BRIT Awards 2022: Adele collects the first gong of the night

It was an Adele of a night for the singer who took home three awards at the BRITs at the O2 Arena on Tuesday, including the first ever genderless Artist Of The Year gong after the male and female categories were scrapped.

The Easy On Me singer, 33, who also won the award for Song Of The Year and the coveted Album Of The Year, hit back at the ‘woke’ ceremony as she insisted she ‘loves being a female artist’, after bosses bowed to calls to rid the awards of gendered categories.

Adele also tearfully dedicated her Album Of The Year award for ’30’ to her son Angelo, nine, and her ex Simon Konecki because the record is ‘really about them’, before creditting herself for ‘putting out something so personal’.

Adele beat hotly-tipped contender Ed Sheeran in the Artist Of The Year category – which now includes artists of all genders – after they both released long-awaited albums around the same time last year.

During her acceptance speech, Adele told the audience: ‘I understand this award has changed but I love being a female artist!’, as she referenced the changes the awards board had made to the ceremony.

The BRIT Awards sparked controversy last year after ditching the traditional male and female categories and switching to gender-neutral gongs for the first time in its history, causing naysayers to brand the event ‘woke’. 

Organisers divided opinion and some were left outraged by the decision to switch to gender-neutral gongs for the first time in its history, in calls led by non-binary singer Sam Smith.

Bosses claimed the move was in a bid ‘to be as inclusive and as relevant as possible’ and allowed people to enter who do not identify as a man or woman.

But fans at the time blasted the change as ‘woke drivel’ at the time, with many calling for a boycott.

During the evening, Adele – who arrived at the ceremony on the red carpet wearing a huge diamond ring on her engagement finger – swept the board following her return to the BRITs, where she took home gongs in all three categories that she was nominated in.

During her speech for her third award, for Best Album, Adele emotionally decidated the gong to her son Angelo and her ex-husband Simon.

Tearful Adele, said: ‘Thank you, again the company I’m in really is phenomenal. Thanks to everyone I work with. But I want to dedicate this to my son. And his dad. Because it’s about them. I’m really proud of myself for sticking to my guns and putting out something so personal. It’s not something people do anymore.’

‘My son has been so gratious and patient with me over recent years. So it’s for him.’

Also thanking her producer she said: ‘Someone who was integral to this album is producer of the year Inflo. He also works with Little Simz. He helped me so much.’ 

Adele’s appearance in her hometown comes as she continues to face backlash for leaving fans thousands of pounds out of pocket when she pulled the plug on her Las Vegas residency shows with just 24 hours notice.

Host Mo Gilligan kicked off the show by planning his entrance to the show, which saw him mulling over a James Bond style arrival to the stage either by lifting Tower Bridge or arriving in a flashy sports car.

Executives dismissed his proposal in favour of reducing carbon emissions but Mo was told he could still bring his ‘mandem’ and arrived riding at the front of a group of BMX-bikers.

He welcomed everyone to the iconic arena and Ed opened the show with his No.1 single Bad Habits. Ed brought an unexpected duet to the evening as Bring Me The Horizon joined him for a remix of his hit.

The rock version of the track featured an explosive performance from Ed and the band, with a troupe of backing dancers and incredible aerial artists.

Welcoming celebrities and viewers alike to the cereony, Mo said: ‘Welcome to the 02 Arena for the biggest night in British music. We’ve got Dave, Sam Fender, Lil Simz, Adele, just to name a few.

Referencing the Brits decision to scrap gendered cateogorites this year, Mo said: ‘There’s no gender to the awards, everyone thought it was great apart from the male artists who realised they were now up against Adele.’

Elsewhere, presenter Maya Jama was on backstage duties as she read out the cocktails on offer. She said: ‘Man like mojito, cos-mo-politian… I’m basically responsible for every artist getting bladdered.’

Ted Lasso actors Hannah Waddington and Brett Goldstein were the first celebrity presenters, who read the nominees for Best Song and revealed as predicted by Mo that Adele’s Easy On Me had bagged the award. 

In a short but sweet speech, Adele said: ‘Thank you so much! I didn’t realise that was that many nomiees. I can’t belive a piano ballad won against all those bangers. I love coming home and the Brits is such a big part of my career. Way back from when I was little.’

Courtney Cox and Johnny McDaid were on hand to present the next award, Best International Artist.

The Friends star said: ‘We are here to present the award for the International Song Of The Year’, with nominees including Billie Ellish, Doja Cat and Drake… but Olivia Rodrigo’s Good For You took the win.

Following the award, Anne-Marie and KSI took to the stage for a joint performance, however their routine got off to an awkward start when the singer stumbled and almost tripped over at the start.

Anne-Marie quickly recovered and wowed the audience with a stunning performance. The moment was reminescent of when Madonna tripped and fell off stage during the Brits 2015.

Anne-Marie received an outpouring of support from viewers after suffering the dramatic tumble during her performance.

The singer fell down a set of steps while belting out Kiss My (Uh-Oh) in front of a 20,000-strong audience. Her voice wavered as she toppled onto her hands-and-knees but, like a true pro, carried on with the showstopping production.

Despite the embarrassing blunder, her adoring fans took to Twitter to voice their support, claiming she has ‘styled it out well’ and proved herself a ‘total pro’.

Users wrote: ‘Think Anne-Marie styled that out well, props to her, true pro #BRITs.’

‘Anne Marie made that fall look like part of the act. Total pro Red heart #BRITs.’

‘@AnneMarie you are my little girls fave. Carrying on like that after falling. She’s impressed, and you showed anything is possible when you try and push on. Hope you are ok. #inspiration.’ 

‘@AnneMarie what a total pro. Love you even more than ever! Red heart #brits2022.’

‘Gotta give it to Anne Marie for carrying on so effortlessly. Every time I’ve stacked it in the exact same manner I’ve simply wanted to pass away. #Brits.’

‘#thebrits ouch Anne Marie, that’s gonna hurt tomorrow!! What a pro tho, to continue on with an amazing performance.’   

Even her backing dancer couldn’t hide his shock as he looked in in surprise at the jaw-dropping spectacle.  

The 2002 songstress was soon joined on-stage by YouTuber-turned-rapper KSI, as they proved themselves to be quite the pairing during a collaboration.

She soon took to Twitter to brush off the controversy, writing: ‘Didn’t need my left ankle anyway.’ 

Next up, Best Pop and R&B was awarded to Dua Lipa, who was unable to attend due to a performance in Miami but she had prepared a message thanking her team and fans following the win.

During a night of unexpected duets, newcomer Little Simz took to the next stage to perform. However part way through she was joined by British actress Emma Corrin, who played Diana in The Crown.

Emma,  26, had a spoken word section during Little Simz performance.

Rock legend Ronnie Wood was awarding the all new Alternative Rock category, which featured acts including Glass Animals, Tom Grennan, Coldplay and Sam Fender.

The icon thanked the groups and artists for ‘keeping the rock tradition alive’, before announcing that his ‘favourite’ Sam Fender was the winner in the category.

The award was shortly followed by Best Dance Act, which was handed over by dance legend David Guetta. Becky Hill ‘fended off fierce competition’ to bag the win.

Becky noted that it has been 16 years since the Brit Awards had a dance category as she thanked the academy for the honour, as well as a host of others since her career was kickstarted on the Voice. 

Next up was Liam Gallagher’s hotly-anticipated performance, which came moments after Mo offered viewers a bizarre impression of the Oasis rocker. Despite a night of unexpected duet’s, he wasn’t joined by his brother Noel.

Following last year’s record breaking Best Group announcement, which saw female band Little Mix take home the gong for the first time, Eurovision winners Maneskin awarded Wolf Alice with this year’s award. 

Wolf Alice said the acolade was ‘unbelievable’ as they admitted they were ‘quite shocked’.

As the cameras panned back to Mo and Maya, the host had to apologise for swearing earlier in the show.

The next award was Best International Artist, presented by Dr Who actor Jodie Whittaker and Line Of Duty star Vicky McLure. They announced that Billie Ellish was the winner.

Billie, who previously won the same award last year, thanked the Brits for honouring her again before telling fans she couldn’t wait to perform later this year at Glastonbury festival.

Moments later Griff took on presenting duties as she introduced the Brits Rising Star performer, Holly Humberstone, after bagging the award last year and admitting how much it had changed her career.

Holly stunned with a rendeition of her track, London Is Lonely.

Following the same tone, Olympic diver Tom Daley and singer-songwriter Celeste, announced that Little Simz was the winner of the Best New Artist award.

Receiving the award, Little Simz said: ‘Thank you so much, look at what you done mum. Look at what you done. Thanks to everyone who supported me on my journey.’

Arguably the performance everyone was waiting for soon came from Adele, who took to the stage to sing her single I Drink Wine, wearing a dazzling gold off-the-shoulder dress.

An emotional-looking Adele blew kisses and waved as the crowd erupted into applause. 

Adele – who has been hiding out at boyfriend Rich Paul’s Los Angeles home in recent weeks – touched down at Heathrow over the weekend and was seen making her way into the airport’s Windsor Suite.

A source at the Vegas rehearsals previously told Page Six late that the singer often made sobbing calls to her boyfriend that interrupted practice.

The source, who was connected to the Caesars Palace management team, said: ‘Adele’s been crying and couldn’t get through a single full rehearsal for the past month. 

‘Just constantly on the phone with Rich… loudly shouting and sobbing. She has barely rehearsed because she is constantly in the middle of an emotional shootout.’

The two were also rumored to be experiencing a rough patch in their relationship of six months, but Adele tried to squash it on social media last week.

She confirmed that she would be performing at the upcoming BRITs, and added at the end of her post, ‘Oh, and Rich sends his love’, appearing to dismiss any claims of strife.

Following her Brits performance, Adele is scheduled to appear on The Graham Norton Show on Friday night amid claims she wants to make her career ‘more about the music’.

The Mail on Sunday reported that she plans to ‘go back to basics’ after a high-profile PR campaign to promote her album, 30, including two TV specials.

Ian Wright and Arsenal player Bukayo Saka awarded Dave with the gong in the Hip Hop/Rap/Grime category. 

During his acceptance speech, Dave said he knew he was ‘difficult’ as he thanked his friends for sticking by him. Describing himself as a guy who ‘just really, really loves music’.

In the crowd, Mo chatted to Idris Elba – who admitted he was late to the event and had only just arrived – before revealing something ‘unknown’ about him is that he is a good cook.

Idris, who regularly DJs, said that he relates to Dave as he has no interest in awards and simply just loves music. 

Claro Amfo then awarded Silk Sonic aka Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. with the best International Act. The duo weren’t in the country to receive the accolade, but admitted they were happy to share it – before jokingly wrestling over it.

Mo revealed ‘replacement Mo’ – Sir Mo Farah – would be announcing the prestigious Artist Of The Year Award. Dave, Little Simz, Sam Fender, Ed Sheeran and Adele were all in the running for the award.

Perhaps unsurpisngly, Adele scooped the award in her third outfit of the night, as she joked she had never changed so quickly in her life.

Adele said: ‘In the UK we have so many new young artists. Never loose sight of who you are. People are into you because of something you have in one. I know that the name of this has changed, but I’m really proud of being a female artist. I love being a woman!’

Presenting the penultimate award, Succession’s Brian Cox announced that Ed Sheer was being awarded with Songwriter Of The Year, thanks to his own work and collaborations with others.

Thanking his colleagues and loved ones, Ed said: ‘My wife Cherie at the drop of a hat will come to a secluded studio in the middle of nowhere where we’ll just write song after song, thank you, you’re the best.’

Elsewhere in the crowd, Mo didn’t hold back when he asked Maya about the ‘massive rock’ on her finger. While Maya – who is yet to publicly confirm her engagement to baksetball star Ben Simmons – told him to ‘move on’.

It was a big night for British music, with Adele and Ed Sheeran leading the 2022 BRIT Awards nominations and wins, with an impressive four nods each.

Joining Adele and Ed with four nominations were Little Simz and Dave, who along with Sam Fender, battled it out for the inaugural Artist of the Year award at the ceremony.

The ceremony, in association with Mastercard, saw the most female artists nominated in over a decade, however, they are were outnumbered three to two by male nominees. 

Sam Fender, Central Cee, David Guetta were up for three awards on the night, while Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X were each nominated for two prizes and will go up against Taylor Swift for International Artist of the Year award.

Elsewhere, there were plenty of artist who had been double nominated for the 2022 ceremony including Becky Hill, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Glass Animals, Griff, Joel Corry, Joy Crookes and KSI.

While Little Mix, Måneskin, Raye, Tom Grennan and Wolf Alice were also recognised twice.  

The awards saw contenders battle for artist of the year instead of male solo artist and female solo artist. Best international artist of the year was used in replacement of best international female, or male solo artist. 

Meanwhile, the song of the year prize recognised the featured artists, rather than just the lead artists or named collaborators.

The ceremony also featured four new awards, alternative/rock act; hip hop/grime/rap act; dance act and pop/R’n’B act.

These four new genre awards were up for a public vote on the Tik Tok app, as for the first time in the ceremony’s 45-year history, fans got to decide the outcome. The vote closed at 6pm GMT Thursday February 3, with users able to cast up to ten votes per category, per day.   

The ceremony saw Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Adele, Dave, Little Simz, and this year’s Rising Star award winner, Holly Humberstone, take to the stage for performances.

Doja Cat had also been on the lineup, but was forced to pull out after several members of her crew tested positive for Covid.

She tweeted last week: ‘Unfortunately, due to cases of COVID within my crew, I will no longer be performing at the Brits. ‘It’s simply not safe for us to continue to rehearse together and put each other in harm’s way. I can’t wait to perform for my UK fans as soon as I can. Take care of yourselves.’

The rap star – who received nods for International Artist Of The Year and Best International Song for her SZA collaboration Kiss Me More – herself tested positive for the virus in December.

The Brit Awards 2022 aired on ITV at 8PM live from the 02 Arena in London. 

‘Why couldn’t she do this in Vegas?’ Adele fans left unimpressed as singer performs at BRIT Awards following backlash over cancelling Las Vegas residency 

Adele fans have been left unimpressed as the singer performed at the BRIT Awards on Tuesday just weeks after cancelling her Las Vegas residency.

The star, 33, took to the stage at London‘s O2 Arena and performed I Drink Wine, a track from her latest album 30. 

Her appearance came as she continues to face backlash for leaving fans thousands of pounds out of pocket when she pulled the plug on her Stateside shows with just 24 hours notice. 

Several fans took to social media to react to Adele’s performance at the awards show, with one writing: ‘I wonder if they’re showing this Adele #Brits performance in Las Vegas? Too soon?’

Another said: ‘You playing Vegas now? Band seem OK on the Brits! @Adele’. 

Another fan wrote: ‘So Adele can’t manage her concerts in Vegas, which by the way cost the earth, but she can turn up to the Brits where she’s won awards and is basically headlining the show’.  

One added: ‘No hate to Adele but how can she cancel her Vegas residency and then come and perform at the Brits’. 

Adele did not address criticism over her cancelled Vegas residency during the awards show.  

It was a successful night for the star who took home the Best Song Award for Easy On Me, Album Of The Year for 30 and the Artist Of The Year award.

Along with Adele, there were also performances by Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Liam Gallagher, Dave, Little Simz, and this year’s Rising Star award winner, Holly Humberstone. 

Adele – who has been hiding out at boyfriend Rich Paul’s home in recent weeks – touched down at Heathrow on the weekend and was seen making her way into the airport’s Windsor Suite. 

Rich, 40, was not seen at the airport after the sports agent found himself wrapped up into the controversy over the Vegas residency, which Adele cancelled just a day before she was supposed to begin performing last month.

A source at the rehearsals told Page Six late that the singer often made sobbing calls to her boyfriend that interrupted rehearsals.

‘Adele’s been crying and couldn’t get through a single full rehearsal for the past month,’ said the source, who was connected to the Caesars Palace management team. ‘Just constantly on the phone with Rich… loudly shouting and sobbing.’

They added: ‘She has barely rehearsed because she is constantly in the middle of an emotional shootout.’

The two were also rumored to be experiencing a rough patch in their relationship of six months, but Adele tried to squash it on social media last week.

She confirmed that she would be performing at the BRITs, and added at the end of her post, ‘Oh, and Rich sends his love.’

Amid the furore surrounding her Vegas residency, it’s been claimed that Adele wants to reduce her working commitments and make her career ‘more about her music’ following the cancellation of her Las Vegas shows.

The Mail on Sunday reported that she plans to ‘go back to basics’ after a high-profile PR campaign to promote her album, 30, including two TV specials.Insiders say this explains her decision to appear at the BRITs and on Graham Norton’s chat show this Friday.

 

Source: dailymail