Case Study: HUNTR/X at The BRIT Awards 2026
When Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami and EJAE, the singing voices of HUNTR/X from Netflix's global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters, took to the stage at The BRIT Awards 2026 to perform their hit single Golden, the moment was always going to be significant. The KPop Demon Hunters stars have built a global reputation for visually striking, tightly controlled performances. For the BRIT Awards production team, protecting that moment was essential.
To make this possible, the BRIT Awards partnered with Lockabl, working alongside our friends at ApplauseStore, to implement a secure phone-free environment for the performance outside of Manchester’s Co-op Live arena.
Creating a Fully Immersive Environment
Lockabl supplied its professional phone locking system to securely seal audience devices in individual pouches before the performance. Guests retained possession of their phones at all times, but were unable to access them until leaving the controlled area.
This approach ensured that:
- The performance remained exclusive and spoiler-free until its official broadcast
- The artists could perform without distraction from hundreds of raised screens
- The audience experienced the moment directly, rather than through their cameras
Our on-site team worked closely with ApplauseStore and event security to deliver a smooth, efficient pouching operation, ensuring minimal disruption to the audience experience.
Protecting a Major Broadcast Moment
Golden, which received multiple BRIT Award nominations, was one of the night’s most anticipated performances. The production required strict confidentiality and visual control to preserve its impact for viewers at home.
By removing the possibility of unauthorised recordings, Lockabl helped maintain the integrity of the broadcast and ensured that the first time fans saw the performance was exactly as intended.
Audience Reaction: “No Cell Phones Out in the Crowd is a VIBE”
Following the broadcast, fan response was overwhelmingly positive. Across YouTube and social media, viewers commented not only on the performance itself, but on the atmosphere created by the phone-free audience.
Comments included:
- “No cell phones out in the crowd is a VIBE.”
- “It’s great not needing to film anyway, since there’s going to be a professionally filmed replay.”
- “Should be everywhere.”
Many fans noted how unusual and refreshing it was to see an audience fully present in the moment, rather than watching through their screens.
This reaction highlights a growing shift in audience expectations. Increasingly, fans value immersive, distraction-free experiences that allow them to connect more deeply with artists and performances.
Delivering Professional Results at Scale
The BRIT Awards represent one of the UK’s most high-profile live television productions. Delivering a reliable, audience-friendly phone locking solution at this scale required careful planning, experienced staff and proven technology.
Lockabl’s system is designed specifically for professional events, offering:
- Fast and efficient deployment for large audiences
- Secure, reliable locking technology
- Minimal impact on audience flow
- A premium experience aligned with broadcast and artist requirements
Supporting the Future of Live Performance
HUNTR/X’s BRIT Awards performance demonstrates how phone-free environments can elevate live events. By protecting key moments and encouraging genuine audience engagement, organisers can deliver experiences that feel more exclusive, more immersive and more memorable.
Lockabl is proud to have supported the BRIT Awards and HUNTR/X in delivering one of the standout performances of the night.
If you are planning a live event, broadcast, or exclusive performance and want to create a phone-free environment, contact Lockabl to learn how we can help.