This year’s BRIT awards was full of excitement celebrating British artists and their music. Music is truly what connects us all; in the words of Harry Styles ‘we belong together’.
We listen to music for connection, for relatability, to feel and to think. The BRIT awards is a celebration of this year on year. After all, what would we do without our favourite artists producing incredible music each year? It’s all about embracing different styles and genres from rock/alternative to rap and hip hop. Each artist brings something new. Giving out prestigious awards, live performances combined with Jack Whitehall’s banter with our favourite celebrities, the BRIT awards was an event to remember!
It is only right to start with the woman who claimed her place as a star, taking the night by storm. Olivia Dean. What a woman she is. Her beaming aura and natural presence as she takes the stage, is one of profound admiration. Her performance at the BRIT awards was no exception singing her hit single, chart-topper ‘Man I need’.
Olivia picked up a staggering four BRIT awards: best artist, album and pop act as well as song of the year with ‘Rein me in’ with fellow superstar Sam Fender. What a duo! She is an incredible role model as such a strong, inspiring woman in the industry whose songs provide, I am sure, an escape and place of resonance for many young women.
Her second album ‘The Art of Loving’ is a masterpiece exploring the emotional complexities of love focusing on honesty, kindness and an authentic portrayal of personal experiences. From winning a place at the BRIT school to dominating the BRIT awards, Olivia is the epitome of a deserving, inspiring artist.
Talk around the BRIT awards was loud. Perhaps, an opening performance from the renowned popstar himself performing live for the first time since his return, may be a leading factor. With his single ‘Aperture’, his new album ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’ and an announcement of a tour, Harry Styles’ performance was highly anticipated. This performance had it all. From the choreography and the dancers joining him on stage to the backing band and gospel singers. This felt like a true showcase. Fans are sure to be excited by Styles’ exploration into a new era of music.
Other incredible performances followed from upcoming stars such as American artists Sombr and Alex Warren both nominees for international song of the year. Sombr performing ‘undressed’ and Alex Warren with his hit ‘Ordinary’ both showing their unbelievable talent. No doubt we will be seeing more of them and not just from just their comedic social media ‘feud’.
More awards were given out such as best rock/alternative artist which went to Sam Fender. Sam’s most recent album ‘People Watching’ was received with huge success. The album is a display of his rock style combined with immensely moving storytelling and emotional intensity. He never misses. His music is often a reflection on his own experiences and of social criticism. It is not surprising, his collaboration with Olivia Dean could be nothing less than magical. Some fans feel he missed out on best artist and album. Though, with the immense amount of unbelievable music this year competition was inherently tough.
Arguably, UK rapper Dave was snubbed of a BRIT following the release of his incredibly moving rap album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’. I argue, there will always be controversy when the categories are stacked with nominees like these.
It’s safe to say the BRIT awards did not disappoint. Bring on another year of incredible music!
