The British Phonographic Industry’s annual awards are set to take place on 8th February 2022 and will return to the landmark venue, London’s O2 Arena. The BRIT awards website has given the following information concerning the date and location, whilst confirming how viewers can watch at home. “We’re very excited to confirm the date of The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard as Tuesday 8 February. Once again taking place live from The O2 Arena and broadcast on ITV.”

The prestigious awards ceremony will also return with a new chair of the BRIT awards committee, Tom March, co-president of award-winning record label Polydor. The event has a longstanding tradition of employing well-respected professionals within the music industry to chair the committee. Last year’s event included Rebecca Allen, EMI president and Selina Webb, Universal Music EVP as the award’s show-runners. In 2020, David Joseph, Universal Music UK CEO and Chairman were charged as the committee’s chair, the 40th edition of the ceremony also saw comedian and actor Jack Whitehall present the event for the third year.

Whitehall recently took to Twitter to announce that he will be stepping down as the BRIT award’s host. After holding hosting responsibilities for four years the comedian has cited his departure due to filming and location conflicts.

Sad to say after 4 brilliant years, I’ll be handing on the baton as I’ll be in the US filming another project at the top of next year. Loved doing it so much. All the best to the new host, I pray they treat Mursy, my mixers and sweet little Nialler with the respect they deserve. https://t.co/rU4Za69wwC

— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) September 24, 2021

The BRIT award’s website has released the following statement confirming the new chair whilst welcoming back the event’s partner Universal Music UK. “We’re also announcing that that Polydor co-president Tom March is taking over as Chair of the BRIT Committee for 2022 under Universal Music UK’s third year at the helm and following 2021’s extraordinary show which not only heralded the return to live music in the UK following the Covid-19 pandemic, but also included stand-out winner and performance moments from global superstars including Taylor Swift, Elton John, The Weeknd, Coldplay and Dua Lipa.”

The BRIT awards proceed to reassure readers and viewers that next year’s event will uphold the morals and ethics in which the event aims to encompass each year, Such ethics were noticed at this year’s event. A focus of thanks was present at the ceremony for the NHS and the Key Workers tasked with hard work during COVID-19. “The 2022 show will continue to build on that ethos; celebrating British and international artists and their achievements over the past year, in what is set to be an even more innovative and interactive show than ever before.”

An emphasis on the event’s philanthropic element is given within the BRIT award’s statement, the event promises to continue their contribution and involvement within the award’s charity The BRIT Trust. “The long-standing partnerships with ITV (29 years), Mastercard (24 years) and The O2 arena (12 years), will continue to support The BRITs’ mission to continue delivering an evening of live music and entertainment that millions of music fans all over the world annually tune in for, and that has raised much of the £27million distributed to date by The BRIT Trust, the charitable arm of the awards, to charities that promote education and well-being through music.”

Established in 1999, The Brit Trust was formed by UK record labels and various music industry communities. The trust’s focus and mission statement are to use its funds, tools and resources to utilise music and the arts to benefit young people and their lives. The trust’s financial backing is mostly from the money in which is raised from the annual BRIT awards as well as the Music Industry Trust awards dinners. Such causes and institutions with which the trust works include The BRIT school and Nordoff Robbins, a UK independent music therapy charity that uses music to aid in physical and mental health issues.

The group took to their Instagram to share the news to their fans.

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Through the announcement of the Singles Chart, the ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ singers record-breaking achievement was revealed. The group have made UK chart records by having releases stay within the top 10 longer than any other girl group. The group’s single ‘Heartbreak Anthem’ which was released on 20th May 2021 remained within the top 10 this week when the song charted at number 7, the single’s position sees it chart within the top 10 for 100 weeks. The single saw the group collaborate with Swedish DJ duo, Galantis and French DJ and producer David Guetta and has been certified silver by the BPI.

Bandmember, Leigh- Anne Pinnock has spoken out in celebration of this record and thanks to the group’s fans for their support. “Wow! It’s amazing, and we wouldn’t have done this without you guys. You never fail to blow us away – you’re just incredible and we wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you.”

Despite the departure of their fourth member Jesy Nelson, this year has been a fruitful experience for Little Mix. The group have been breaking records and collecting accolades, their most recent award was at this year’s Brit awards for their 2021 studio album, ‘Confetti’. The band were the first girl group to win the Best British Group award, within their acceptance speech the group dedicated the award to ex-member Jesy Nelson and their creative and production teams, “Thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the last 10 years. Thank you to our incredible team, and everyone who worked with us on Confetti.” The trio, Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, also thanked the efforts of the key workers within the current pandemic. “And of course, to the key workers who continue to work for the health of the nation”

The trio also addressed issues in which were important to them, “It’s not easy being a female in the UK pop industry. We’ve seen the white male dominance, misogyny, sexism, and lack of diversity. We’re proud of how we’ve stuck together, stood our ground, surrounded ourselves with strong women, and are now using our voices more than ever.” The hitmakers then continued to dedicate the award to the girl groups who came before them. “The fact that a girl band has never won this award really does speak volumes. So this award isn’t just for us, it’s for Spice Girls, Sugababes, All Saints, Girls Aloud, all of the incredible, incredible female bands … this one’s for you. So thank you BRITs, and we hope you have an amazing night.”

Previous girl bands who have come close to Little Mix’s achievement include Girls Aloud, the fivesome once spent 61 weeks within the charts. The group was made popular by the historic talent show ‘Popstars: The Rivals’ in 2002 and also spent a total of 8 weeks in the number one position. The next record is 59 weeks within the top 10, set by Motown icons The Supremes. The ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ singers are known to be one of America’s most successful girl groups and rivalled the Beatles popularity within the 1960s. The Sugababes take the bronze position with a total of 57 weeks within the top 10, despite the group’s many line-ups changes the ‘Overload’ singers have had four albums certified platinum and have won a Brit Award for Best British Dance Act in 2003. Lastly one of music’s most iconic girl groups, Spice Girls, take fourth place with 50 weeks within the charts. Responsible for popularizing the phrase ‘Girl Power’, Spice Girls have remained a favourite of any music fan and sparked Britain’s love for girl groups in the 1990s.

In other news, the group’s waxwork figures at Madame Tussauds have now been unveiled to the public. The band’s waxworks include ex-member Nelson and depict the group in the outfits and aesthetics featured in their music video for the 2019 single ‘Bounce Back’. The work on the group’s entry started in early 2020, which may account for the look chosen and inclusion of Nelson. Fans will be able to see the real thing live when the trio hit the road next year for their UK tour.

Little Mix Uk Tour Dates

09/04/2022 – SSE Arena – Belfast
10/04 – SSE Arena – Belfast
12/04 – 3 Arena – Dublin
13/04 – 3 Arena – Dublin
15/04 – Utilita Arena – Newcastle
16/04 – Utilita Arena (Matinee Show) – Newcastle
16/04 – Utilita Arena – Newcastle
18/04 – M&S Bank Arena – Liverpool
19/04 – Flydsa Arena – Sheffield
21/04 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
22/04 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
23/04 – Resorts World Arena (Matinee Show) – Newcastle
23/04 – Resorts World Arena – Newcastle
26/04 – M&S Bank Arena – Liverpool
27/04 – The SSE Hydro – Glasgow
28/04 – The SSE Hydro – Glasgow
30/04 – First Direct Arena – Leeds
02/05 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
03/05 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
04/05 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
06/05 – AO Arena – Manchester
07/05 – AO Arena (Matinee Show) – Manchester
07/05 – AO Arena – Manchester
09/05- Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
10/05 – Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
12/05 – The O2 – London
13/05 – The O2 – London
14/05 – O2 Arena – London

The artist posted to his Instagram to thank those who bought the album.

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The number one album has achieved over 42,000 chart sales, 33,000 of these sales include sales on physical formats. The East Sussex Blues rocker has claimed two further achievements with his latest release, the biggest opening week so far in 2021 for a British Act as well as the fastest-selling album for a solo artist to this date.

The release outsold a Top 5 list of new entries, landing just behind ‘Life By Misadventure’ is Michael Ball’s new material. The English actor, singer, broadcaster and OBE released his new album ‘We Are More Than One’ this year to much applause. The new album has given the singer his 24th Top 40 hit as well as a 6th Top 3 position within the last 5 years. Another musical legend also landed within the Top 5 this week, Van Morrison’s new collection ‘Latest Record Project Volume 1’ charted at number 5.

Rag’n’Bone Man’s latest release marks the singer’s second studio album and has so far sired two singles, the lead single ‘All You Ever Wanted’ was released on 29th January 2021. The single was accompanied by a music video directed by London director Will Hooper. The album’s second single entitled ‘Anywhere Away From Here‘ released on 7th May 2021, saw the singer work together with American music royalty, P!nk. The single gained critical and commercial success and positioned at number 9 within the UK charts.

This win marks the singer’s second number one album, his debut album ‘’Human’, released in 2017 also reached number one within the UK Charts and has moved over one million sales. The debut was not only the singer’s breakthrough album but also gained him much critical respect. At the time of release, the musician’s first studio album was the fastest-selling debut album during the 2010s by a male artist. The artist’s debut has also become platinum four times within the UK, certified by the BPI.

The artist made other news earlier in the week with his emotional performance at the BRIT Awards. He performed ‘Anywhere Away From Here’, the second single and duet with P!nk from his recent number one album. The pair were also joined on stage by the Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Choir. The duet has been released as a charity single, and can be bought and streamed from here.

Fans will get the chance to see the famous Baritone voiced musician live this year, see below for a full list of the artist’s tour dates.

Rag’n’Bone Man UK Tour Dates

25/06/2021 – Kenwood House – London
27/06 – The Jazz Café – London
28/06 – The Jazz Café – London
29/06 – The Jazz Café – London
16/07 – South Of England Showground – Ardingly
17/07 – Doncaster Racecourse – Doncaster
24/07 – Pennfest – Bucks
29/07 – Big Festival – The Cotswolds
31/07 – Bath Racecourse – Bath
20/08 – Parkenfestival – Bodo
22/08 – Hardwick Festival – Co. Durham
28/08 – Victorious Festival – Portsmouth
04/09 – Highest Point – Lancaster
10/09 – The Cambridge Club – Cambridge
17/10 – Brighton Centre – Brighton
18/10 – Olympia Theatre – Dublin
19/10 – Waterfront Hall – Belfast
21/10 – O2 Academy – Leeds
22/10 – O2 Academy – Bristol
23/10 – O2 Academy – Bournemouth
25/10 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
26/10 – Edinburgh Corn Exchange – Edinburgh
28/10 – Pavilion – Plymouth
29/10 – O2 Apollo – Manchester
31/10 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
1/11 – UEA – Norwich
3/11 – O2 Academy – Newcastle
4/11 – Liverpool University – Liverpool
6/11 – Eventim Apollo – London

The ‘Years & Years’ singer spoke to the newspaper The Daily Star’s Wired column about the life-changing moment.

“Elton phoned me and asked if I would be up for doing a special performance for the BRITs. When I was on stage with him, I thought back to being a little kid watching him at the BRIT Awards and I thought, ‘I just can’t believe I’m doing this.’”

Sir Elton John and Olly Alexander’s appearance at the Brit Awards saw the duo perform a duet, covering the Pet Shop Boys 1987 hit ‘It’s a Sin’. The duet has already become legendary, for the artist’s performance as well as the cause and message in which it supported. The pair’s duet was in support of Sir Elton John’s AIDs Foundation and has also been released as a single in support of the Foundation.

The ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ singer set up the foundation in 1992 and since then the organisation has provided support for prevention, provided support services and has formed education programs to support people living with HIV and AIDS. Since its inception, the foundation has raised millions to support programs and people within fifty-five countries.

The song choice may have been influenced by multi-talented Alexander’s star turn in the TV series with the same name, ‘It’s a Sin’. In the Channel 4 show, which aired in January 2021, the actor plays Russell T Davies, a leading role that has gained 30-year-old Alexander respect from his peers as well as critics. The show, which is set in the 1980s and 1990s, depicts the effect in which the AIDs epidemic had within the gay community.

Sir Elton John’s husband David Furnish and chair of Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation, gave an emotional and touching speech to introduce the performance, where he compared the current COVID-19 pandemic to the AIDs crisis within 1981.

“When a new virus broke out in 2020, the whole world reacted immediately. Governments took action, cities closed down, scientists created vaccines, and we all talked about it night and day. Quite rightly, given the pain and suffering which has been reaped on so many people the world over. But when the same thing happened in 1981, there was silence. That was the year HIV arrived, but people with HIV and AIDs were treated with ignorance, fear, shame, and stigma. That silence allowed AIDs to grow into the greatest disease affecting our planet. But we fought back. Campaigners and activists and allies shouted down the silence and demanded to be heard. We refused to let men, women, and children die in shame, and by fighting together, we’ve changed the world.”

The studio single is available to stream and download on all platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and YouTube. Proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Click here to listen to the single.

Higher Power, the new single, out Friday!

Pre-order / pre-save / CD single: https://t.co/f26MzzGUxO pic.twitter.com/z17r6cMSU8

— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 4, 2021

This will be the first time that Chris Martin and company will have performed live in over a year. They join the likes of Arlo Parks, Dua Lipa, Griff, Headie One, and Olivia Rodrigo who are also due to perform over the night. Rag’n’Bone Man and P!nk are also set to perform new single “Anywhere Away From Here” with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Choir.

Tuesday, May 11: We are performing at the 2021 @BRITs. pic.twitter.com/Hh56iXPaUX

— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 4, 2021

Coldplay have recently been teasing the possibility of a new album rumoured to be called ‘Alien Radio’ through social media and a mysterious website alienradio.fm. This performance at the BRITs could give fans further insight into the band’s future releases. This is not the first time Coldplay have performed at the BRIT’s, the band shared the stage with The Chainsmokers in 2017 and also performed in 2016. Coldplay are in fact the most nominated group in the history of the BRIT’s with 28 nominations and nine wins in total.

The Brit Awards will be on 11 May, 2021. The ceremony will be one of the first major indoor and in-person live music events in the UK in more than a year as part of a government pilot scheme. The event will take place before an audience of 4,000 people, 2,500 of which will be key workers from the Great London area. Comedian Jack Whitehall is set to return as host. Winners this year will be presented with not one but two statuettes, with stars encouraged to share with someone important to them as an “act of kindness”.

“XS is a song that mocks capitalism in a sinking world. Given that we all know global climate change is accelerating and human extinction is a very real possibility within our lifetime it seemed hilarious to me that brands were still coming out with new makeup palettes every month and public figures were doing a gigantic house tour of their gated property in Calabasas in the same week as doing a ‘sad about Australian wild fires’ Instagram post.”

Rina continued “I wanted to reflect the chaos of this post-truth climate change denying world in the metal guitar stabs that flare up like an underlying zit between the 2000s R&B beat that reminds you of a time when everything was alright.”

On her nomination Sawayama remarked: “I literally fell to the floor when I found out that I’d been nominated for Rising Star. I really can’t put into words how much this means to me given that I wasn’t eligible for this award a few weeks ago and now that door has been opened for future generations of artists like myself. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me, it means the world.” Sawayama is nominated alongside Coventry rapper Pa Salieu and singer-songwriter Griff in the category previously awarded to rising stars including Celeste, Sam Fender, and Jorja Smith.

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Sawayama’s BRIT nomination comes after she revealed that she wasn’t able to enter the Mercury Prize last year as she was not eligible to enter as a British artist under its rules. The singer is of Japanese origin, however, holds an indefinite leave to remain visa since moving to London at the age of five. Since Sawayama’s campaign, the British Phonographic Industry has reconsidered their eligibility criteria for the Mercury Prize and BRIT Awards.

The new rules mean that artists without British citizenship are eligible for the awards if they have resided in the country for five years or more. Sawayama responded to the change, speaking to NME she praised the BPI.

“I do applaud BPI for going above and beyond. I didn’t think they’d include the clause of five years [of UK residence], I thought they’d go for 10 years. And they’ve included people who were born here but might have been living somewhere else. It’s really fantastic.”
Tune into the BRIT Awards on Tuesday 11 May on ITV.

Sources have told The Sun newspaper that although change is on the cards for the ceremony, they feel that a change for this year may work against the event, “There has been a lot of discussion about plans. The concern is that looking at the artists who have released this year — with all of the restrictions and problems — scrapping separate male and female awards categories might actually have had more of a negative impact across the board. They continue to provide assurance that the topic will be relooked at again in the coming years “It’s definitely something that is going to be looked at again in subsequent years.”

The awards ceremony, held at London’s O2 Arena has been pushed by three months, usually held in February the event will now be held on Tuesday 11^th May. Today sees voting open for the awards, artists included on the ballot and contenders for huge wins this year are Sir Paul McCartney, Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Biffy Clyro, The 1975 and AJ Tracey. Other nominee’s names have also been leaked, nominations for the Brits Rising Star Award have been confirmed as Griff, Pa Salieu and Rina Sawayama. The Rising Star Award acknowledges popular music’s next ‘one to watch’, previous winners of this award include the likes of Adele and Celeste. New rules implemented today meant that an artist who does not hold a passport or dual citizenship can now be be included to win prizes, previously left out due the old rule was British- Japanese singer Rina Sawayama even though she has lived in the UK for more than 26 years. She took to her Instagram page to rejoice in her nomination.

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Although a decision has not been made this year, viewers can feel positive that more talks and action will take place in time for next year’s ceremony. But with many viewers holding an opposite opinion which supports the division of gender for the awards, it is hard to see which decision will be actioned. But with further harsh and non inclusive rules being changed to The BRIT awards, fans can at least see some change for the better this year.

Organisers made the decisions after consultation with the music industry and partners ITV, Mastercard and AEG. With the new date set, the eligibility period will also be changed. Further announcements regarding artists and nominations are yet to be announced, as well as a showrunner. Former chairman David Joseph, CEO and Universal Music UK chairman, stepped down after this year’s revamped award show.

“Along with the many safety and logistical considerations of staging a huge awards ceremony in February for those putting the event on as well as the guests, The BRITs believe that this move will give a fairer opportunity to all artists as well as ensuring a mix of huge domestic and global superstars that annually attend and perform at the show”, organisers have said.

2021 BRIT Awards delayed by 3 months to become a spring celebration of UK music https://t.co/25YQyguQIl

— David Farrell (@DavidJ_Farrell) June 29, 2020

Geoff Taylor, BPI and BRIT Awards chief executive said in a statement: “We want to make sure that The BRITs delivers the outstanding production levels, superstar performances and live excitement that make it the biggest night in music. We believe that the best way to achieve this in 2021 is to move the show back a few months to May, and we are already at work planning a spectacular event that will remind us how important music has been in getting us all through these difficult times. I would like to thank our labels, ITV, AEG and Mastercard and all our partners for their fantastic support.”

The BRITS celebrated their 40th anniversary this year, with performances by Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Stormzy, while beloved Jack Whitehall has returned as host. We can’t wait to find out if Whitehall will take the position as host once again and which artists will make their way to the event.