stewardship of Sony Music UK, who spearheaded the move to Manchester.

Past venues include Earl’s Court, the London Arena, Alexandra Palace, Hammersmith Apollo, the Dominion Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grosvenor Hotel and its original location, Wembley Conference Centre.

But the move away from the capital signals another new era in the ceremony’s history, arguably the most seismic.

A source told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s officially the end of an era. The BRIT Awards has been hosted in London since the ceremony first took place in 1977 and now for the first time ever, it will be held outside of the capital.

‘Obviously, it’s going to come as sad news to artists and talent who are London-based but there’s a feeling within the music industry that these shows don’t always need to be held at the same venues, year after year.

‘The BRITs is the biggest night in the British music calendar and now it will be shared with a new audience, as fans from Manchester and the surrounding areas are more likely to attend.

‘In recent years, there has been a general appetite for the ceremony to move, as with the The Mercury Prize and The MOBO Awards and now for the first time the music scene won’t be as London-centric, both for the nominees and fans.’

Jason Iley MBE, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music UK & Ireland said: ‘This is a very exciting time for The BRIT Awards. Moving to Manchester, the home of some of the most iconic and defining artists of our lifetime, will invigorate the show and build on the BRITs legacy of celebrating and reinvesting in world-class music. 

‘Hosting the show in Manchester, with its vibrant cultural history, perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the BRIT Awards. I can’t wait to see the show at the amazing state-of-the art Co-op Live venue.’

Meanwhile Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: ‘For The BRIT Awards to move out of London is a massive coup for Greater Manchester. 

‘After 48 years, it is great that this prestigious global event is about to arrive in the UK capital of music and culture.’

He added: ‘Greater Manchester has an unparalleled music heritage known around the world, and this summer will play host to some of the biggest gigs on the planet. 

‘That was only made possible by our strong commitment to new talent and giving emerging artists the opportunities to make their name.

‘We thank our friends at the BPI for choosing Manchester and we will pull out all the stops to show they made the right decision. 

‘Celebrating the BRIT Awards right here in the home of 24 hour party people is the next chapter in its story and you can be sure that we will help them do it in style.’ 

BRIT Awards 2026: WINNERS

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Dave

Fred Again… 

JADE

Lily Allen

Little Simz

Lola Young

Olivia Dean – WINNER

PinkPantheress

Sam Fender

Self Esteem

GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Last Dinner Party 

Pulp 

Sleep Token 

Wet Leg

Wolf Alice – WINNER

SONG OF THE YEAR (VOTED FOR BY THE PUBLIC)

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas – Blessings

Chrystal and Notion – The Days (Notion remix)

Cynthia Erivo ft Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity

Ed Sheeran – Azizam

Fred Again, Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax – Victory Lap

Lewis Capaldi – Survive

Lola Young – Messy

Myles Smith – Nice to Meet You

Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Raye – Where Is My Husband!

Sam Fender with Olivia Dean – Rein Me In – WINNER

Skye Newman – Family Matters

INTERNATIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR (VOTED FOR BY THE PUBLIC) 

Alex Warren – Ordinary

Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club

Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys

Gigi Perez – Sailor Song

Gracie Abrams – That’s So True

Huntr/x – Golden

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Rayvn Lenae – Love Me Not

Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT – WINNER

Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild

sombr – Undressed

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Noel Gallagher – WINNER

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC 

Mark Ronson – WINNER

 

 

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR 

Bad Bunny

Chappell Roan

CMAT

Doechii

Lady Gaga

ROSALIA – WINNER

Sabrina Carpenter

sombre

Taylor Swift 

Tyler, The Creator

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

Barry Can’t Swim 

EsDeeKid

Jim Legxacy

Lola Young – WINNER

Skye Newman

INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF THE YEAR 

Geese – WINNER

HAIM 

HUNTR/X-EJAE/AUDREY NUNA/REI AMI

ALTERNATIVE ROCK ACT  

Blood Orange

Lola Young

Sam Fender – WINNER

Wet Leg

Wolf Alice

HIP HOP/GRIME/RAP ACT

Central Cee

Dave – WINNER

Jim Legxacy

Little Simz

Loyle Carner

R&B ACT 

Jim Legxacy

Kwn

Mabel

Sasha Keable

Sault – WINNER

DANCE ACT

Calvin Harris and Clementine Douglas

FKA twigs

Fred Again, Skepta, PlaqueBoyMax – WINNER

PinkPantheress

Sammy Virji

MASTERCARD ALBUM OF THE YEAR 

Dave – The Boy Who Played The Harp

Lily Allen – West End Girl 

Olivia Dean – The Art Of Loving – WINNER 

Sam Fender – People Watching

Wolf Alice – The ClearingÂ