Sam Fender and JADE Land 2026 Brit Award Nominations

The North East is firmly in the spotlight for the 2026 Brit Awards, with Tyneside’s own Sam Fender and South Shields star JADE (Jade Thirlwall) securing major nominations. The announcement, made in January 2026, marks a historic year for the awards as they move away from London for the first time in 48 years, heading instead to the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on February 28, 2026.

Both artists are "flying the flag" for their home region, continuing a streak of critical and commercial success that has dominated the British music scene over the last twelve months.

Sam Fender: Four Nods for ‘People Watching’

Sam Fender, the North Shields singer-songwriter who famously donated his previous Brit Awards to his local pub (the Low Lights Tavern) to be used as beer pumps, is up for four trophies this year. Following the release of his third studio album, People Watching—which recently secured the 2025 Mercury Prize—Fender has solidified his place as the definitive voice of modern British rock.

His 2026 nominations include:

• Artist of the Year

• Mastercard Album of the Year (People Watching)

• Best Alternative/Rock Act

• Song of the Year (Rein Me In, featuring Olivia Dean)

The nomination for Rein Me In is particularly poignant for fans; the track was first debuted during Fender’s monumental sell-out run at Newcastle’s St James’ Park in June 2025.

JADE: Cements Solo Stardom

Following a massive year for her solo career, former Little Mix member JADE (Jade Thirlwall) has secured two major nominations, proving she is a powerhouse in her own right. After winning Best Pop Act in 2025, JADE returns to the 2026 categories as a top-tier contender.

Her 2026 nominations are:

• Artist of the Year

• Best Pop Act

Fans have been quick to celebrate her inclusion in the Artist of the Year category, a feat that sets a new record for JADE as the most nominated former girl group member in the awards' history. Her debut solo album, That's Showbiz Baby, and hit singles like "Angel of My Dreams" have been lauded for their experimental and "theatrical" pop sensibilities.

The 2026 Landscape: Manchester and Female Dominance

The 2026 Brit Awards are notable for several reasons beyond the North East’s success:

• The Manchester Move: The ceremony's move to the Co-op Live arena is part of a broader effort to decentralize the UK's biggest music night.

• Female-Led Nominations: Women and non-binary artists account for nearly 70% of the nominees this year. Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the overall pack with five nominations each.

• The "Public Vote": This year, fans will decide the winners of Song of the Year and International Song of the Year via a public vote on WhatsApp.

Looking Ahead to the Big Night

As the February 28 ceremony approaches, Manchester is preparing for a "rockstar takeover." Alongside Fender and JADE, the awards will feature performances by Olivia Dean and Harry Styles, with more acts to be announced.

For Fender, a win in the Album of the Year category would be the ultimate capstone to his "People Watching" era. For JADE, a win in Artist of the Year would officially crown her as the new queen of British pop.

Source - https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2026-01-22/sam-fender-and-jade-bag-nominations-at-brit-awards-2026

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