The BRIT Awards with Mastercard took place last night at a sold-out O2 arena full of fans, artists and industry guests in celebration of the achievements of British and international artists over the last 12 months.
Hosted by Mo Gilligan, the show kicked off with a performance from Ed Sheeran with a new version of Bad Habits, for which he was joined by special guests Bring Me The Horizon.
Adele returned to the BRITs stage for exclusive performance of I Drink Wine and was presented with the prestigious Mastercard Album of the Year for the third time, having won for her previous two albums in 2012 and 2016. Adele also became the first ever recipient of the BRITs’ inaugural Artist of the Year award, with her third victory claimed with the win for Song of the Year for Easy On Me.
The International counterparts to these new categories similarly saw two unbeatable global artists celebrated; with Billie Eilish picking up International Artist of the Year and Olivia Rodrigo presented with International Song of the Year for Good 4 U.
Making her BRITs debut both on stage with an electrifying two-song performance, and in this year’s shortlists, Little Simz was presented with Best New Artist. She was joined on stage by actress Emma Corrin.
The Mercury Prize winning London band Wolf Alice won Best Group, the second year they had been nominated in this category.
The 2022 BRITs Rising Star shortlist saw three incredible female artists compete for the coveted prize, as chosen by critics and heads of music to identify the future stars of British music. Winner Holly Humberstone got to perform to her biggest audience yet with a rendition of her new single ‘London is Lonely', and was introduced on stage by last year’s Rising Star recipient, Griff.
The BRITs in 2022 saw a number of changes to awards categories in order to create even more opportunities for artists to be recognised. The recipient of the BRITs’ first ever Songwriter of the Year award tonight went to Ed Sheeran, a true superstar that continues to break world records, commands huge collaborations, and has remained at the very top of his game.
Four new genre awards were launched this year, with a public vote by fans determining the overall winner in each of the new categories. Powered by TikTok in a first for both the app and the BRITs, millions of votes were cast in total over the two-week voting period.
Having picked up two awards last year, Dua Lipa, was awarded with Pop/R&B Act, and having received her first ever BRIT nominations this year Becky Hill was awarded Dance Act.
Alternative/Rock Act went to Sam Fender (bringing his UK record label Polydor’s tally of trophies up to five), who later in the show went on to wow the audience with a performance of his Top Ten hit single Seventeen Going Under.
British rap royalty Dave was presented with the award for Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act by Arsenal legends Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka and closed the ceremony with a triumphant performance of In The Fire, where he was joined by fellow rappers Ghetts, Giggs, Fredo, Konyikeh and Meekz.
And The Winners Are…. (in order presented on the night)
Song of The Year - Adele ‘Easy On Me’
In association with Mastercard
Presented by: Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham & Brett Goldstein
International Song Of The Year - Olivia Rodrigo ‘Good 4 U’
Presented by: Johnny McDaid and Courtney Cox
Pop/R&B Act - Dua Lipa
Presented by: Lando Norris and Jaime Winstone
Alternative/Rock Act - Sam Fender
Presented by: Ronnie Wood
Dance Act - Becky Hill
Presented by: Pete Tong and David Guetta
Group - Wolf Alice
Presented by: Måneskin
International Artist of the Year - Billie Eilish
Presented by: Vicky McClure and Jodie Whittaker
Best New Artist - Little Simz
Presented by: Tom Daley & Celeste
Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act - Dave
Presented by: Ian Wright & Bukayo Saka
International Group - Silk Sonic/Bruno Mars/Anderson .Paak
Presented by: Clara Amfo
Artist Of The Year - Adele
In association with YouTube Shorts
Presented by: Mo Farah
Songwriter Of The Year - Ed Sheeran
Presented by: Brian Cox
Mastercard Album Of The Year - Adele ‘30’
Presented by: Idris Elba
Rising Star - Holly Humberstone
In association with BBC Radio 1
Producer of the Year - Inflo
Photo by John Marshall - JM Enternational
