The 2025 Brit Awards took place on 2 March at the O2 Arena in London, showcasing a range of performances and notable winners while also courting a fair share of controversy and odd moments. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, who made a return to the ceremony after a four-year hiatus. Whitehall's opening jokes included references to various presenters facing cancellation, incorporating a playful dig at the broadcaster ITV.
The standout winner of the night was Charli XCX, who secured five awards including Artist of the Year, Best Album for her critically acclaimed project "Brat", and Song of the Year for her collaboration with Billie Eilish on "Guess." Charli's album, released in June 2024, was lauded for its innovative sound and relatable lyrics, capturing both the essence of pop music and her artistic journey. Upon receiving an award, she remarked, "This genre of music, for me, is euphoric; it allows me to escape, it allows me to feel on such a deep level.”
Her success was indicative of her evolution as an artist and marked a significant moment in her career, as she expressed gratitude for the recognition received, particularly as she recalled her earlier struggles within the industry. Other big winners included Jade Thirlwall, who clinched her first solo Brit for Best Pop Act after a memorable acceptance speech where she famously grappled with the elaborate dress that hindered her ascent to the stage.
The evening also featured performances from a myriad of artists, including rising star Chappell Roan, who won both Best International Artist and International Song of the Year for her track "Good Luck, Babe." Alongside her, Ezra Collective made history as the first jazz band to receive the accolade for Best Group and celebrated their win with a heartfelt speech regarding the importance of music education and grassroots venues.
As the night unfolded, several amusing yet bizarre moments captivated viewers, such as the appearance of a woman dressed in a horse costume, dubbed HorsegiirL, who attended the ceremony and was seated next to actor Danny Dyer. This odd sight drew widespread attention, prompting host Whitehall to question Dyer about his unconventional date during the broadcast.
Adding to the ceremony's unpredictable nature, Stormzy accepted his award for Best Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act while wearing sunglasses due to an eye injury sustained recently from playing padel, lightening the mood with his comedic approach to an unfortunate situation. He further acknowledged the competitive nature of the category, expressing admiration for his peers.
Highlighting critical issues in the music industry, young artist Myles Smith used his acceptance speech for the Rising Star award to call attention to the precarious nature of artist careers in an environment that often prioritises viral trends over long-term support. He urged the audience, "Are we building careers, or are we just chasing moments?"
Overall, the 2025 Brit Awards seamlessly combined celebration and commentary on the state of the music industry, as evidenced by heartfelt speeches and electrifying performances amidst the glittering backdrop of London's O2 Arena.
Source: Noah Wire Services