From Doechii to Lola Young, here are the ones to watch this award season
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY LILY WEST & ELIANA SHYMANSKY, YOUTUBE (KWN) AND SARAH DOYLE
Yep, LGBTQIA+ artists are officially dominating the Brit Awards 2026! Announced this week, the nominations for the prestigious music awards were full of queer talent from around the world. It’s a testament to the power of the sapphic renaissance, with artists like Chappell Roan and Lola Young picking up nominations left, right and centre. Here’s our guide to all the nominations to watch as we approach awards season.
Lola Young
Coming as a surprise to no one, this queer icon has racked up an impressive number of nominations at this year’s Brits. Following the release of her album I’m Only F**king Myself last year, Lola is up for Song Of The Year for the viral track Messy, Breakthrough Artist, Artist Of The Year, Best Pop Act and Best Alternative/Rock Act.
Cynthia Erivo
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has been booked and busy since the release of Wicked. Starring as Elphaba, Cynthia has completely transfixed LGBTQIA+ people everywhere with her vocals, acting and, of course, all those memes. Defying Gravity is up for Song Of The Year. Brb, just going to practice attempting her riff one more time…
Self Esteem
Bi-con Self Esteem wowed listeners with the release of her album A Complicated Woman last year. The singer is up for Artist Of The Year at the Brits, battling it out against JADE, Lily Allen and more.
Wet Leg
It’s safe to say that this band has been dominating the charts ever since the release of their track Chaise Longue in 2022. Nominated for Group Of The Year and Best Alternative/Rock Act, the band released their second album Moisturizer last year. Front-woman Rhian Teasdale opened up about her sexuality and non-binary partner last year, explaining how queer love had inspired the band’s music.
The Last Dinner Party
After the release of their new album From The Pyre in 2025, this rock band is continuing to reach new highs. The band’s guitarist Lizzie also released their debut solo EP under the name L. Mayland. The band is up for Group Of The Year.
Kwn
It’s safe to say that it’s been a BIG year for British singer Kwn! From releasing her album With All Due Respect to hard-launching her relationship with Kehlani to breaking the entire internet with the music video for Worst Behaviour, sapphics everywhere have fallen madly in love with this star. She’s up for R&B Act at the Brit Awards.
Sasha Keable
Also up for R&B Act is singer-songwriter Sasha Keable. In her EP Act Right, she spoke openly about her sexuality, saying it “feels nice to just be completely myself”.
Doechii
Coming as a surprise to absolutely no one, the industry’s favourite “real bi bitch” has been nominated for International Artist Of The Year. Doechii’s rise to the top has been nothing short of legendary, and the artist has wowed audiences with performances at Glastonbury and the GRAMMYs.
Chappell Roan
Continuing her domination of the charts, Chappell Roan has given us lesbian banger after banger since the release of The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess in 2023. This year, she’s nominated for International Artist Of The Year and her hit track Pink Pony Club is up for International Song Of The Year.
CMAT
Irish superstar and queer icon had us all doing the “woke macarena” to Take A Sexy Picture Of Me in 2025. Her album Euro-Country completely dominated TikTok after its release last year. CMAT has been nominated for International Artist Of The Year.
Gigi Perez
This American singer-songwriter has had sapphics around the world yearning with her music. Her track Sailor Song is up for International Song Of The Year at the Brit Awards, a testament to the power of sapphic storytelling and music.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
