Leaning into my sofa with a G&T in one hand and my notebook in the other, I set up on ITV hub ready to watch the 2021 Brit Awards. The Brits were opened by Coldplay being on stage in front of the 02 with red and blue smoke making vibrations in the Thames water with their newest song release ‘Higher Power’. What a better introduction to the Brit awards by having one of the best British Rock bands to open it.
Jack Whitehall hosted the awards, making sure viewers knew that it was being run completely COVID safe. All attendees took COVID-19 tests in order to enter the awards. Due to this year’s pandemic all international artists and bands that attended had to follow Government guidelines and isolate for 10 days prior to the event. The live audience were socially distanced and this year made up of key workers to show appreciation for all their hard work this past year. The Brit awards were a part of Government research programme to see whether negative testing could prevent the spread of COVID during and after the event, paving the way for future mass gatherings.
The camera soon switched to Dua Lipa performing a number of her hit songs dressed in a red and blue suit signifying the colours of the British flag. Set in an underground tube station stage with multicoloured lights she performed ‘Physical’, ‘Pretty Please’ and ‘Don’t Start Now’. See her performance below.
Radio presenters Clara Amfo and Miya Jama presented the first winners of the category of best breakthrough artist:
- Celeste
- Young T & Bugsey
- Arlo Parks (Winner)
- Bicep
- Joel Corry
Adam Lambert & Olly Murs present Best British Group:
- Bicep
- The 1975
- Biffy Clyro
- Young T & Bugsey
- Little Mix (Winner)
Little Mix made history by winning this award by being the first females to win in this category, a great accomplishment. They humbly said that they accepted the award “This award isn’t just for us its for the Spice girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud and all the great British female bands”. It is nice to see that the music industry is slowly changing and the recognition is being giving to the great women of the industry as well. Women need to support and empower other women in order to gain gender parity in such a male dominated industry. It’s looking up, it’s looking hopeful, what a great award’s show.
Olivia Rodrigo goes on to sing the heart wrenching song ‘Driver’s License’ that has brought so many Tiktokers to tears in recent months. She performed in a long red dress, with a harp and piano being played behind her.
Corrupt FM present best British Male Solo Artist:
- Joel Corry
- AJ Tracey
- J Hus (Winner)
- Headi One
- Yungblud
Arlo Parks winner of breakthrough artist performs Hope.
Annie Mac presents Best International Female Solo Artist:
- Cardi B
- Taylor Swift
- Ariana Grande
- Billie Eilish (Winner)
- Miley Cyrus
Best British female solo artist:
- Dua Lipa (Winner)
- Arlo Parks
- Lianne Las Havas
- Jessie Ware
- Celeste
Elton John and Years & Years perform ‘It’s a Sin’ with Elton on the piano and Years & Years elegantly dancing while he sings.
A video of The Weeknd goes on to be played singing ‘Save your tears’.
Best international male solo artist
- The Weeknd (Winner)
- Burna Boy
- Tame Impala
- Bruce Springsteen
- Donald Glover
Billy Porter presents best international Group
- Foo Fighters
- Fontaines DC
- BTS
- Run the Jewels
- Haim (Winner)
Griff goes performs the beautiful ballad ‘Black Hole’
Boy George presents best British Single
- Young T & Bugsey ft Headie One – ‘Don’t Rush’
- Joel Corry ft MNEK – ‘Head & Heart’
- Aitch & AJ Tracey ft Tae Keith – ‘Rain’
- Dua Lipa – ‘Physical’
- Harry Styles – ‘Watermelon Sugar’ (Winner)
- Nathan Dawe ft KSI – ‘Lighter’
- 220 Kid & Gracey – ‘Don’t Need Love’
- Regard & Raye – ‘Secrets’
- Simba ft DTG – ‘Rover’
- Headie One ft AJ Tracey & Stormzy – ‘Ain’t It Different’
Headie One featuring AJ Tracey & Stormzy perform ‘Ain’t it different’
Maisie Williams presents Taylor Swift as global Icon in which Taylor accepts with an empowering speech.
Mastercard Album of the year
- Arlo Parks – ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’
- Celeste – ‘Not Your Muse’
- Dua Lipa – ‘Future Nostalgia’ (Winner)
- J Hus – ‘Big Conspiracy’
- Jessie Ware – ‘What’s Your Pleasure’
Needless to say The Brit Awards 2021 was hugely dominated by women this year. The hard work, creativity and love put into these female artist’s work is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
LadyMusicBiz101 