BRITs nominations, Rihanna lore, and Harry Styles rumours

The nominees for the BRIT Awards 2026 have been revealed and, in their signature chaotic fashion, Annie and Nick analyse the lists of names and ask: will Olivia Dean and Lola Young reign supreme? Could any moment rival Jarvis Cocker mooning Michael Jackson in 1996? And will Harry Styles perform his new music at the ceremony? Plus, Sidetracked favourite Jacob Alon has won the Critics’ Choice Award – and Annie and Nick have big feelings about it. Elsewhere, the Japanese PM has gone viral for her heavy metal drumming – should more world leaders use music in meetings with their peers? And Mitski is back with a brilliant new single; Lily Allen has shared the best response to Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram Stories statement, and Nick isn’t sure about Heated Rivalry.

Get in touch with Annie and Nick! If you’re over 16, WhatsApp on 07970082700 or email sidetracked@bbc.co.uk Full details of BRIT Awards 2026 Nominations: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgjwnx70pjwo/

HOMEWORK:

Listen to new music from Mitski, Jessie Ware, James Blake, KAVARI, and A$AP Rocky.

SONGS

Mitski – Where's My Phone?

KAVARI – IRON VEINS

The Roots – You Got Me

James Blake – Death of Love

Lola Young – Messy

Olivia Dean – Man I Need

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity

Gracie Abrams – That's So True

Disco Lines and Tinashe – No Broke Boys

Rosé and Bruno Mars – APT

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With a Smile

Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia

ALBUMS

A$AP Rocky – Don't Be Dumb

Jill Scott – To Whom This May Concern

Harry Styles – Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally

Lily Allen – West End Girl

Geese – Getting Killed

Jacob Alon – In Limerence

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