UNITED KINGDOM: Women in music won big at BRIT Awards 2021 with eight of the eleven trophies presented to female acts.
The BRIT Awards with Mastercard took place on Tuesday May 11, in an explosion of talent, stunning performances and exciting collaborations.
The evening was special not just as the first major indoor live music event in the UK since the pandemic, but as a night well and truly dominated by women.
Little Mix made history this year
Little Mix who took home the title of British Group as the most nominated girl band in BRITs history after being nominated a total of seven times.
This year’s Rising Star award winner Griff took the stage for a mesmerising rendition of “Black Hole.”
Arlo Parks was crowned Breakthrough Artist for an incredible year of music, later making her debut as a BRITs performer.
History making acts included Dua Lipa who bagged Female Solo Artist and the highly coveted Mastercard Album award for her No. 1 album Future Nostalgia.
Taylor Swift won the Global Icon award
American singer Taylor Swift received the special Global Icon award. She is the first female artist to win the highest BRITs accolade.
California’s HAIM won in the International Group category and Billie Eilish took home the International Female Solo Artist award.
In the event, the sensational Olivia Rodrigo lighted up the stage with her viral hit “Driver’s License.” The song is apparently the debut single of the American singer.
Harry Styles continued his winning streak
Grammy award winner Harry Styles was presented the British Single With Mastercard Award for “Watermelon Sugar.”
The Weeknd emerged as the International Male Solo Artist, receiving his award from former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Unique collaborations lit up the stage
Hosted by Jack Whitehall, with an audience of just 4,000 people at The O2 Arena, Britain’s biggest night in music also included performances from legendary acts such as Coldplay.
The band officially opened the show with an exclusive performance of their new song “Higher Power”.
Like every other year, the awards featured unique collaborations including a joint performance of the Pet Shop Boys’ classic “It’s A Sin” by Elton John and Years & Years as well as a performance by Rag’n’Bone Man and P!nk of their new single “Anywhere Away from Here.”
This year’s BRITs, as the first live music show at The O2 in over a year, also plays 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.
