Noel Gallagher Booed TWICE After Winning 'Singer-Songwriter Of The Year' Brit Award
It was a night of celebration, nostalgia and raw emotion at the 2026 BRIT Awards — but not everyone received a hero’s welcome.
Noel Gallagher was met with audible boos from sections of the crowd after collecting the Songwriter of the Year award at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
The former Oasis guitarist was honoured following the band’s hugely successful reunion tour, which saw the Britpop legends sell out arenas across the UK and around the world. Taking to the stage, Gallagher thanked his bandmates — including brother Liam Gallagher — for bringing his songs to life.
“They brought those songs to life, without them I’d just be a singer-songwriter and no one gives a s**t about singer-songwriters,” he told the crowd.
The remark was met with audible boos echoing around the arena.
Gallagher continued regardless, turning sincere as he thanked fans for sustaining the band’s music for more than three decades.
“More importantly, I’d like to thank you, the people who’ve kept those songs alive for the last 35 years. Without you, you’ve given us the most extraordinary life, and thank you very much for that.”
But the tension wasn’t over.
As he left the stage, the 58-year-old shouted, “Up the f**king Blues!” — a reference to Manchester City F.C.. The football allegiance sparked a second round of boos, likely from rival supporters in the Manchester crowd.
The night's host, Jack Whitehall, concluded Gallagher's speach with an equally awkward quip: 'Oh, dear...' before moving on swfitly with the rest of the ceremony.
An Emotional Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne
While Gallagher’s speech stirred controversy, the ceremony also delivered one of its most emotional moments with a tribute to late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 at the age of 76.
Ozzy was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his decades-long impact on rock music — from fronting Black Sabbath to his wildly successful solo career.
His wife, Sharon Osbourne, took to the stage to accept the award on his behalf, visibly emotional as she reflected on his legacy and thanked fans for their unwavering support.
She was joined by their daughter Kelly Osbourne, who lightened the atmosphere slightly by ending the tribute with a heartfelt — and very Ozzy-esque — “Up the Villa,” referencing the rock legend’s lifelong support for Aston Villa.
"ozzy's heart never left England" 🥹 we couldn't be happier that we got to honour the incredible Ozzy Osbourne on home soil with his Lifetime Achievement Award
Scottish singer Jacob Alon, who won the Critics’ Choice Award, was seen holding up a Palestinian keffiyeh in the crowd during an appearance by Sharon Osbourne. Alon had previously drawn attention at the 2025 Mercury Prize for chanting “Free Palestine” during a live performance.
The contrast between Gallagher’s divisive reception and the deeply moving Osbourne tribute underscored the unpredictable energy of this year’s BRITs — a night where nostalgia reigned, emotions ran high, and even music royalty wasn’t immune to a chorus of boos.
So... what else happened at the Brit Awards 2026?
The 2026 BRIT Awards had everything: record-breaking wins, viral reaction shots, emotional tributes — and a fair bit of censorship.
Held at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena and broadcast on ITV, the ceremony saw Olivia Dean emerge as the night’s undisputed star, scooping four major prizes. But while the trophies flowed freely, viewers at home didn’t see everything that unfolded inside the arena.
Dean, 27, took home Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, Pop Act, and Song of the Year for Rein Me In, her collaboration with Sam Fender. Accepting the album prize, she became visibly emotional, thanking her collaborators and reflecting on the record’s themes of vulnerability and connection. In the winners’ room, she posed with all four awards — a defining moment in what has already been a breakthrough few years for the London-born singer.
Fender himself picked up Best Alternative/Rock Act, using his speech to praise Dean and saying she had made Rein Me In her own.
But while Dean dominated the headlines for her wins, the broadcast itself drew attention for what it left out.
ITV edited several remarks from its transmission, including political statements and strong language. The move came just a week after controversy surrounding a live broadcast at the BAFTA Film Awards, suggesting the network was taking no chances.
The BBC apologises for a racial slur during the BAFTAs. The racial slur was shouted early on in the ceremony due to an involuntary tic caused by Tourette Syndrome, but was not removed from the BBC iPlayer until lunchtime the following day. #SkyNews
During his opening monologue, host Jack Whitehall joked that the arena was “swarming with celebrities” before turning to a “politicians’ table” gag that included a reference to Peter Mandelson. The line did not make it into ITV’s aired version.
Louise is an expert content creator, and online author for Radio Nova. She's evolved in a few different fields, including mental health and travel, and is now excited to be part of the wonderful word of Radio.
