The BRIT Awards 2021 took place at London’s O2 Arena tonight, where a crowd of 4000 people gathered to celebrate the past 12 months of music – check out the full list of winners below.
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Hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, this year’s ceremony opened with Coldplay performing their new single ‘Higher Power’ from a pontoon on the River Thames. Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Headie One and more also took to the stage inside the O2 throughout the evening.
The BRITs 2021 served as a government COVID pilot event, meaning that a scaled-back live audience – largely made up of NHS and key workers – witnessed this evening’s performances and acceptance speeches in person without the need to wear masks or social distance.
Arlo Parks picked up the first prize of the night, winning this year’s Breakthrough Artist statue.
“This is a dream come true, I didn’t expect any of this,” Parks said during her acceptance speech. “So anyone who’s out there – dreams come true. I’m living proof of that. Thank you.”
Fending off competition from the likes of The 1975 and Biffy Clyro, Little Mix took home the Best British Group award. Later, Kurupt FM presented J Hus with the Male Solo Artist gong – his first-ever BRIT Award.
BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac announced the International Female Solo Artist winner Billie Eilish, who accepted the award via video link. Next up, Dua Lipa was named the Best Female Solo Artist and later won Mastercard Album Of The Year for ‘Future Nostalgia‘.
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The Weeknd accepted the International Male Solo Artist prize from former First Lady Michelle Obama, while Haim were named Best International Group.
“The UK was the first place to ever embrace us in the entire world, and for that we will be forever grateful,” said bassist Este Haim.
As previously announced, Taylor Swift became the first female artist to be crowned the BRITs’ Global Icon – following in the footsteps of past winners such as David Bowie, Elton John and Robbie Williams.
The UK loves you too @HAIMtheband ? #BRITs pic.twitter.com/Q6H6ySZFzW
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) May 11, 2021
“I am so indebted to and grateful to my British fans,” Swift said during her acceptance speech. “I love you so much for everything you’ve done for me.”
The BRIT Awards 2021 winners are as follows:
Global Icon
Taylor Swift – winner
Rising Star
Griff – winner
Breakthrough Artist
Arlo Parks – winner
Bicep
Celeste
Joel Corry
Young T & Bugsey
Male Solo Artist
AJ Tracey
Headie One
J Hus – winner
Joel Corry
Yungblud
Female Solo Artist
Arlo Parks
Celeste
Dua Lipa – winner
Jessie Ware
Lianne La Havas
British Single
220 Kid & Gracey – ‘Don’t Need Love’
Aitch & AJ Tracey ft Tae Keith – ‘Rain’
Dua Lipa – ‘Physical’
Harry Styles – ‘Watermelon Sugar’ – winner
Headie One ft AJ Tracey & Stormzy – ‘Ain’t It Different’
Joel Corry ft MNEK – ‘Head & Heart’
Nathan Dawe ft KSI – ‘Lighter’
Regard & Raye – ‘Secrets’
Simba ft DTG – ‘Rover’
Young T & Bugsey ft Headie One – ‘Don’t Rush’
British Group
Bicep
Biffy Clyro
Little Mix – winners
The 1975
Young T & Bugsey
International Group
BTS
Fontaines D.C.
Foo Fighters
Haim – winners
Run The Jewels
International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish – winner
Cardi B
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift
International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Childish Gambino
Tame Impala
The Weeknd – winner
Mastercard Album Of The Year
Arlo Parks – ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’
Celeste – ‘Not Your Muse’
Dua Lipa – ‘Future Nostalgia’ – winner
J Hus – ‘Big Conspiracy’
Jessie Ware – ‘What’s Your Pleasure’
Check back at NME.COM for all the latest news and interviews from the BRIT Awards 2021.
