39th annual Brit Awards

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39th annual Brit Awards Posted On 18 February 2019

‘The Greatest Showman’ to open 39th annual Brit awards

This year’s Brits, held on 20th February at the 02 Arena in London, will kick off in show-stopping style when Hugh Jackman takes to the stage and gives an exclusive sneak peek of what to expect from his upcoming world tour, ‘The man, the music, the show’.

Jack Whitehall returns as host for the second year running. However, last year’s big winner, Stormzy, isn’t nominated. In 2018 he stole the show when he verbally attacked Theresa May in a furious freestyle rap about the Grenfell tragedy. This year’s headliner is the more laid-back Calvin Harris, who will close the show with a collaborative performance with Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Rag’n’Bone man.

There are eleven awards up for grabs. Dua Lipa, last year’s double winner, has four nominations, as does Anne-Marie. George Ezra has three nominations, and Calvin Harris, The 1975, Little Mix, Tom Walker, Jess Glynne, Rita Ora, Clean Bandit, Florence and the Machine and Rudimental all have two nominations each. Pink has already been announced as the first ever international artist to be awarded the ‘Outstanding contribution to music award’ but who are the favourites to win this year’s top awards?

Best British Male

George Ezra had one of the hits of the summer with the platinum-selling single, ‘Shotgun’, and a number one album with ‘Staying at Tamara’s’. His instantly recognisable voice and unique song-writing skills make him the favourite for Best British Male this year.

Best British Group

Seven-time winners Arctic Monkeys have pivoted and changed direction once again. Their latest album, ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino’, was released last May and moved away from the scruffy anthems they’re known for. Divisive when released, it has now been called ‘visionary’, by Pitchfork, Billboard and Gigwise. A band that continues to change with the times, and with a brand new, grown-up sound that may help win them the award.

Best British Single

Headliner Calvin Harris had a summer smash with, ‘One Kiss’, featuring fellow nominee Dua Lipa. The catchy and effortlessly hip best-selling single of the year was number one for eight weeks. In a strong category, up against the likes of Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie and Tom Walker, ‘One Kiss’, should guarantee Calvin and Dua end up with at least one award on the night.

International Female

Ariana Grande already has three MTV EMA’s, a Grammy and was voted Billboards ‘Woman of the year’ in 2018. Her 2019 album ‘Thank U, Next’, debuted at number one earlier in February and features the massive hit ‘7 rings’. The 25-year-old Florida darling has a massive following on social media and supports countless charities. Her popularity is bound to shine through on the night.

The BRITS will be broadcast live on ITV this Wednesday from 8pm.