Brits go Brat as Charli XCX wins five awards

The Brit Awards took place recently, and the night was filled with excitement and celebration of music. Charli XCX, a well-known pop star, had a remarkable evening as she won five prestigious awards, including best artist, best album, and best song of the year. Her album, Brat, which was re-released as a remix album, topped the UK charts in October 2024. This achievement marked a significant moment in her career, as she transitioned from being an underground artist to a mainstream pop sensation. Other notable winners of the night included Ezra Collective, Sam Fender, Stormzy, and the new group The Last Dinner Party, who all took home awards for their outstanding contributions to music. The atmosphere at the London O2 Arena was electric, with a variety of performances that kept the audience entertained. One of the standout moments was a captivating performance by Sabrina Carpenter, who won the global success award. The audience was moved when a video tribute to the late Liam Payne was shown, honoring his legacy and impact on the music industry. Charli XCX's success at the Brit Awards was a testament to her hard work and dedication. She expressed her joy on stage, humorously stating, 'This is cool, I'm really happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit award, very important stuff. ' This light-hearted comment showcased her personality and ability to connect with the audience. Charli also took the opportunity to thank Billie Eilish for her guest vocals on the song Guess, which was a significant collaboration for her. In addition to her wins for best artist and best album, Charli also received awards for best dance act and songwriter of the year. During her acceptance speech for best dance act, she emphasized the importance of dance music, stating, 'I feel like dance music, electronic music gets a really bad rep because everyone is like, 'it's not that deep, is it? '. And I kind of feel it is. ' Charli's words highlighted her passion for the genre and its ability to evoke deep emotions. She shared her personal journey, revealing that she had always felt like an outsider until this moment. 'Culture caught up with us and wanted to be on the journey with us - I am living proof that it takes a long time but you don't need to compromise your vision,' she added, inspiring many with her story of perseverance. Sabrina Carpenter's performance was another highlight of the night. She delivered an energetic mash-up of her hits Espresso and Bed Chem, incorporating a British twist with the opening strains of Rule, Britannia! Her playful interaction with a dancer dressed as one of the King's Foot Guards added a fun element to her performance. Sabrina humorously accepted the global success award, saying it was 'an insane honour, for such a tea-drinking country you streamed the [heck] out of Espresso. ' Her vibrant stage presence and cheeky style captivated the audience, making her a memorable part of the evening. Jade, a member of Little Mix, also made a splash with her performance of Angel Of My Dreams, showcasing her talent and creativity. The Brit Awards were not just about celebrating individual achievements; many artists used their platform to address important issues within the music industry. Ezra Collective, who won group of the year, spoke about the need to support young musicians and provide them with opportunities. Femi Koleoso, a member of the group, emphasized that giving a young person an instrument could help address societal problems. Chappell Roan, who won best international act, shared her journey of writing many songs before finding success, reminding everyone that persistence is key. Myles Smith, the rising star winner, performed his hit Stargazing and called on the government to prioritize British music, asking, 'How many more venues need to close? ' His passionate plea resonated with many in the audience, highlighting the challenges faced by artists today. Sam Fender also made a triumphant return, winning the best alternative/rock act. He expressed gratitude to his band, acknowledging that he would be lost without their support. The night was a celebration of talent, humor, and heartfelt moments. Jack Whitehall, the host, brought his comedic flair to the event, making light-hearted jokes about the celebrities in attendance. He poked fun at Charli XCX for wanting to enjoy the night rather than perform, and he humorously referred to Stormzy as 'the grime scene's Ronald McDonald. ' The audience appreciated his humor, which added to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The night concluded with a touching tribute to Liam Payne, who had a significant connection to the Brit Awards as a member of One Direction. The tribute included a montage of his career, showcasing his impact on the music world. Despite some big names like Dua Lipa and The Beatles not winning any awards, the night was a celebration of music and the incredible talent within the industry. Charli XCX's achievements serve as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success, and the Brit Awards continue to be a platform for recognizing and honoring the best in music.