The BRIT awards is back and is set to be one of their best award shows since it first aired in 1977.
The BRIT awards have always been one of the most anticipated events in the national music industries annual calendar. Previously, the organisation has been criticised for dragging their heals when it comes to progressing alongside the industry. Especially when it comes to gender equality, sub genre representation as well as their voting policies (which were previously dominated by, usually male, industry professionals.)
However, in recent years the BRITS, (set up by the British Phonographic Industry) have reconsidered their decisions surrounding the event, in light of more modern cultural music movements. New Chair, and Polydor Co-President, Tom March seems to be behind these movements and fans of the show have received his ideas with appreciation. Such as the removal of gendered categories, a decision to be taken forward into this year’s 2022 BRITS which will see the removal of categories such as “British Male Solo Artist” and “British Female Solo Artist” being replaced by more inclusive categories such as “Artist Of The Year” and “Album Of The Year”.
Another huge change we’re seeing this year is the introduction of a public voting system via Tik Tok, where the decision for four new categories will be in the hands of fans and the general public. The categories include Dance Act, Alternative/Rock Act, Pop/R&B Act, and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act. Voters will be free to access the ‘BRIT hub’ specialised voting platform via the organisations Tik Tok on January the 20th and will be free to cast their votes until the 3rd of February.
Not to mention this year is set to be the most inclusive BRIT awards we possibly have ever seen, with there being more female artists on the shortlist of nominees than we have encountered in more than a decade. Not only this, the show will also be hosted by newcomer Mo Gilligan as previous presenter, and fellow comedian, Jack Whitehall has stepped away from the role. Gilligan will be presenting alongside radio regulars Maya Jama and Clara Amfo who will be presenting ‘The BRITs Are Coming nominations’ show and The BRITs 2022 red carpet.
⚡️ @MoTheComedian is your #BRITs 2022 host // Dream duo @MayaJama and Clara Amfo will be taking on presenting duties for The BRITs Are Coming nominations show + The BRITs 2022 red carpet pic.twitter.com/EjTlJ9qB9v
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) November 22, 2021
These new changes are courtesy of Tom March who has overseen the long overdue revamp of the awards. He states “It is important that The BRITs continue to evolve and aim to be as inclusive as possible. It feels completely the right time to celebrate the achievements of artists for the music that they create, and the work that they do, irrespective of gender. I’m really excited to launch four new genre awards, which create even more opportunities for artists to be acknowledged for the brilliant music they create and produce, and give music fans the chance to get involved and vote to support their artists and help them to win a BRIT. The 2022 show is shaping up really well, Mo is going to be an excellent host and I am thankful to him along with Clara and Maya for being part of this year’s BRITs.” Via the BRIT website here.
The star spangled line up of performances will see some of the UK’s most influential artists of the past few years with performances from Anne-Marie, Glass Animals, Mimi Webb and Joel Corry & Gracey.
