We've had a fifteen month wait, but the Brits are back this evening – and with a live audience! The O2 Arena is hosting the event and will have a crowd of around 4,000 people, as it is part of the Government's research into how crowds can safely gather again as we (hopefully) continue to move on from the pandemic. Just over half of the attendees will be key workers (because they deserve all the things right now) and their plus ones. Those going will not have to wear masks or socially distance, but they will have to have a negative lateral flow test before entry, and will have to take a test to help with the research, after the event. Live audiences, and live performances, who'd have thought!
The event is normally held in February hence the fifteen month wait. Here's everything you need to know about the awards ceremony.
Where can you watch it?
Always a good place to start, isn't it. You can watch it on ITV and ITV Hub from 20:00 tonight (Tuesday May 11). For reactions, rebellions, outrage, joy, and more, we'd also suggest keeping an eye on the #BRITs hashtag on Twitter during the event.
You said performances?
Yup! Those in attendance (and watching on TV) will be able to watch live performances from Coldplay (though they're going to be on a podium on the River Thames, The Weekend, P!nk, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa and more.
Anything else?
Yes actually, the trophies. This year there's two per winner for the first time in its history. The idea behind this is that the winner can give the second trophy to someone of their choice. An act of kindness, thinking of others again. It's a nice touch. Additionally, there's a few new rules that have helped make the nominations a little more exciting. You don't need an album out now to win the Best Male and Best Female categories, which is good news for Joel Corry. Also artists are now eligible for British awards if they've lived in the UK for five consecutive years, such as (and largely thanks to) Rina Sawayama, who has been nominated for a Rising Star award.
Lovely. Who else has been nominated?
Loads of people. Actually, there's already some winners: Taylor Swift (heard of her?) she's become the first woman to win the Global Icon award in the BRITs 43 year history. Iconic. Griff has also one the Rising Star award.
Of the nominees, Dua Lipa, Celeste, Arlo Parks, Joel Corry, and Young T & Bugsey have the potential to win the most awards on the night, with nominations in three categories. AJ Tracey and Headie One also have three nominations each, but across two categories. Here's the full list:
International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift
British Female Solo Artist
Arlo Parks
Celeste
Dua Lipa
Jessie Ware
Lianne La Havas
International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Childish Gambino
Tame Impala
The Weeknd
Best British Album
Arlo Parks, Collapsed In Sunbeams
Celeste, Not Your Muse
Dua Lipa, Future Nostalgia
J Hus, Big Conspiracy
Jessie Ware, What's Your Pleasure?
British Male Solo Artist
AJ Tracey
Headie One
J Hus
Joel Corry
Yungblud
British Breakthrough Artist
Arlo Parks
Bicep
Celeste
Joel Corry
Young T & Bugsey
Best British Single
220 Kid & GRACEY - Don't Need Love
Aitch & AJ Tracey feat. Tay Keith - Rain
Dua Lipa - Physical
Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar
Headie One feat. AJ Tracey and Stormzy - Ain't It Different
Joel Corry feat. MNEK - Head & Heart
Nathan Dawe feat. KSI - Lighter
Regard & RAYE - Secrets
S1MBA feat. DTG - Rover
Young T & Bugsey feat. Headie One - Don't Rush
Best British Group
Bicep
Biffy Clyro
Little Mix
The 1975
Young T & Bugsey
International Group
BTS
Fontaines DC
Foo Fighters
Haim
Run The Jewels
Rising Star
Griff
Pa Salieu
Rina Sawayama
Wondering when you'll next go to a gig in London?
Get in the mood by reliving the top 10 Brit Awards showdowns