What a night, the BRITs left us feeling wonderstruck with the sheer amount of women receiving awards. It was so exciting to see The Brit Awards back AND live. This year, the audience was filled with our hero key workers, how wholesome! We were graced with some amazing live music from the likes of Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Griff and Olivia Rodrigo, whose first ever UK live performance went down a treat at the awards show.
The BRITs were part of a government pilot scheme to trial big live events with no masking or social distancing. To ensure their safety, everyone at the event had to have a negative Covid-19 test before attending. Not only did we have our first live award show, it was also a great night for women in the music industry too.
In 2020 the BRIT awards were highly criticised for their gender inequality across the board. In 25 mixed-gender categories, only one British woman- Mabel- was nominated. This year, the BRITS made a conscious effort to have diverse nominees, making it less male dominated than before.
Breakthrough artist
Arlo Parks took home the BRIT for breakthrough artist, accredited to her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams.
Best British group
Little Mix were the FIRST EVER female group to win best British group. Their speech named thanks to ex member Jesy Nelson, and also called the industry out for being sexist and white dominated.
“It’s not easy being a female in the UK pop industry. We’ve seen white male dominance, misogyny, sexism and lack of diversity. We’re proud of how we’ve stuck together, stood our ground, surrounded ourselves with strong women are are now using our voices more than ever.”- Little Mix
International female solo artist
If you don’t know of Billie Eilish, you must have been living under a rock. At just 19 years old she is one of the biggest pop artists in the world. Billie appeared via video to accept her BRIT award for international female solo artist.
British Female Solo Artist and British Album
Dua Lipa came home with her hands full, winning two awards out of the three she was nominated for.
Dedicating both her awards to other people. She dedicated her British solo artist award to Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, the UK’s first sickle-cell and thalassemia nurse specialist. Dame Elizabeth Anionwu has spent her career fighting racial injustice and protecting frontline workers.
For British Album, Dua Lipa dedicated her award to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, the 20 year old who died after jumping into the River Thames to save a woman from drowning.
During her speech she also called for Boris Johnson to give nurses and NHS frontline workers a pay rise.
Best International Group
Third time lucky, Haim took home the award for best international group. Having been nominated for the third time, we had our fingers crossed for them and they smashed it out of the park. They were the first all-female group to win in nearly two decades, the last winners being Destiny’s Child in 2002.
Rising Star Award
It’s no surprise after seeing Griff performing live that she won the rising star award. What an incredible talent, and to win such a big award at the young age of 20 too!
Global Icon Award
Taylor Swift became the first woman to accept the global icon award having been previously won by David Bowie, Elton John and Robbie Williams. It comes as no surprise to the Swifties out there as Taylor has dominated the whole world with her catchy melodies and soaring vocals. In true T-Swift style her acceptance speech was inspiring and empowering.
“There is no career path that comes free of negativity. If you’re met with resistance that probably means you’re doing something new.”
Let the BRITs be a reminder that women can succeed in music when they are given the platform to do so.