Brit tribute to lost stars
THE Brit Awards recognised big international stars including Drake and Beyonce and a cross-section of homegrown talent — but the ceremony was overshadowed by the much-missed David Bowie and George Michael.
Bowie, who died in January 2016 at age 69, was crowned British male artist of the year and won British album of the year for Blackstar, released days before his death.
Bowie’s son, filmmaker Duncan Jones, accepted the best album award on behalf of his father. As well as rewarding Bowie, the show paid tribute to one of the music industry’s many losses of 2016 — George Michael, who died on Christmas Day aged 53.
His Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said that with Michael’s death, “a supernova in a firmament of shining stars has been extinguished”.
The flashy show at London‘s O2 Arena opened with girl group Little Mix giving a thunderous performance of Shout Out to My Ex. The song went on to be named British single of the year. Emeli Sande was named female British artist of the year, while Manchester indie pop group The 1975 won the trophy for best British band.
Drake was named international male solo artist, while Beyonce took the international female prize.
Adele, who took four Grammys last week, was not up for many Brits because her album 25 was eligible last year, and won four Brits. She won this year’s Global Success award for international sales.
Robbie Williams, former member of boy band Take That turned adult pop hitmaker, was given the Brits Icon award.