by Cai Trefor and Cerys Kenneally Contributor

Tags: The Brit Awards 

Everything that happened at The Brit Awards 2017

From Katy Perry taking on Trump and mainstream co-opting Grime to George Michael being remembered, a lot went down

 

The BRIT Awards moments 2017 David Bowie Photo:

The Brit Awards 2017 has drawn to a close. Everyone has passed through the gruelling airport style security checks, had their hip flasks nicked, and indulged in a dazzling production to see live performances and see who'll go down in the history books as the most celebrated artists of the year.

After Little Mix performed a stunning show that incorporated sci-fi aesthetic, the first award, Best British Female, was presented to Emeli Sande. She won a BRIT for the second time in as many album campaigns thanks to the success of album Long Live The Angels. She later gave a stunning live performance to justify her success.

Bruno Mars gave a polished poppy performance that was good but not groundbreaking. The well choreographed show had a clean-cut, overly co-ordinated dress sense between Bruno and his backing band, which gave way to the only talking point of his performance.

We recently reported that Bastille beat Radiohead at the NME awards with dismay and as Radiohead fans it's difficult to see them get nominated and not win yet again. But out of the list, it's a great moment for The 1975 to win. They just put out an incredible second album and have reached new heights with their live show.

The 1975 gave a speech encouraging people "not to stay in their lane" when it comes to speaking out about social issues. An important message in a time when things need talking about. There was slight quavering on Healy's voice and he seemed genuinely humbled although they probably weren't too surprised as they were informed to rearrange their tour to accept their award.

Lazarus musical star Michael C Hall accepted the award for Best Male Solo Artist on behalf of Bowie. Thankfully Bowie won this as it was a complete no-brainer.

Meanwhile, Rag'N'Bone Man, who already has the Critics Choice award, was presented with British Breakthrough Award thanks to fan votes. He beat some tough competition and the 'Human' star was truly humbled and said "Oh my days" but little else, admitting that he

Shortly after, The 1975 played a great set with the backing of a full choir and hilariously showed slides of bad reviews, such as "pompous arena pop", in between shots of them playing live. This was the ultimate middle finger back to all their fiercest critics.

In what was the most moving, memorable moment of the night Andrew Ridgeley and Pepsi & Shirlie from Wham! fought back the tears to give a tremendous tribute to George Michael. They discussed how much of an important figure he was in their lives and went through the early years giving fine details that will help bring the pop legend to life in the minds of the millions of television viewers.

After Shirlie said: “His beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all” Ridgeley introduced Chris Martin to the stage. Martin led a cover of ‘A Different Corner'. Remarkably they used audio/visual footage of George Michael allowing the now deceased legend to take a few verses making it a posthumous duet more than a cover. This was not about Chris Martin taking the credit whatsoever. Instead, it marked the only point during the Brit Awards where the arena fell silent, highlighting the impact of the moving tribute.

During her highly-anticipated live show Katy Perry surprised the arena by bringing out Skip Marley, who joined in with the final chorus. The elaborate stage set was brought to life with controversial messages throughout, particularly the two huge skeletons that symbolised the nauseating meeting of Theresa May and Donald Trump. At one moment one of the many dancers who were desssed as minature houses fell off the stage and apaprantly onto Bastille's table. lol.

There were a lot of nominees in the very poppy British single category but 'Little Mix' deservedly got their first ever Brit and in terms of straight unpretentious pop they’re among the best groups of the decade.

Skepta's ‘Shutdown’ reiterated the progress that Grime music has made in the past 18 months. Despite him not bringing out any surprise guests, Skepta reminded the viewers that Grime is finally getting the attention it deserves. The energetic performance reiterated the dedication that the Londoner has put into the genre, of which he is now at the forefront.

Meanwhile, Drake, who had just visited these quarters with his live show earlier this month wasn’t here to accept the award for Best International Male artist, as he was over in Birmingham giving a show. Nevertheless, he pre-recorded something relatively generic to say thanks but spruced it up with a dedication to Skepta.

Chris Martin retured to the stage to premiere his new Coldplay single, 'Something Just Like This' that has been made in collaboration with DJ due The Chainsmokers. The mid-tempo cut didn't have instant hit factor and received a mixed response on social media.

International female and international Group award were just glossed over in one sentence and there were no acceptance speeches – the tv show obviously running out of time and sacrificing these categories wasn’t a particularly great move. Especially since both Beyoncé and A Tribe Called Quest have made some of the best music in recent times.

One of the most anticipated performances of the night came from Ed Sheeran, who brought out Stormzy for a surprise collaboration on ‘Shape Of You’. This was a historic moment in some respects as it shows the mainstream co-opting the formerly subordinated genre – even Simon Cowell gave a standing ovation.

Unsurprisingly, One Direction received the fan voted award for Best British video. Adele was given a Global success award that didn't have any nominations and was more just a special mention. As the bookies predicted, Bowie was posthumously awarded Album Of The Year resulting in his second award of the night. Gigwise also put Bowie’s Blackstar as album of the year 2016.

Lastly, Brit Icon award winner Robbie Williams, who is synonymous with the Brit Awards,  rounded off the evening with a typically well-rehearsed set.

Cai Trefor and Cerys Kenneally

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