Nominations for the 2023 BRIT awards were announced on Thursday 12^th January with some of our favourite artists, such as Wet Leg, Rina Sawayama, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Charli XCX, and Dua Lipa, all up for awards. However, many music fans and artists alike were disappointed and puzzled that the nominations in the Artist of the Year category included only male artists. Here’s the lowdown on all the deets you need to know and our take on the failures of the award show.  

Back in 2021, the BRITS removed the gender limitations from their awards replacing them with ‘best artist’ in response to the complaints that non-binary singer Sam Smith was not eligible to win the award because of their gender. Although the BRITs had appeared to change for the better to allow more inclusivity the awards have struck up controversy this year by having not a single female or non-binary artist nominated for the Artist of the Year. To qualify for the award, an artist must have one Top 40 album or two Top 20 singles from the period of the 10^th December 2021 to the 9^th December 2022. This means that hyperpop sensation Charli XCX, the ethereal Florence + the Machine, shinning electro artist Shygirl, indie singer Beabadoobee, dance royalty Becky Hill, and alt-pop hero Rina Sawayama, were all eligible for the award but were absurdly overlooked. A spokesperson for the awards said, “While it’s disappointing there are no [female artist] nominations in the Artist of the Year category, we also have to recognise that 2022 saw fewer high-profile women artists in cycle with major releases as was the case in 2021”. Out of the 70 artists that were eligible for the prize only 12 were female – a very concerningly low figure. We think it’s not good enough – the industry needs to reform to allow more space for non-binary and female artists.

The BRIT awards will be held on Saturday 11^th February at the O2 Arena in London (marking the first ever weekend the awards have been hosted on) and be broadcasted on ITV1 and ITVX at 8 pm GMT. Hosting for the second year in a row will be British stand-up comedian Mo Gilligan who revealed he’d be donating his fee for the night to Five X More, a charity whose aim is to improve Black women and birthing people’s maternal health outcomes in the UK.

The show will feature live performances from huge names such as Harry Styles, Wet Leg, Sam Smith, and Kim Petras. Harry Styles and Wet Leg both tie for the most nominations with an impressive four each.

The winners of the 12 different categories, celebrating Best New Artist to Song of the Year, will be announced on the night. This year’s winner of the Rising Stars Award has already been announced with our favourite new girl group FLO taking home the prize. FLO makes history as the first group to ever win the award. They said that winning is, “truly a dream come true. We feel so empowered creating the music we love and we hope others feel that too.”. Previously winners of the award have gone on to be household names such as Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, Adele, Ellie Goulding, Jessie J, and Jorja Smith.

In 1977 the first BRIT awards were and in 1982 the awards originated as an annual event. Over the years the BRITs have been responsible for some iconic moments in pop culture including the final public appearance of Freddie Mercury, Jarvis Cocker protesting Michael Jackson’s Christ-like attitude by showing his rear end, televising the feud between Blur and Oasis, and of course Spice Girl’s Gerri Halliwell’s famous Union Jack dress. The ceremony once was infamous for hosting surprising antics and presenting the public with a sneak peek into the chaos of British celebdom for an evening. Now the awards have been criticised as having lost its edge as The Independent said it, “evolved into a more polished, sanitised affair”.

Here is the full list of nominations below:

Song of the Year

• ‘Baby’ – Aitch and Ashanti
• ‘Go’ – Cat Burns
• ‘Starlight’ – DAVE
• ‘Merry Christmas’ – Ed Sheeran & Elton John
• B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All) – Eliza Rose/ Interplanetary Criminal
• ‘Green Green Grass’ – George Ezra
• ‘As It Was’ – Harry Styles
• ‘Forget Me’ – Lewis Capaldi
• ‘Afraid to Feel’ – LF System
• ‘Unholy’ – Sam Smith & Kim Petras

Mastercard Album of the Year

• The 1975 – Being Funny In A Foreign Language
• Wet Leg – Wet Leg
• Harry Styles – Harry’s House
• Stormzy – This Is What I Mean
• Fred Again.. – Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022)

Artist of the Year

• Central Cee
• Fred Again..
• George Ezra
• Harry Styles
• Stormzy

Group of the Year

• The 1975
• Arctic Monkeys
• Bad Boy Chiller Crew
• Nova Twins
• Wet Leg

Best New Artist

• Kojey Radical
• Mimi Webb
• Rina Sawayama
• Sam Ryder
• Wet Leg

International Artist of the Year

• Beyoncé
• Burna Boy
• Kendrick Lamar
• Lizzo
• Taylor Swift

International Song of the Year

• Beyoncé – Break My Soul
• David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue)
• Fireboy DML & Ed Sheeran – Peru
• From the Encanto soundtrack – We Don’t Talk About Bruno
• Gayle – abcdefu
• Jack Harlow – First Class
• Lizzo – About Damn Time
• Lost Frequencies & Calum Scott – Where Are You Now
• OneRepublic – I Ain’t Worried
• Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero

International Group of the Year

• Blackpink
• Drake & 21 Savage
• First Aid Kit
• Fontaines D.C.
• Gabriels

Best Dance Acts of the Year

• Becky Hill
• Bonobo
• Calvin Harris
• Eliza Rose
• Fred Again..

Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act

• Aitch
• Central Cee
• Dave
• Loyle Carner
• Stormzy

Best Pop/R&B Act

• Cat Burns
• Charli XCX
• Dua Lipa
• Harry Styles
• Sam Smith

Best Rock/Alternative Act

• The 1975
• Arctic Monkeys
• Nova Twins
• Tom Grennan
• Wet Leg

Words By: Molly Sutherland

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Award categories announced alongside nominees include Designer of the Year, Model of the Year, Independent British Brand and the BFC Foundation Award, the winners of which will be slowly unveiled throughout the night. Over 1000 international figureheads of fashion were called on to vote for this year’s accolades, defining the final pool of nominees, winners and leaders of change.  

The nominees for The Fashion Awards 2022 are… 

Designer of the year 

Recognised as a British or international designer whose innovative collections have made a notable impact on the industry, defining the shape of global fashion 

Demna for Balenciaga

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & LOEWE

Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta

Miuccia Prada Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino 

Model of the year 

Recognises the global impact of a model who over the last 12 months has dominated the industry, with an influence that transcends the catwalk.  

Adut Akech

Bella Hadid

Lila Moss

Paloma Elsesser

Quannah Chasinghorse 

Independent British Brand 

Recognises a British designer who, while running an independent business over the last 12 months, has had a notable impact on the industry by optimising what creativity and innovation really mean. 

Bianca Saunders

Erdem

JW Anderson

Molly Goddard

Wales Bonner 

BFC Foundation Award 

Recognises an emerging designer, from those receiving support from the BFC Foundation in this year, who over the last 12 months has had a major creative impact on global fashion. This includes the NEWGEN recipients, the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund winner and shortlist, the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund winner and shortlist and the BFC Fashion Trust recipients. 

Ahluwalia Chopova

Lowena

Nensi Dojaka

S.S.DALEY

Wales Bonner 

Chief executive of the British Fashion Council, Caroline Rush, commented: “I would like to congratulate all the nominees of The Fashion Awards 2022. Each one of them contributes a remarkable amount towards creating an industry that promotes self-expression and individuality, perpetuates joy and optimism and pioneers in innovation and positive change. I look forward to celebrating the incredible work of our nominees, Leaders of Change, Award winners and the wider industry on 5th December.” 

The 2022 accolades are also set to include fifteen ‘Leaders of change’ including designers, brands, creatives, and individuals who have legitimately implemented positive change within the industry in the past year. Those chosen will have made a positive change in three main sectors including environment, people and creativity and will be revealed throughout the live show.  

Other awards set to be included are the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator and Outstanding Achievement Award. For his work empowering youth through creativity and creating countless opportunities for next generation creatives, Jefferson Hack will receive a Special Recognition Award for Cultural Curation. In addition to this, as part of the NEW WAVE: Creatives program, 50 of the most innovative and inspiring young creative talent from around the world will also be recognised at the event.  

The Fashion Awards raises funds for the BFC Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1185152) which lead to support growth and success for the future of the British Fashion Industry by focusing on Talent, Education, grant-giving, business mentoring and aims to improve both opportunity and equality within the fashion industry to keep it diverse and open to all, helping talented designers at all stages of their career from school level through to becoming a global fashion brand. In the financial year 2021/2022 alone, the BFC awarded over £1.3m in funds to designers and scholars. 

The Fashion Awards could of course not happen without the help of partners, suppliers and supporters including Diet Coke, Getty Images, Moët & Chandon and Royal Salute, so we acknowledge their ongoing support. General tickets for The Fashion Awards 2022 can be found here.

Words by Giuliana Zamudio-Lopez

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The night was marked by exceptional performances from artists like Lil Wayne, Jack Harlow, and Lizzo but also Chance the Rapper and Joey Badass, Chlöe, Ella Mai, Latto, Muni Long, Givēon, and Doechii. Kanye West even made a surprise appearance to pay tribute to Diddy, who received a lifetime achievement award. Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Nas, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, The LOX, Bryson Tiller, and Faith Evans were also all on hand to pay tribute to their friend.

Several of the presenters, performers, and award recipients called for action after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on Friday

There were moments of joy, however. Brandy did a surprise performance with Jack Harlow, and Mariah Carey hit some impressive high notes in a surprise performance with Latto.

Will Smith, who stoked controversy at the Academy Awards by slapping Chris Rock on stage shortly before winning the best actor Oscar, won the BET Award for best actor this Sunday.

Jazmine Sullivan won the Best Female R&B/ Pop Artist award, and Best Male R&B Pop Artist was earned by The Weeknd. The winner’s were:

Best Group

Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak)

Best Collaboration

Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber & Tems – “Essence”

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Megan Thee Stallion

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

Kendrick Lamar

Video of the Year

Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) – “Smokin Out The Window”

Video Director of the Year

Anderson .Paak a.k.a. Director .Paak

Best New Artist

Latto

Album of the Year

Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) – “An Evening with Silk Sonic”

Best International Act

Tems (Nigeria)

Best Actor

Will Smith – “King Richard”

Best Actress

Zendaya – “Euphoria” / “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

Young Stars Award

Marsai Martin

And as always, Voir takes a look at the BET Awards Best Dressed:

Words By Melodie Bitala-Samba

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For the first time in 29 years of the Mercury Music Prize, there are more female nominees than males on the shortlist. Decided by a panel of independent judges including famous names like Jorja Smith, Annie Mac, and Jamie Cullum, female artists and female-led bands outnumber men 7:5 for the position of Album of The Year, the previous highest being the reverse.

In celebration of this feat, here’s what you need to know about these brilliant nominees and their albums. We are feeling some serious girl power here.

Charli XCX – How I’m Feeling Now

Charli XCX is best known for tracks such as 1999 and Boom Clap and Vroom Vroom and has a futuristic pop sound. Her fourth album how i’m feeling now was released in May and was written and produced throughout lockdown, documented here and there by Charli’s ‘workshop’ live streams. The album was described by Vinyl Me, Please as ‘a snapshot of a present moment’ and contains themes of boredom, young love and having fun.

Enemy (How I’m Feeling now) CharliXCX

Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia

Since the singer’s debut album in 2017, Dua Lipa has produced multiple pop anthems such as ‘Hotter Than Hell’, ‘New Rules’ and ‘One Kiss’, wholly modern and wholly commercial. Dua’s March album, Future Nostalgia, takes a slight turn from her typical sound, bringing retro vibes and influences from No Doubt, Outkast and Prince. The album is a non-stop party playlist and even though it strays from the usual sounds of Mercury shortlists, it is well-deserving of the nomination.

Future Nostalgia Dua Lipa

Laura Marling – Songs For Our Daughter

Laura Marling is a British folk singer song-writer and ex-member of indie noughties band Noah And The Whale. Her delicate voice and poetic lyrics make Songs For Our Daughter just as timeless and intoxicating as the previous six studio albums. This dedication to a figurative daughter will be Marling’s fourth Mercury nomination.

Laura Marling, Song For Our Daughter

Anna Meredith – FIBS

Scottish composer Anna Meredith enters the shortlist with her second album, released back in October. The former BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra composer and MBE holder create a contemporary mix of orchestral and electronic with vocal and acoustic elements. FIBS is an album of brilliant and chaotic sound, an interesting listen and one befitting of the Mercury nominations

Anna Meredith- Inhale Exhale (FIBS)

Porridge Radio – Every Bad

This Brighton rock band, fronted by singer-songwriter Dana Margolin, perfectly adheres to the modern indie genre with almost conversational, raspy vocals and melancholy guitar parts.

The band’s nomination is for their second album Every Bad, celebrating the existential lyrics and melodic complexity of these particular tracks, and commending the almost gothic, very British sound of the band in general.

Porridge Radio, Sweet (Every Bad)

Georgia – Seeking Thrills

Singer and producer Georgia Barnes takes inspiration from the 80s and 90s techno and house, as she follows in her father’s (Neil Barnes from 90s electronic duo Leftfield) footsteps with this brilliant electropop album. Seeking Thrills really is thrill-seeking – upbeat, feel good, and well-composed tracks.

Georgia Started Out (Seeking Thrills)

Lanterns On The Lake – Spook The Herd

Indie-folk five-piece Lanterns On The Lake have returned with their fourth studio album that comments on current issues such as the environment and social media, in their typical mournful manner. The band is led by vocalist Hazel Wilde, who’s breathy voice ties the band’s orchestral rock sound together in perfect harmony.

Lanterns on the Lake, Every Atom (Spook The Herd)

The remaining nominees include Stormzy’s Heavy Is The Head, Kano’s Hoodies All Summer and Sports Team’s Deep Down Happy, making the shortlist a brilliant one.

Words by Daisy Greetham

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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