Last night saw the British music industry out in mass to celebrate the achievements of British artists over the last 12 months, in a annual ceremony that has seen it’s fair share of controversy over the years (two words, Jarvis mooning).
Whilst James Corden’s presenting skills left a little to be desired (less effortless comedian, more try-hard falling on deaf ears), the star studded event ran smoothly for the most part, with stunning performances from the likes of Rihanna, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Noel Gallagher and of course, flavour of the year, Adele.
The highlight of the night however came when Florence took to the stage to perform her latest single “No Light, No Light”…
With a beautiful voice, drop-dead gorgeous dress and legs TO DIE FOR, her euphoric and elegantly choreographed performance went some way to making up for the fact that X Factor manufactured boy band One Direction SOMEHOW managed to bag themselves the coveted Best British Single Award. I’ll go easy on the ranting as I know many friends, my own sister and cousins, and even a few of us at Her Campus Leeds enjoy One Direction as a little bit of a guilty pleasure, but they personally make me want to vomit. Considering other nominations for said award included singles by Adele, Jessie J and Example, I couldn’t help but have one of my “God help the British music industry” moments.
The biggest winners of the night came in the form of Ed Sheeran (Best British Male and Best British Breakthrough Act) and Adele (Best British Female and Best British Album). Adele herself provided the best entertainment of the night, not with her stunning post-throat surgery debut, but with her reaction to having her second acceptance speech cut off to make way for Blur. Telling fans that she was “proud to be British and flying the flag” she was nervously ushered to wrap things up by James Corden. Perhaps unaware of how much the live show had overrun so far, or more likely embarrassed at not being allowed to enjoy her moment of glory, Adele flashed her middle finger in fury.
Adele later apologised for the incident, claiming that the gesture had been directed towards “the suits, not the fans”. Of course it wouldn’t be the Brits without a little controversy. It also wouldn’t be the Brits without a nod towards music history, and this year we were treated to a show-closing performance from Brit Pop icons Blur, leading to renewed rumours of a full reunion by the band.
The full list of winners…
British Male Solo Artist – Ed Sheeran
British Female Solo Artist – Adele
British Breakthrough Act – Ed Sheeran
British Group – Coldplay
British Single – One Direction “What Makes You Beautiful”
Mastercard British Album of the Year – Adele “21”
International Male Solo Artist – Bruno Mars
International Female Solo Artist – Rihanna
International Group – Foo Fighters
International Breakthrough Act – Lana Del Rey
Outstanding Contribution to Music – Blur
Critics Choice – Emile Sandé
British Producer – Ethan Jones
It’s often hard to work out what sort of awards ceremony the Brits is attempting to be, less classy than the Grammys but less edgy than the NME Awards. But whilst many of my fellow indie lovers will refuse to watch the show on principle, I’ve always been one to embrace the variety of genres that British music has produced, and I’ve always felt that the Brits is a brilliant showcase for just how brilliant our country is. Same time next year then?