BRIT Awards 2022: Best Bits

Last year, as with so many big events, the BRIT Awards went ahead in a curtailed form, with a small live audience comprised of key workers gathered at the far later-than-usual date of May as part of a pilot scheme for large events during the pandemic. It was far from business as usual, which is why this year’s event was such a big deal.

The 2022 BRITs, held last night at London’s O2 Arena, was a proper awards extravaganza where the best of British talent and some international favourites congregated for a celebration shot through with the relief of all being able to gather in a room together once more. It was a night where the old guard and the newest crop of rising stars mixed freely together. The awards were gender-neutral for the first time ever, with some voted by the traditional Voting Academy and some by fans (including via TikTok). Something for every generation.

To help you sift through all the awards craziness, here’s our round-up of some of the biggest moments from British music’s big night.

Adele, Adele, Adele

True, the BRITs were a feast of British music in all its variety. But, more specifically, it was also a feast of Adele. Having dropped her naturally bestselling ’30’ album late last year, the mega-famous star enjoyed a night to remember by scooping up all three awards for which she was nominated – Mastercard Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Easy on Me”. To cap it off, she belted out her song “I Drink Wine” in a live performance – her first since having to cancel her Las Vegas residency. See you next time, yeah?

All Sweet, No Sour for Olivia Rodrigo

Fresh from conquering America, Olivia Rodrigo made inroads into the UK by picking up International Song of the Year for her single “Good 4 U”, which also happened to be the UK’s best-selling international song of last year anyhow. Even better, she fulfilled every 90s-horror nerd dream by receiving the word from Courteney Cox of Scream fame. That’s absolutely her aesthetic, to be fair.

Little Simz Keeps It In The Family

It was a banner night for Little Simz, who beat heavy competition such as Central Cee and Self Esteem for the prestigious title of Best New Artist. She accepted the award, adorably, with the assistance of her mum, whom she thanked for the award while they were both on stage together. Simz also suited up to perform “Introvert” and “Woman” from her latest album on stage.

Becky Hill Dances It Up

It’s been a while. The BRITs put the Best Dance Act category on ice in 2004, when Basement Jaxx picked up the award. After 18 years, the category is finally back, and its return was marked by a big win for hitmaker Becky Hill, who first shot to fame on The Voice in 2012. Naturally, it was an emotional moment for Hill, who accepted the award with a tearful and emotional speech.

Sam Fender Reps The North East

The UK’s very own Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender has always been proud of his Newcastle origins. It was only fitting, then, that he accepted his award for Best Alternative/Rock Act by dedicating it partly to the North East Homeless centre, whose work confronts issues of poverty and inequality. He also brought the house down with a performance of his song “Seventeen Going Under”. Next, he’s going to turn his award into a bar tap at his local pub, which is probably one of the best uses for an award ever.

Holly Humberstone’s Star Keeps Rising

Holly Humberstone’s profile just keeps getting bigger – in fact, she’s slated to tour as a support act for Olivia Rodrigo later this year. There’s no better mark of her success than her victory in the Rising Star category, which she capped off with a moving performance of her latest single “London is Lonely”.

Dave Shoots Fire

Perhaps we’re biased. True, the final performance of the night was always going to be a big stunt. Still, it’s hard to imagine a better finish than Dave’s performance of “In the Fire”, which closed a night where the rapper picked up Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act from Arsenal legends Bukayo Saka and Ian Wright. Dave brought in a whole coterie of guest performers on the epic rendition including Giggs, Ghetts, Meekz and Fredo, and finished it off with an electric guitar solo that shot actual fire. Flame emojis!

The BACARDÍ Rum x Manny Norté Move Good After Party Hosted by iAME

Of course, the festivities didn’t end with the ceremony. With the Brits being one of the biggest nights in showbiz, stars were seen partying on till the early hours of the morning all over the Capital. Giggs, Kano, Wes Nelson, Jack Fowler and Aitch were all in attendance at the BACARDÍ Rum x Manny Norté Move Good After Party hosted by iAME. The VIPs enjoyed a selection of classic BACARDÍ cocktails such as the Sip ‘N’ Step, the 4am and The Manny.