The 1975’s Matty Healy earned widespread praise for addressing patriarchy in the music industry
After taking to the stage to collect the award, the frontman touched on how the music industry and fans view misogynistic artists. Healy highlighted a recent Guardian opinion piece written by journalist Laura Snapes after abuse allegations against Ryan Adams came to light. You can watch the clip below:
.@The1975 collect the BRIT Award for British Group with an important message. #BRITs
Watch The #BRITs 2019 live here: https://t.co/qj4KiENtGs pic.twitter.com/z0wntv09jB
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) February 20, 2019
Quoting a comment made in the article, Healy said: “in music, ‘male misogynist acts are examined for nuance and examined as traits of difficult artists while women and those who call them out are treated as hysterics who don’t understand art.’”
With recent allegations against Ryan Adams coming to light and continuing claims against artists like R Kelly abounding in the music industry, Healy’s comments resonated loudly. With audiences, artists and those working in the industry wanting to see long overdue change in a profession which many feel has long turned a blind eye to its patriarchal and misogynistic treatment of female artists, his comments couldn’t have proved more timely. You can see some of the reaction to the speech below:
idk much abt the 1975 but big respect for this…using Your big moment to highlight the important issues….more people, especially privileged white men who are more likely to be listened to, should have this energy pic.twitter.com/qKLwaGVYLH
— ami ♡ 승관 ☀️ SVT DAESANG (@cutiekwans) February 21, 2019
Powerful moment. It's always inspiring to see artists use their platform/their well-deserved moment – to speak out about things that matter. I knew I loved @the1975 for more than just their music. (also nice work @laurasnapes ) https://t.co/Z4BWOx3kYz
— Tegan and Sara (@teganandsara) February 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/shesthundrstrms/status/1098339634575224832
im so proud of them for using their speech to call out misogyny in the industry. forever making me proud to support such amazing people<3 @the1975 https://t.co/XXIVBWEQDY
— sade🥀 (@silverliniing) February 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/amybarker_/status/1098511862558273537
Oh man https://t.co/wpclnWsVlc
— Laura Snapes (@laurasnapes) February 20, 2019
Beyoncé and Jay Z used their acceptance speech to take aim at the British Media over their treatment of Meghan Markle
In one of the most surprising turns of the evening, Beyoncé and Jay Z delivered an acceptance speech for ‘Best International Group’ for their collaborative project, The Carters, in front of a portrait of Meghan Markle.
In a scene nodding to their video ‘Apeshit’, Beyoncé and Jay Z posed in front of a Mona Lisa-like portrait of Meghan Markle as Queen Victoria, which many believed was aimed squarely at the British Media over their shabby treatment of Markle in the press.
Taking to Instagram later in the day, Beyoncé elaborated further, saying: “In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas. Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy.” You can see the posts and watch the video acceptance speech below:
I love how Beyoncé in particular is very aware of what’s going on in the media and how she makes powerful statements so subtly. They knew exactly what they were doing by having Meghan Markle as Mona Lisa and I’m 1000% here for it.
— FENDI WILLIAMS (@THECLASSICMANNY) February 20, 2019
Listen yeah, do you even UNDERSTAND how important Beyoncé’s and Jay’s statement was?They snubbed the Grammy’s yet filmed something for the Brits to honour Meghan Markle as an act of solidarity as she faces the most blatant misogynoir.
— #YellowCupPodcast (@TobiRachel_) February 20, 2019
Well played @Beyonce & @S_C_ 😂
Watch The #BRITs 2019 live here: https://t.co/qj4KiENtGs pic.twitter.com/rGnmq0RUlr
— BRIT Awards (@BRITs) February 20, 2019
Only Beyoncé and Jay-Z have the audacity to uplift and affirm their black sister, Meghan Markle, a target of anti-black denigration and abuse from the British press, at the #BRITs. Boss.
— Shaz (@ShazSherazi) February 20, 2019
Beyonce want the hive to protect Meghan. We got it Queen
— DasiaBeinfab 💋 (@morris_dasia) February 20, 2019
Jack Whitehall managed to offend lots of people with his remarks about Little Mix
BRIT Awards host Jack Whitehall was criticised for being “disrespectful” after making an inappropriate joke about Little Mix last night, in a comment that was a world away from the progressive nature of Healy’s acceptance speech moments earlier. If anything, Whitehall’s comments proved just why Healy’s speech was needed.
After the pop group’s critically-acclaimed performance of ‘Woman Like Me’, Whitehall quipped: “Dads up and down the country are awkwardly fumbling for a scatter cushion right now.” While his comments seemingly received a warm reception inside The O2 Arena, the reaction among viewers elsewhere was altogether more divided, as you can see below. Many fans also took to social media to point out how few awards Little Mix have won over the years, compared to some of their “less successful” male counterparts.
that joke Jack Whitehall made about dads across the country hiding their hard on’s from watching Little Mix’s set just after Matty from the 1975 had addressed misogyny in the music industry is literally disgusting.
— ryan (@ryanharrry) February 20, 2019
Thank god that's over! That was torture to watch, and Jake Whitehall was not funny, at all. His comments towards Little Mix and Shaun Mendes were quite honestly disgusting. I don't find 'jokes' sexualising people funny. #BRITs #BRITS2019
— B (@Louinghaz) February 20, 2019
Wow Jack Whitehall’s hosting of the Brits is dull, unfunny and painful to watch. And his joke about dads, scatter cushions and Little Mix? 😬 Cringeworthy. Had to switch off.
— Shelley Blond (@BlondShelley) February 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/HeheJemima/status/1098323593702883328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1098323593702883328&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fnews%2Fmusic%2Fbrit-awards-host-jack-whitehall-criticised-disrespectful-little-mix-joke-2451564
Just goes to show the society we live in and why we need feminism: You have The 1975 trying to address misogyny in the music industry and then Jack Whitehall joking about dads hiding their hard-on after Little Mix perform… #BRITs
— Scarlett India (@scarlett__india) February 20, 2019
There were claims of a ‘fix’ after The 1975 were accidentally revealed as winners… before the awards had been given out
The BRIT Awards were also accused of being fixed last night, after an advert accidentally revealed the results of two awards before the glittering ceremony had even begun. Viewers were left confused after watching an advert on UKTV that hailed The 1975’s victories some two hours before the ceremony began.
The celebratory advert reportedly described the group as “BRIT Winners” and mentioned their wins for ‘Best British Group’ and ‘British Album Of The Year’ – two prizes that the acclaimed band went on to secure. The gaffe was noticed by radio producer Kieran Thomson, who wrote on Twitter: “An advert on UKTV Play just said The 1975 won Best British Group and British Album of the Year at this year’s BRIT Awards… which aren’t for a few hours?”
Sharing the clip, Kieran said: “Here be the evidence. That’s either a massive marketing cock-up or management for The 1975 somehow knew already… Anyway BRITs fans, spoiler alert, The 1975 win things.” Later on, it was revealed Polydor had told ITV News that ‘”multiple ads were created to cover each eventuality on the evening. Unfortunately due to human error, the wrong ad was sent to one of the broadcasters.” You can see more of the reaction here:
Here be the evidence. That’s either a massive marketing cock-up or management for The 1975 somehow knew already… anyway #BRITs fans, spoiler alert, The 1975 win things. pic.twitter.com/teYTmW9Q09
— Kieren Thomson (@Kierenisboring) February 20, 2019
Following a "spoiler" ad going out in error before last night's #Brits, @The1975's label Polydor has told @itvnews that "multiple ads were created to cover each eventuality on the evening. Unfortunately due to human error, the wrong ad was sent to one of the broadcasters"
— Faye Barker (@FayeBarker) February 21, 2019
the fact that there’s an advert showing that the 1975 won the award for best album before the winners were even announced shows that this award show is a fucking fix
— brooklyn (@rockabyegirI) February 20, 2019
— prettykindadirtyface🌌 (@G__Winthorpe) February 20, 2019
I’m screaming lmfao how could someone mess this up
— ari 🎭 (@nottabat) February 20, 2019
People were won over by P!nk winning the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award…after some earlier scepticism
P!nk’s award for ‘Outstanding Contribution’ to music initially raised a few eyebrows after the announcement earlier this year. However, on the night, social media reacted warmly as she picked up the gong – the first international artist to do so – something helped too by her vibrant, energetic performance widely praised by both fans and artists on the night. Her performance also featured a touching collaboration with Dan from Bastille.
https://twitter.com/DUALIPA/status/1098597195056599053
Uhm okay so @Pink just sang the chorus of The Lion’s Roar back to us. We’re in awe. We grew up listening to her, she was such a hero to us. #BRITs❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/x1dw5Ctntx
— First Aid Kit (@FirstAidKitBand) February 21, 2019
Raise your hands if you think @Pink is a total legend 🙋♀️🙋♂️#BRITS2019 pic.twitter.com/CkYFlBISBZ
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) February 20, 2019
LOVE U @Pink ❤️ https://t.co/Sa35HxOlpg
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) February 20, 2019
@Pink performance at the @BRITs tonight was incredible💕 What an incredible, inspirational woman pink is❤️ pic.twitter.com/33Wo7thE4X
— Tiffany (@TiffD21) February 20, 2019
the power that @Pink has, the intelligence that P!nk has, the clearance that P!nk has, the access that P!nk has, the influence that P!nk has, the profile that P!nk has, the international implications that P!nk has pic.twitter.com/XgMDTa1wvW
— DAN!EL (@dancinintrauma) February 21, 2019
Dan & Pink backstage at the #BRITs (© BRITs) pic.twitter.com/jvQ0HQyAKS
— Bastille France (@BastilleFR) February 20, 2019
Jess Glynne and HER’s performance split viewers…
On a night that saw one of the most progressive moments in music for years as The 1975 called out patriarchal norms in the music industry during their acceptance speech, Jess Gynne and HER’s performance felt to some like a strange step backwards. At worst a faux feminism cash-in, at best a bit cringeworthy, it saw Glynne, HER and 70 other women (including Glynne’s mum) taking their make up off on stage soundtracked by her song, ‘Thursday’.
According to Glynne, the moment was a symbolic one – a “gesture to remind ourselves and everyone else that it’s OK and we are enough as we are. I hope this moment can hep enforce that no woman is alone.” It may have been well-meaning, but the performance seemed to trade off the one thing it was purporting to prevent: capitalising on how women feel insecure about their looks. Later on, the brand of make up wipes being used Tweeted the moment – adding to the strange feeling of exploitation it generated. However, some did find the performance a powerful one, leading to a mixed bag of reactions overall:
Our product just casually being used by Jess Glynne during her Brits performance! OMG! https://t.co/bTix4bNXKv
— Chloe (@ChloeMorello) February 20, 2019
Fair play to Jess Glynne for being able to remove her make up whilst still singing and putting on a performance. #BRITS2019
— Nicole Appleby-McIvor (@Nicole_W93) February 20, 2019
Great concept for Jess Glynne’s performance but HER wasn’t taking her make up off, so… haha #BRITs
— Lee Cee (@lee_cee_) February 20, 2019
OK, am I missing something? Good sentiment, but – It's powerful and inspirational to put make up on then take it off on stage? Surely it'd be a more powerful message to not wear it in the first place and then say "this is who I am." https://t.co/pmTlRfekRP #JessGlynne #Brits2019
— Wendy K (@wendy0) February 21, 2019
Jess glynne Removing her make up is so powerful and Symbolic. Ladies we are all perfect as we are 💜 #THEBRITS
— 𝐂𝐉 ♡ (@heyitschloejade) February 20, 2019
There were some notable acts missing on the night…
Many people have pointed out that The BRITs failed to attract several key international artists to the event last night. A lack of grime acts performing on the night spoke volumes too, as did feeling that the BRIT’s missed a trick in not inviting performances from artists such as Christine and The Queens – known for her stunning live gigs – in a year that saw her achieve one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year.
As NME wrote in a five-star review last year, “Christine and the Queens is clearly striving to be a similar sort of chameleon-like artist, riveted on challenging both herself and her audience. On the evidence of ‘Chris’ – a deft and bogglingly-intelligent record, which somehow sounds blissfully effortless too – she’s earned her own place in the pop icon history books.”
Despite another strong year for grime, music lovers at home were unimpressed with the lack of representation for the genre.
@BRITs why no Christine and the Queens, or Jack Savoretti?
— Independentdolphinorganisation (@Independentdol1) February 21, 2019
No hip hop or grime category at the @BRITs ? pic.twitter.com/FR197ULQ8s
— Marianne Sunshine (@MissMSunshine_) February 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/MchlFssng/status/1098378010368110593
I’m on the voting panel. The breakthrough act and single act had tons of grime artists. We had about 20 artists to select from in breakthrough alone. I voted for 5 black artists all picked by my daughter – the grime fiend. Don’t know how none of them made it through. Ridiculous.
— Caroline Hirons (@CarolineHirons) February 21, 2019
Not impressed with the Brits…where is the acknowledgement of uk grime/rap? Dave? Fredo? Stefflon Don? 🤔 #BRITS2019
— Jemma Miah (@JemmaMiah) February 20, 2019
I wish the #BRITs would acknowledge the current rap/grime scene abit more instead of all these top 40 chart artists.
— sidika 🦋 (@siddd_) February 20, 2019
The mocking of Fyre Festival went down well with viewers…
Not all of Jack Whitehall’s gags offended – his jibe at the failed Fyre Festival at the start of the evening was a highlight with viewers at home and those inside the O2 Arena. The festival, which was an example of exactly how to never, ever, organise a music festival, was the subject of a popular Netflix documentary earlier this year.
Held on a private Bahamian island, the festival had the endorsement of multiple social media stars but it was, in no uncertain terms, a colossal scam. Attendees ended up on an over-crowded piece of land with no food, collapsing tents, soaking wet beds and erm, no bands. Whitehall’s takedown of the festival at the opening was a joyous highlight.
.@jackwhitehall dragging Fyre Festival 0.3 seconds into the #BRITs is the content we all deserve. 😭 pic.twitter.com/IeUffmvDzS
— Capital XTRA (@CapitalXTRA) February 20, 2019
lmao @ the Fyre reference. Very good. #BRITs
— Stephy (@StephanieYeboah) February 20, 2019
🤣@jackwhitehall opens the #BRITS2019 with a mock #FyreFestival skit 🤣 pic.twitter.com/A4rLLx5Fff
— BBC Newsbeat (@BBCNewsbeat) February 20, 2019
Strong Fyre Festival opening from the Brits 😫💀 already loving Jack #BRITAwards
— Stephanie Soteriou 🛸 (@StephanieRiou) February 20, 2019
LOL to that #BRITS2019 opening 😂😂😂 #brytfestival
— Laura Oakes (@lauraoakesmusic) February 20, 2019
There was another Glastonbury attendee confirmed… and Lizzo fans loved it
Lizzo confirmed herself to perform at Glastonbury 2019 as you can see in the video below. Speaking to NME on the red carpet of the awards, the singer and rapper was celebrating her whirlwind 12 months off the back of the huge success of single ‘Juice’ and upcoming album ‘Cuz I Love You’. “I knew that my juice was an international banger, but now the world knows it,” she joked.
Asked about her plans for 2019, Lizzo told NME: “I just have a shit tonne of shows and festivals. I’m coming back to London and Manchester. I’m doing Lovebox Festival and Glastonbury but I don’t think that’s announced so, whatever – you just got the scoop, bitch.” The reaction to the news proved popular:
https://twitter.com/hairymonkeyrus1/status/1098580502569799682
Amazing news to wake up to that @lizzo has self confirmed for Glastonbury 😍🔥♥️
— Hannah (@hannahcarbis) February 21, 2019
Fuck Yeah!!
(I actually asked on her insta earlier today if she’d be there!) > RT @TheGlastoThingy: Lizzo self confirms for Glastonbury. https://t.co/uPSTNvcqh7— rosscoe (@rossalloyd) February 20, 2019
Was Lizzo supposed to announce that she is going to Glastonbury or did she just do it anyway, love that
— eloise (@richgirlmood) February 20, 2019
Other talking points…
Ed Sheeran winning Global Success Award for a second year running despite not having an album released in 2018 was a depressing low, highlighting how UK acts are continuing to dwindle in their international significance. Wins for Ariana Grande and George Ezra proved popular at least, with both receiving much acclaim from fans and artists alike. Hugh Jackman’s performance felt like a strange addition to the bill, it feeling like nothing more than a publicity stunt for his upcoming Greatest Showman tour.
Meanwhile, Calvin Harris’ double win felt long overdue – especially after a mammoth fourteen nominations. It was refreshing to see a better balance of female artists both in attendance and winning awards – but the BAME nominations and attendees was again low in comparison, proving once again that work is needed to ensure equality and representation at all our awards ceremonies.
