IRISH SINGER CMAT missed out on a BRIT Award last night, but she was among a number of artists using the red carpet to defend musicians speaking out on political issues.
CMAT (real name Ciara Mary‑Alice Thompson), who was the only Irish nominee at this year’s ceremony, had been shortlisted for international artist of the year at the awards in Manchester, but the prize went to Spanish singer Rosalía.
CMAT took the loss in good humour, dramatically collapsing into mock tears for the cameras as the winner was announced.
is that.. cmat crying when rosalía won?😭 pic.twitter.com/eR9sXQmSTc
— tee🧡🍀 (@LEIGHSREVlVAL) February 28, 2026
Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the ceremony, she pushed back against suggestions that artists should avoid political commentary.
“I’m not a big fan of anyone trying to argue that art is not a political place,” she said.
“Everything is politics. But more than ever, art is politics because you don’t get to make art in a fascist state. Fascism is on the rise in every single country in the world.
“It’s showing its ugly head in Ireland, it’s showing its ugly head all over the UK and don’t even get me started on America,” CMAT added.
She also criticised comments by Berlin film festival jury president Wim Wenders suggesting cinema should “stay out of politics”, telling the Guardian: “It’s cowardice.”
CMAT was not alone in raising concerns about the political climate.
Artists including Wet Leg, Loyle Carner, Wolf Alice and Self Esteem also spoke on the red carpet about the rise of Reform UK and wider global tensions.
During the ceremony itself, censorship surfaced again.
US band Geese used their acceptance speech for international group to say “free Palestine”, a remark that was censored in the ITV televised broadcast of the ceremony.
Host Jack Whitehall also made a joke referencing Labour minister Peter Mandelson that was later edited from the programme.
Mandelson has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.
On the awards front, Olivia Dean was the night’s big winner, taking home four prizes including artist of the year and album of the year.
Olivia Dean with her four BRIT Awards. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Wolf Alice, who won group of the year, used their speech to call for greater support for the UK’s struggling small music venues.
Rapper Dave won the award for hip hop, grime and rap act, while Fred Again.. Skepta and PlaqueBoyMax won the dance category, mysterious soul band Sault won best R&B and Fender took home best alternative act.
Oasis’s Noel Gallagher was named songwriter of the year, while record producer and DJ Mark Ronson was honoured with the outstanding contribution to music award.
Additional reporting by Press Association
