BRIT Awards 2021: Dua Lipa calls for key workers’ pay increase as Little Mix win best British Group

At the 2021 BRIT Awards on Tuesday night, stars were out to make statements.

Leading the way was Dua Lipa, who paid a moving tribute to the young hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, as she accepted the top prize for Best Album, while Taylor Swift made history by taking home the Global Icon Award and host Jack Whitehall made some cheeky jokes about the great and good of the showbiz world.

The One Kiss singer, 25, dedicated the prestigious award to the rescuer known as Jimi and called for the hero to receive a Bravery Award after he tragically lost his life while attempting to save a woman who jumped into the River Thames from London Bridge last month.

Dua also scooped the Female Solo Artist prize and honoured nurse and healthcare administrator Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, 74, who helped set up the first Sickle Cell centre in the UK, for her work during her acceptance speech, and urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson ‘a message’ that frontline staff deserved a pay rise. 

In what was her second win of the night, Dua was stunned to accept the award for Best Album for Future Nostalgia, and dedicated her award to young Jimi after his tragic death last month.

She said: ‘I want to honour this award also to Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, or Jimi as he’s known by his friends and family, and Joaquin Garcia. Jimi and Joaquin heroically attempted to rescue a woman who’d fallen from London Bridge, and tragically Jimi did not survive.

‘Jimi and Joaquin knowingly put themselves in danger, and they did it without hesitation even though they were a stranger to each other and to the woman they were rescuing. 

‘It would be really fitting if their actions were recognised with a bravery award, and I hope this can happen to give Jimi’s family some comfort. This award is for Jimi and Joaquin. Jimi, you’ve touched the hearts of a whole nation and we will never forget you.’  

Dua certainly proved to be the star of the evening as she took to the stage to kick off the ceremony with a medley of her hits, which began as she made her way to the O2 on the Underground at Charing Cross station. 

The hitmaker delivered a medley of her hits Physical, Pretty Please, Hallucinate and Don’t Start Now in a Union Jack inspired ensemble, after channelling Amy Winehouse with her eye-catching look on the red carpet.

It was a night to remember for Dua as she also took to the stage to accept the award for Female Solo Artist, and used the opportunity to share the prize with nurse Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.

She said: ‘This is sick, wow thank you so much, it’s such an honour to be here it’s such an honour to be back on this stage. Last time when I was up accepting this award in 2018, I wanted to see more women on these stages, and I’m so proud three years later to be part of this wave of women in music. 

‘To my family and friends for all their support I’m so grateful and I feel so so licky, I think this is such an incredible invite to give another part of your award to someone and I’ve chosen my favourite British female is Dame Elizabeth Anionwu

‘She has spent her stellar nursing career fighting racial injustice. She has spent so much time and is a strong advocate for protecting frontline workers, thank you. 

‘She has also said that there is a massive disparity between love and respect for frontline workers, because we need to clap them but we need to pay them, so I think what we should do is give a massive round of applause and give Boris a message that we all support a pay rise for our frontline!’

Taylor also made history at the end of the evening as she accepted the Global Icon Award, the first time in history a female artist had been presented with the honour.

The Fearless singer was praised by many of her fellow stars, including longtime friends Selana Gomez, Ed Sheeran and music legend Annie Lennox for her incredible collection of music.

Taylor took to the stage to accept the award – becoming the first woman to do so in the show’s history – when she gave a blink-and-you’ll miss it nod to her British actor beau Joe Alwyn, 30.

While thanking a long list of friends and collaborators, the American beauty briefly paused, before smiling and simply acknowledging ‘Joe’ for his support. 

She said: ‘That video, anyone who was in that video, Selena, Zoe, Ed, Griff and my soul left my body when Annie Lennox appeared. I’m really prould to be part of this musical community, but what we really needed was the help and support of the NHS thank you for everything you’d done for us.

‘I am so indebted and grateful to my British fans, I love you so much for everything you’d done for me, we’ve had so many amazing memories in the last 15 years, from playing Shepherd’s Bush Empire, to Wembley Stadium, to the O2 Arena, and because of you last year I almost played Glastonbury!

Noting the Covid pandemic, which brought much of the world to a halt, Taylor continued: ‘We all know what happened next, the world changed, and I ended up putting out three albums instead. Making Folklore and Evermore was the most unique experience I’ve ever had.

‘I want to thank my friends and family who know exactly who they are. If there’s one thing I’ve learned is you have to look around everyday. Never take them for granted, there are so many incredible new artists in this room tonight, and so many people watching who ahve goals and dreams and ambisiton for themselves. 

‘We live in a world where anyone has the right to say anything they want about you at any time, but please remember that you have the right to prove them wrong, I love you so much thank you so much for this beautiful honour, this is amazing.’

Elsewhere, after stunning in their elegant white ensembles, Little Mix took to the stage to accept their prize for Best British Group, with Leigh-Anne Pinnock beginning: ‘We have been together for 10 years it’s been the best years of our life, we’ve had so much fun we’ve made so many memories, we want to thank your incredible fans, Jesy.

‘It’s not easy being a female in the UK pop industry, we’ve seen the misogyny, dominance and lack of diversity, we’re proud of how we’re stuck together and we’re using our voices more than ever.’

Jade added: ‘This award isn’t just for us, it’s for Spice Girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud, all the incredible girls bands we love you.’

Jesy Nelson, who left Little Mix in December, later revealed her joy over the impressive accolade as she shared a sweet snap of her ex-bandmates to Instagram.

She posted the lovely image of pregnant Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards alongside Jade Thirlwall, with a lines of heart and clapping hand emojis.

Comedian Jack Whitehall was once again tasked with hosting the awards, and as ever he didn’t disappoint with a slew of jibes and tongue-in-cheek jokes. 

These included a cheeky reference to singer Rita and her London party which breached lockdown rules back in November, during a sea shanty with The Wellerman creator Nathan Evans, by singing: ‘It’s a Party Fit for Rita Ora.’

But the night wasn’t without gaffes, as Jack was noticeably muted by show bosses after appeared to drop the first expletive of the evening, despite the scenes airing after the 9pm watershed.

The comic could later be heard shouting ‘s**t’ during an interview with International Group winner Haim, after he praised the trio for travelling to England specifically for the ceremony.  

Lewis Capaldi proved to be the viral sensation of the night, as he proceeded to drop multiple f-bombs as he presented the final award of the night, Best British Album.

He began: ”I’m f***ing s-‘ before being muted by ITV bosses, later continuing: ‘Sorry, I was reading off a card here – ”how is everyone doing?” 

At the end of his speech he added: ‘Some good s***’ sparking a hysterial reaction from fans who praised his hilarious appearance. 

Ahead of Coldplay’s opening performance, host Jack received a grilling from the Line Of Duty duo Vicky McClure and Martin Compston about who would be kicking off the ceremony.  

But despite channelling their AC-12 alter-agos, the funnyman failed to spill the beans, meaning the pair had to call in reinforcements – Handforth Parish Council’s Jackie Weaver.

Despite Jack’s insistence she ‘didn’t have the authority,’ Jackie furiously terminated their video chat, before beginning the live awards show. 

Coldplay then kicked off the show with an incredible pre-recorded performance on the River Thames of their single Higher Power from a barge in front of the O2.

Going on all out for the opening act, Coldplay opted for futuristic dancing holograms and sparkling fireworks for the showcase, which was filmed outside the O2 last month.

The performance included the use of jaw-dropping holograms, adding to the sci-fi theme after the band unveiled their new single last week by streaming it on board the Internation Space Station.  

Harry Styles also earned a thunderous reaction from his die-hard fans when he was awarded Best British Single for his hit Watermelon Sugar.

The former One Direction star, who is in the midst of filming the 1950s drama My Policeman, took to the stage in an eye-catching brown suit, avoiding a run-in with his ex-girlfriend Taylor at the awards.

He said: ‘Thank you so much, it’s I just continue to be baffled by moments like this that make me more and mre incredible gateful to be able to do this job every day.

‘I’m really happy and prud to be celebrating British music tonight, I want to thank my fans for being so generous to me always and everyone who has my back thank you so much.’

Fans were quick to take to Twitter after Harry’s acceptance speech as they questioned why he was talking in an American accent, while others pointed out that the star has just finished filming his movie Don’t Worry Darling in America.

One person said: ‘Wtf was Harry Styles’ accent!? Since when was he American!? #brits2021.’  A different fan put: ‘My mum just asked why Harry was talking with an American accent at the Brits.’ 

Another follower questioned: ‘Why has Harry Styles turned American? #brits2021.’ 

However, one loyal fan was quick to point out: ‘Harry sounds American because he just finished filming an movie where he has to use an American accent.’ 

British Breakthrough Artist was awarded to Arlo Parks, who gushed that ‘dreams do come true’ after thanking her loved ones for helping encourage her to reach the prestigious honour. 

Male Solo Artist was given to J Hus, who was unable to attend to accept the award, with DJ Semtex taking to the stage in his place.

He said: ‘Shout out to AJ Tracey, Headie One, all the artist in the building tonight. I’m gonna take my time and get this right, I don’t wanna end up as a meme tomorrow.

‘I’m here today because J Hus couldn’t make it, I’m here to accept the award on behalf of J Hus. He’s an incredible artist, one of the greatest. He makes music that makes our days that little bit easier, our lives that little bit easier.

‘If he was here tonight, I know he’d want to big up his family, he’d want to big up his friends and his team. All the fans who’ve been with him from day one, I know he’d want to big up militarians worldwide.

‘If he was here tonight, he might say something like, ‘Heavy duty don’t hide the beauty’. If J Hus was here tonight, I know he would definitely say, ‘Are you stronger today than you were yesterday?’. So everybody, wherever you are right now, show some appreciation for J Hus!’ 

International Female Artist was presented to Billie Eilish, who lamented being unable to attend the occasion after her stellar performance of No Time To Die at last year’s ceremony.

She said: ‘I love you so much this is an honour, the BRITs were so magical for me last year, I can’t wait to come back, thank you.’ 

Griff captured the audience’s attention as she put on a rousing performance of Black Hole, in what proved to be proved to be a victorious night for the star as she picked up the coveted Rising Star award after her performance.

International Male Artist saw a surprise appearance from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the prize to The Weeknd, just minutes after he appeared to take inspiration from the UK’s recent weather by performing in the pouring rain.

He said: ‘Thank you BRIT Awards I wish I was there to accept the award, I want to give a shout out to UK fans, if it wasn’t for them I wasn’t be standig here right now, for the people in Ethiopia who are suffering, you are in my heart.’

International Group was given to Haim, who attended the ceremony in person after spending 10 days in quarantine to accept their award.

Taking to the stage they gushed: ‘Oh my god sisters! This is incredible, this is INCREDIBLE, well I mean first ofall, let me get my bearings, first of all the UK was the first place to ever embrace us. In the entire world, and for that honestly we will be forever grateful this is crazy. I’m like shaking wow and usually I’m so composed.’

Also taking to the stage on the night were Elton John and Years & Years, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin, after teasing the surprise collaboration on social media ahead of the show.

The Rocket Man hitmaker, 74, took to the stage with Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, 30, after becoming a huge fan of Olly’s performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin.  

Olly starred alongside a cast of rising stars and celebrated favourites including Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris and It’s a Sin has been universally praised by fans.  

The 2021 Brit Awards marked the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses released 2,500 free tickets to key workers, taking place in front of a live audience totalling 4,000 people at London‘s The O2 six days before the next phase of lockdown lifts. 

The ceremony broadcast live on ITV, celebrated the return to live music and nominee Dua Lipa promised those attending that it would ‘be a night to remember’.  

The indoor ceremony and live show formed part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, and will use enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing after all restrictions are lifted on June 21. 

Working closely with the Government to adhere to safety guidelines, this means The BRITs, was the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, with 4,000 tickets being up for grabs- just one fifth of the venue’s 20,000 capacity. 

The BRITs will play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music at scale as the UK emerges from the past year’s restrictions. 

Audience members were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings in the arena, but were required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to the venue and adhere to rules set out by the event organisers.

Among the rules, attendees had to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue. 

As part of the wider scientific research on the trial events, attendees were also be asked to take a test after the event to gather further evidence on the safety of indoor settings, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings. 

Nominations were unveiled in March, with Celeste, Dua Lipa, Joel Corry and Young T & Bugsey joining Arlo Parks in receiving three nominations each, and Jessie Ware, J Hus, Bicep, AJ Tracey up for two awards as with Headie One. 

BRIT Awards 2021: Little Mix score history-making British Group gong (and thank absent ex-bandmate Jesy Nelson) while Dua Lipa takes home TWO awards as they lead female-dominated winners 

The very best of British music was celebrated in style on Tuesday night with Little Mix and Dua Lipa among women recognised for their incredible talents at the female-dominated BRIT Awards 2021. 

Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall and her pregnant bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Perrie Edwards finally bagged the title of best British Group after being nominated three previous times, becoming the first girlband to EVER win the award- and ensuring to give a shoutout to their former fourth member Jesy Nelson as they collected the gong.

While Dua Lipa, 25, was presented with Female Solo Artist as well as the highly coveted Mastercard Album award for her number one record Future Nostalgia, bringing her total BRIT tally up to five.

It was an especially big night for Little Mix, with two members debuting their baby bumps on the red carpet, as they won their historical award ten years after forming on The X Factor and treating fans to dozens of hit songs.

Taking to the stage to accept their prize for British Group, Leigh-Anne said: ‘We have been together for 10 years it’s been the best years of our life, we’ve had so much fun we’ve made so many memories, we want to thank your incredible fans, Jesy.

‘It’s not easy being a female in the UK pop industry, we’ve seen the misogyny, dominance and lack of diversity, we’re proud of how we’re stuck together and we’re using our voices more than ever.’

Jade added: ‘This award isn’t just for us, it’s for Spice Girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud, all the incredible girls bands we love you.’ 

Former bandmate Jesy Nelson, who left Little Mix in December, revealed her joy over the impressive accolade as she shared a sweet snap of her ex-bandmates to Instagram alongside a lines of heart and clapping hand emojis. 

Jesy didn’t attend the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena, instead spending the day in the studio working on her solo music and teasing fans with an ‘exciting’ new track. 

While Dua managed to nab an impressive two out of three of her nominated categories on Tuesday, only missing out on British Single to Harry Styles’ Watermelon Sugar.

She dedicated her gong to the rescuer known as Jimi, calling for him to be honoured with a Bravery Award after he tragically lost his life while attempting to save a woman who jumped into the River Thames from London Bridge.

Also during the night she entertained fans with a medley of some of her biggest hits while donning an eye-catching ensemble that included a Union Jack-print wrap skirt. 

Levitating hitmaker Dua’s choice of ensemble hearkened back to Geri Horner’s headline-making patriotic minidress, which she wore as she performed at the same awards show some 24 years ago, back in 1997. 

During the colourful night, a total of 11 awards were handed out alongside nine unbeatable show-stopping performances, six of which were able to be staged live in the room.

Each winner was presented with the BRITs first collaborative double-trophy designed by two of the UK’s leading creatives, Es Devlin OBE and Yinka Ilori MBE, with recipients being encouraged to gift the smaller gong to someone else. 

Joining Little Mix and Dua in the winners list was this year’s Rising Star award winner Griff – who took to the stage for a stunning rendition of Black Hole – was handed the baton by 2020’s Rising Star winner Celeste, herself up for three further awards this year.

Elsewhere, Arlo Parks was crowned Breakthrough Artist, one of the three awards she was nominated for, after what has been an incredible year for the young London artist, and also made her debut BRITs performance with an elegant rendition of Hope, the set decorated as a sunflower field in a nod to the name of her debut album. 

Only adding to the female dominated night, the first female artist to win the highest BRITs accolade and the UK’s biggest selling artist of the year to date, Taylor Swift appeared in person to accept the special Global Icon award, which was presented by Game of Thrones actress Maisie Williams. 

Meanwhile, the International Group category followed a similar suit, with Californian girl band HAIM in attendance to accept their award after spending 10 days in quarantine to attend the star-studded bash.

Taking to the stage they gushed: ‘Oh my god sisters! This is incredible, this is INCREDIBLE, well I mean first of all, let me get my bearings, first of all the UK was the first place to ever embrace us. In the entire world, and for that honestly we will be forever grateful this is crazy. I’m like shaking wow and usually I’m so composed.’ 

And the accolade for International Female was given to the 19-year-old Bad Guy hitmaker Billie Eilish, who accepted the award via a pre-recorded video acceptance speech. 

Reflecting on her stellar performance of No Time To Die at last year’s ceremony, she said: ‘I love you so much this is an honour, the BRITs were so magical for me last year, I can’t wait to come back, thank you.’ 

As for the men, The Weeknd emerged victorious in the International Male Solo Artist category, with his award presented by former First Lady Michelle Obama via VT, and delivered an unforgettable performance of his single Save Your Tears, pre-recorded from the US. 

Accepting his award, the singer said: ‘Thank you BRIT Awards I wish I was there to accept the award, I want to give a shout out to UK fans, if it wasn’t for them I wasn’t be standing here right now, for the people in Ethiopia who are suffering, you are in my heart.’

In the Male Solo Artist category, J Hus won over AJ Traey, Headie On, Joel Corry and Yungblud while Harry Styles took home the trophy for British Single with his tune Watermelon Sugar.

The 2021 Brit Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall, marked the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses released 2,500 free tickets to key workers. The Awards took place in front of a live audience of 4,000 people at London‘s The O2 six days before the next phase of lockdown lifts.   

Comedian Jack Whitehall kicked off the show with a hilarious Line of Duty skit featuring cast from the show along with Jackie Weaver of viral internet fame. 

The show then officially opened with fireworks and a UK exclusive performance by Coldplay of their new song ‘Higher Power’ from the River Thames.  

The BRIT Awards are known for its unique collaborations and this year was no different, with Elton John and Years & Years joining forces for a spectacular performance of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic ‘It’s A Sin’. 

The recorded version of the song will now be available to purchase as a single in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation charity.  

A second collaboration saw Rag’n’Bone Man and P!nk perform their new single ‘Anywhere Away from Here’, with P!nk joining remotely from the U.S.

And the musical duo were joined by special guest singers from the Greenwich and Lewisham NHS Trust Choir, providing an emotional climax to the show.   

Another US star who made it to The O2 was Olivia Rodrigo who lit up the stage with a performance of her stunning hit single, Drivers Licence.

Twice nominated Headie One also blew the audience away with a special performance of ‘Ain’t It Different’/’Princess Cuts’, joined by fellow nominees AJ Tracey and Young T & Bugsey.   

 BRIT Awards 2021: Dua Lipa pays homage to Geri Horner in a VERY cheeky Union Jack outfit as she leads performers including Coldplay and Elton John – 24 years after Spice Girl made headlines in patriotic minidress

Dua Lipa hit the stage in scintillating style when she performed at the 2021 BRIT Awards on Tuesday night.

The singer, 25, entertained fans as she ran through a medley of some of her biggest hits at the ceremony, held at London’s O2, while donning an eye-catching ensemble that included a Union Jack-print wrap skirt -with a cheeky thong underneath.

Levitating hitmaker Dua’s choice of ensemble hearkened back to Geri Horner’s headline-making patriotic minidress, which she wore as she performed at the same awards show some 24 years ago, back in 1997.

Dua teamed her skirt of choice with a matching blazer – which she swiftly removed – a white blouse and black cravat, while a gold waistcoat with a scooped neckline complemented her look.

Adding a racy touch, the star retained her black stockings and suspenders from her red carpet ensemble, while patent buckle heels rounded out her head-turning look as she flashed her derriere.

The chart-topping star oozed Hollywood glamour as she styled her signature raven locks into a beehive hairdo and added a palette of impeccably-applied makeup. 

Also taking to the stage on the night were Elton John and Years & Years, who teamed up to perform the Pet Shop Boys classic It’s A Sin, after teasing the surprise collaboration on social media ahead of the show. 

The Rocket Man hitmaker, 74, took to the stage with Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, 30, after becoming a huge fan of Olly’s performance as Ritchie Tozer in Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin.

And the joint performance was heavily hinted at on social media, with Elton, Years and Years and The Brit Awards’ Instagram accounts all sharing words that spell out ‘It’s A Sin.’

Sir Elton got the rumour mill going on Monday night by posting the word ‘It’s’ on a brightly coloured background, before Years & Years dropped the word ‘A’ in an identical font.

Fuelling the speculation further, the official Brit Awards page then posted the word ‘Sin’, getting fans excited for what will no doubt be an epic performance.

Their cover of It’s A Sin was a fitting choice, as, it shares its name with the critically acclaimed series which starred Olly.  

Elton was a huge fan of It’s A Sin when it aired on TV earlier this year and even shared his appreciation on social media.

Olly starred alongside a cast of rising stars and celebrated favourites including Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris and It’s a Sin has been universally praised by fans.

Coldplay opened the BRIT Awards with an incredible pre-recorded performance on London’s River Thames.

The band, fronted by lead singer Chris Martin, 44, performed their new single Higher Power from a barge in front of the O2 ahead of the live event.

Going on all out for the opening act, Coldplay opted for futuristic dancing holograms and sparkling fireworks for the showcase, which was filmed in the heart of the capital last month. 

Chris was ever the showman in the band’s performance as they took to the barge situated outside the O2 Arena. 

The performance included the use of jaw-dropping holograms, adding to the sci-fi theme after the band unveiled their new single last week by streaming it on board the International Space Station. 

It was a performance that kicked off a stellar return to live music, which also included performances from Rag’n’Bone Man, Pink, The Weeknd and Headie One.

Higher Power features on Coldplay’s new album which is called Music Of The Spheres, another reference to space and life beyond Earth. 

The track was produced by music mastermind, Max Martin, who is known for making numerous hit records including Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time and Backstreet Boys’ I Want It That Way.  

In an explosion of colour and optimism, the 2021 BRIT Awards celebrated the achievements of British and international artists over the last 18 months.  

The awards ceremony truly belonged to Dua Lipa, 25, as the evening saw her scoop the accolade for Female Solo Artist and the Mastercard British Album of the Year Award for her lockdown hit Future Nostalgia. 

This year’s Rising Star award winner Griff was handed the baton for the honour by 2020’s Rising Star winner Celeste, who herself was up for three further awards.

And Arlo Parks was crowned Breakthrough Artist, one of the three awards the star was nominated for, after what has been an incredible year for the young London artist. 

She also made her debut BRITs performance with an elegant rendition of Hope and decorated the set as a sunflower field in a nod to the name of her debut album.

The most nominated girl band in BRIT Award history, Little Mix, finally bagged the title of British Group and made history as the first-ever girl band to win, having been up for the award three previous times. 

Meanwhile, the International Group category followed a similar suit, with the California girlband HAIM in attendance to accept their award. 

And the accolade for International Female was given to the 19-year-old Bad Guy hitmaker Billie Eilish, who accepted the award via a pre-recorded video acceptance speech.  

The Weeknd emerged victorious in the International Male Solo Artist category with his award presented by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. 

The Blinding Lights hitmaker treated the audience to an unforgettable performance of his single Save Your Tears, pre-recorded from the US.  

Dem Boy Paigon hitmaker JHUS scooped the Male Solo Artist award, which was accepted on his behalf by DJ Semtex in his absence.

Following a successful awards season stateside, One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles scooped Best British Single with his summertime track Watermelon Sugar. 

The first female artist to win the highest BRITs accolade and the UK’s biggest selling artist of the year to date, Taylor Swift appeared in person to accept the special Global Icon award, which was presented by Game Of Thrones actress Maisie Williams.

Each winner was presented with the BRITs’ first-ever collaborative double-trophy, designed by Es Devlin OBE and Yinka Ilori MBE, with each recipient encouraged to re-gift the smaller trophy to someone else.

The 2021 BRIT Awards, hosted by Jack Whitehall, marked the first major indoor music event in over a year as bosses released 2,500 free tickets to key workers.   

The show saw a total of 11 awards handed out alongside nine unbeatable show-stopping performances, six of which were able to be staged live in stadium.  

The show officially opened with fireworks and a UK exclusive performance by Coldplay of their new song Higher Power from the River Thames.  

The BRITs is known for its unique collaborations and this year was no different, with Elton John and Years & Years’ Olly Alexander joining forces for a spectacular performance of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic It’s A Sin. 

The recorded version of the song will now be available to purchase as a single in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation charity.  

A second collaboration saw Rag’n’Bone Man and P!nk perform their new single Anywhere Away from Here, with P!nk joining remotely from the US.

And the musical duo were joined by special guest singers from the Greenwich and Lewisham NHS Trust Choir, providing an emotional climax to the show.   

Another US star who made it to The O2 was Olivia Rodrigo who lit up the stage with a performance of her stunning hit single, Drivers Licence.

Twice nominated Headie One also blew the audience away with a special performance of Ain’t It Different/Princess Cuts, joined by fellow nominees AJ Tracey and Young T & Bugsey.

Presenters on the night included: Annie Mac, Boy George, Celeste, Lewis Capaldi, Kurupt FM and Mabel.

The event was Co-Chaired by Rebecca Allen (President EMI Records) and Selina Webb (EVP Universal Music UK), who oversaw the creative team which along with Devlin and Ilori also included BRITs TV Executive Producer Sally Wood. 

The BRIT Awards took place in front of a live audience of 4,000 people at London‘s The O2 six days before the next phase of lockdown lifts. 

The ceremony, which was broadcasted live on ITV, celebrated the return to live music and Dua Lipa promised those attending that it would ‘be a night to remember’.  

The indoor ceremony and live show formed part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme, and used enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing after all restrictions are lifted on June 21. 

Working closely with the Government to adhere to safety guidelines, The BRITs was the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, with 4,000 tickets being up for grabs – just one fifth of the venue’s 20,000 capacity

The BRITs played an important role in paving the way for the return of live music at scale as the UK emerges from the past year’s restrictions. 

Audience members were not socially distanced or required to wear face coverings in the arena, but were required to follow existing Government guidance when travelling to the venue and adhere to rules set out by the event organisers.

Among the rules, attendees had to have proof of a negative lateral flow test result to enter the venue. 

As part of the wider scientific research on the trial events, attendees were also asked to take a test after the event to gather further evidence on the safety of indoor settings, reduced social distancing and the removal of non-pharmaceutical interventions like face coverings.