Manchester is shining brighter than ever!
The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard have just dropped a major announcement — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, the captivating singing voices behind HUNTR/X from Netflix’s worldwide sensation KPop Demon Hunters, are set to deliver a spectacular live performance in Manchester as part of this year’s BRIT Awards celebration on February 28th.
And here’s the twist most fans didn’t see coming — this performance won’t take place during the main event itself, but will be filmed in advance outside Manchester’s Co-op Live arena before the big night. This exclusive show honors the trio’s two prestigious BRIT nominations: International Group and International Song of the Year for their chart-smashing hit ‘Golden’. Viewers across the UK and abroad can tune in via ITV1, ITVX, and YouTube when The BRIT Awards airs on Saturday, February 28.
The singers, thrilled by the recognition, shared their excitement, saying they’re "beyond thrilled" to celebrate the music of KPop Demon Hunters and can’t wait to bring this one-of-a-kind performance to their UK fans.
But here’s where it gets groundbreaking — this will be the first-ever K-pop performance at The BRITs, a milestone that highlights not only the global success of KPop Demon Hunters, but also the rapid rise of Korean artists in Western pop culture. The Netflix hit has broken nearly every record imaginable: it’s now the most-streamed Netflix film of all time, earning Golden Globes for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (‘Golden’), a Grammy for Song Written for Visual Media, and even Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 2026 Academy Awards.
To top it off, the film’s soundtrack has dominated the Official Compilations Chart, holding onto the No. 1 spot for a staggering 30 non-consecutive weeks, making history as the longest-running No. 1 album ever on that chart — with an unbelievable 10.8 billion streams and counting.
‘Golden’ itself is rewriting K-pop history. It’s not just nominated for International Song of the Year — it also became the first UK No. 1 single by a K-pop act in 13 years, reigning atop the charts for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Even more impressively, in a single week, ‘Golden’, ‘Soda Pop’, and ‘Your Idol’ reached Positions 1, 3, and 5 on the Official UK Singles Chart, marking a first-ever triple hit for the genre in British history.
This year’s BRIT Awards will debut in its new Manchester home — the stunning Co-op Live arena — and promises to be an unforgettable night. Hosted once again by Jack Whitehall, the acclaimed comedian and writer returning for his sixth run, the ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV and ITVX. Winners will each take home the show’s iconic trophy, reimagined for 2026 by Manchester-born designer Matthew Williamson, inspired by his city’s creative spirit and symbolized through a golden honey hue reminiscent of the famous Manchester worker bee.
Headlining the nomination list are Olivia Dean and Lola Young with five nods each, followed by recent Mercury Prize winner Sam Fender with four. Familiar British names fill the roster too — from Lily Allen and Calvin Harris to Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Wolf Alice, RAYE, and PinkPantheress. In a nostalgic twist, Britpop icons Pulp have earned their first nomination since 1996, signaling a major comeback moment.
The international categories shine just as brightly. Hollywood makes its mark with Cynthia Erivo nominated for her rousing take on Wicked’s ‘Defying Gravity’ alongside the unstoppable ‘Golden’ from KPop Demon Hunters. Global superstars like Bad Bunny, ROSALÍA, Taylor Swift, Tame Impala, and Sabrina Carpenter also appear among the nominees, underscoring how the BRITs continue to celebrate truly worldwide talent.
Rising Scottish singer-songwriter Jacob Alon takes home the Critics’ Choice Award, edging out finalists Rose Gray and SIENNA SPIRO, all recognized for their growing influence on the UK music scene. Meanwhile, Manchester’s own culture gets a front-row spotlight through the BRITs Fringe — a citywide program celebrating local musical heritage and future talent leading up to the big night.
Jack Whitehall’s return as host was revealed through his cheeky “Ode to Manchester,” posted across the BRITs’ social accounts. In true Jack fashion, it humorously nods to everything from Coronation Street and the Industrial Revolution to the city’s legendary Curry Mile — a love letter from a returning favorite to his audience.
Matthew Williamson’s trophy design has also become a talking point: an amber-toned resin sculpture resembling the honey of Manchester’s worker bee, set atop a silver globe symbolizing the global reach of British music. A perfect blend of craftsmanship, symbolism, and pride.
As always, Mastercard continues its long-standing partnership, marking its 29th year as headline sponsor, while ITV remains the official broadcaster for the 34th consecutive year, airing across ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player. These collaborations help fuel The BRIT Trust, the charitable foundation supporting music education and therapy programs across the UK — including The BRIT School and Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy.
So tell us — what do you think of this year’s lineup? Does K-pop’s golden takeover at the BRITs mark the beginning of a new era in global pop culture, or just a passing moment in music history? Join the conversation and share your thoughts — because this year, Manchester isn’t just golden. It’s making history.
