Men dominate ‘gender-free’ Brits
ORGANISERS of next year’s Brit Awards last night heralded the ‘most female artists nominated in over a decade’ – but failed to admit that female acts account for less than a third of contenders.
The latest headache came after bosses of the music awards – due to be handed out in a glitzy ceremony at the O2 Arena in London in February – sparked controversy with their decision to make them gender-neutral.
The list of nominations in 13 categories – unveiled in a TV special presented by Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo and presenter Maya Jama on ITV last night – features 14 female acts, including the all-women band Little Mix, and 29 males or all-male groups. The figures do not include bands that have both male and female members.
A press release issued ahead of the announcement boasted of the number of female artists. Superstar Adele is shortlisted for four awards – genderneutral artist of the year, song of the year for Easy On Me, best album and best pop and R&B musician. Dua Lipa has two nominations – for best pop and R&B act – and song of the year for Cold Heart with Sir Elton John.
Ed Sheeran and Dave also appear on the shortlists for four awards while Sam Fender, Central Cee and David Guetta have been nominated for three. Other women on the shortlists include Billie Eilish, who is up for two awards, Taylor Swift for international artist, and newcomer Little Simz, a British-Nigerian rapper. Swedish superstars Abba, who last month released their first album of new material in 40 years and who recently received their first ever Grammy nomination, have been nominated for International Group at the Brits.
The winner of the Brits rising star award is Holly Humberstone, a 22-year-old singer-songwriter from Lincolnshire.
Critics say that despite the announcement last month that male and female categories were being scrapped, there has not been a female host since 2009 when Kylie Minogue co-presented with Gavin and Stacey duo James Corden and Mathew Horne.