THE Brit Awards are the UK music industry’s most prestigious night, celebrating the amazing achievements of an array of global superstars.
This year the ceremony gives its highest honour to a figure who has helped shape the sound of modern pop and soul.
It has been officially announced that Mark Ronson, 50, will receive the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the 2026 ceremony.
He is known for his transformative work on iconic albums, including Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, Joanne by Lady Gaga, and Villains by Queens of the Stone Age, as well as his global hits such as Uptown Funk featuring Bruno Mars.
The Sun exclusively revealed organisers are planning to make it a moment to remember for Mark — with Dua Lipa, Raye and Lily Allen in the mix to perform a medley of his hits.
All three have previously teamed up with Mark on tracks, with Mark and Dua winning a Grammy for their hit Electricity.
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Lily’s track Oh My God was produced by Mark, while he also helped to write and produce Raye’s hit Suzanne.
Mark said: “This is the most meaningful honour of my career.
“I think of the times I’ve watched artists I revere accept this same award.
“The idea that I’m now standing in that lineage feels impossible.
“I left England as a kid, but this country runs through everything I’ve made.
“The UK artists I’ve worked with – their brilliance and refusal to compromise – shaped not just my work but how I understand what music should do.
“And, more than anything, it’s the crowds here who’ve sustained and showed up for me.
“The fans, the festival crowds, the record buyers and streamers, the love has always been overwhelming.
“I’m beyond grateful for all of it.”
Who has won the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution?
The Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music – which has also been presented under the titles of “Icon Award” and “Global Icon Award” – is the highest accolade presented at the ceremony.
This is the most meaningful honour of my career
Mark Ronson
Previous winners of the gong are as follows:
- 2024: Kylie Minogue (Global Icon Award)
- 2021: Taylor Swift (Global Icon Award)
- 2019: Pink
- 2017: Robbie Williams (Icon Award)
- 2016: David Bowie (Icon Award)
- 2014: Elton John (Icon Award)
- 2012: Blur
- 2010: Robbie Williams
- 2009: Pet Shop Boys
- 2008: Paul McCartney
- 2007: Oasis
- 2006: Paul Weller
- 2005: Bob Geldof
- 2004: Duran Duran
- 2003: Tom Jones
- 2002: Sting
- 2001: U2
- 2000: Spice Girls
- 1999: Eurythmics
- 1998: Fleetwood Mac
- 1997: Bee Gees
- 1996: David Bowie
- 1995: Elton John
- 1994: Van Morrison
- 1993: Rod Stewart
- 1992: Freddie Mercury (posthumously)
- 1991: Status Quo
- 1990: Queen
- 1989: Cliff Richard
- 1988: The Who
- 1987: Eric Clapton
- 1986: Elton John and Wham!
- 1985: The Police
- 1984: George Martin
- 1983: The Beatles
- 1982: John Lennon (posthumously)
- 1977: The Beatles and L.G. Wood
If you are wondering why there are gaps, no outstanding Contribution to Music award was given in 1978-1981, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2023, or 2025.
When are the Brit Awards 2026 on?
As part of a new strategy, Manchester is becoming the new home of the Brits.
In 2026 and 2027, the city’s Co-Op Live is hosting the awards .
It’s the first time in the Brits’ almost 50-year history that the ceremony is being held outside of London.
The Brit Awards 2026 takes place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Viewers can tune in to ITV1 at 8pm to watch the ceremony on TV.
