Alex Warren and James Blunt Deliver Orchestral 'Ordinary' at BRITs 2026 as Olivia Dean Dominates
alex warren performed an orchestral version of "Ordinary" with James Blunt on piano at the 2026 BRIT Awards, a staged highlight that followed the song’s huge radio and streaming impact in 2025 and capped a night of notable winners and pointed speeches in Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on Saturday night (February 28).
Alex Warren's orchestral 'Ordinary' at Co-op Live Arena
Warren’s BRITs appearance featured a stirring arrangement of "Ordinary, " with James Blunt accompanying on piano and a lush string section providing backing. The performance came after a run in which "Ordinary" dominated British radio and streaming charts, and it was presented as Warren’s first big BRITs stage moment in that market.
Ahead of the performance Warren said that the UK is where "Ordinary" first broke and changed his life last year, that he was grateful for the love from his UK fans, and that he could not wait to bring a big performance to the BRITs stage for the very first time.
Night of winners: Olivia Dean and Song of the Year
Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner of the night with four gongs, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. The Song of the Year prize was awarded to Dean and Sam Fender’s "Rein Me In. "
International Song of the Year and 'Ordinary's' nomination
"Ordinary" had been nominated for International Song of the Year but lost out to ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ "APT. " The International Song of the Year award went to ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ "APT, " which beat several major hits including "Ordinary. "
How 'Ordinary' performed on radio and streaming
"Ordinary" was the most played song on British radio in 2025 and became the longest-running UK Number One by a US artist in this decade so far. It was also revealed at the end of 2025 that "Ordinary" had been the most-streamed song of the 2020s over the course of the year, clocking up around 750million streams.
The BRITs broadcast invited viewers to watch Warren’s performance online as part of its coverage.
Tributes, medleys and political moments at the BRITs
The ceremony included an all-star rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s "No More Tears, " led by Robbie Williams, as the late Black Sabbath frontman was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tim Burgess paid tribute to The Stone Roses’ Mani during the show.
Outstanding Contribution to Music winner Mark Ronson was joined for a career-spanning medley by Dua Lopa and Ghostface Killah. Other speech moments included Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell calling for further support for the UK’s grassroots music venues, and Geese’s Max Bassin attacking ICE and calling for a free Palestine during his remarks. Rosalía was joined by surprise guest Björk for a performance of "Berghain. "
Coverage note and disclosure
The event coverage described itself as the world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952. The coverage also noted that purchases through affiliate links may contribute commissions to the site.
Overall, the 2026 BRIT Awards combined high-profile live performances, recognition for chart-dominant songs, and outspoken moments from artists and presenters — with Alex Warren’s orchestral take on "Ordinary" positioned as one of the night’s memorable musical showcases.
