With the stage set for the 2017 BRIT Awards, Music Week has provided a handy guide on all you need to know about this year’s event.
Wednesday night (February 22) will see the industry’s finest turn out for the annual pop extravaganza, as the biz recognises some of the world’s biggest stars. And with a host of spectacular live performances set to take place on the night, 2017 promises to be one of the most exciting BRITs outings in years.
Below you’ll find all the key details on this year’s show to ensure you don’t miss a beat.
The hosts/schedule
Hosted by Dermot O’Leary and Emma Willis – original host Michael Bublé unfortunately had to withdraw due to his young song’s cancer diagnosis - the 2017 BRITs show has been extended by half an hour this year, running from 7.30pm-10pm. This year will also see for the first time Clara Amfo, Laura Jackson and Alice Levine host The BRIT Awards 2017: Red Carpet and Backstage on ITV2, either side of the main awards show.
The performers
The 2017 BRITs features a stellar line-up of live performers. Those confirmed to take to the stage on the night are Katy Perry, Little Mix, Ed Sheeran, Skepta, Robbie Williams, Bruno Mars, The 1975 and Emeli Sandé
The nominees
Among those shortlisted for major honours this year are Rag’N’Bone Man, Skepta, The Weeknd, Beyonce, Coldplay, The 1975 and a whole host of other international stars. You can view the nominees in full here.
Inside the 2017 Albums Of The Year
As one of the night’s most hotly contested categories, we’ve taken a look behind the scenes of each of this year’s nominees: David Bowie’s Blackstar, Skepta’s Konnichiwa, The 1975’s I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, Michael Kiwanuka’s Love & Hate and Kano’s Made In The Manor.
Grime time
After last year’s alleged snub of what is rapidly becoming one of the most vital genres in UK music for decades, grime gets a strong showing this time out. Not only is Skepta performing on the night, he’s also up for Britsh Male Artist and Album Of The Year for 2016’s Konnichiwa. Kano also features in both categories, with his album Made In The Manor up for the latter. Meanwhile, Stormzy, who’s long-awaited debut album Gang Signs & Prayer is released on Friday, is among the British Breakthrough Act nominees.
Diversity
The 2017 BRITs voting academy was the subject of a major overhaul to promote greater gender and ethnic diversity among the awards’ voting body. With a core focus on redressing the gender balance and increasing BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) representation on the academy, BPI chairman Ged Doherty spearheaded a significant reshuffle of the voting body that has upped the percentage of female members from 30% to 48% year-on-year. The number of BAME invitees is also up on last year from 15% to 17%. Each year, the academy’s 1,200-plus membership is refreshed to the tune of around 300 members. This year, however, 57% (718 members) were culled from the list to make way for new blood. The 2016 BRIT Awards saw organisers come under fire for a perceived lack of diversity among the nominees shortlist and eventual winners. It was also criticised by some for failing to recognise grime in what was considered a breakthrough period for the genre.
Radio broadcast
Those unable to attend the show or view the ITV broadcast will be able to keep up with the action via Bauer Media’s radio network. Live At The BRITs, a special live broadcast hosted by Kiss Breakfast’s Melvin Odoom, will be available across a number of Bauer’s radio networks and social platforms. Odoom will provide live exclusive commentary and interviews with performers and winners on the night, including the likes of Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Craig David, Emeli Sandé, Tinie Tempah, Skepta, Stormzy and Rag‘n’Bone Man. He will also be joined by fellow breakfast show host Tom Green from the Bauer City Network. The show will be broadcast from 7-11pm on Wednesday, February 22 across national stations Kiss and Heat radio, as well as the Bauer City Network - a network of radio stations in 18 of the biggest cities and towns across the UK, including Manchester’s Key 103, Liverpool’s Radio City, Newcastle’s Metro Radio, Sheffield’s Hallam FM, Glasgow’s Clyde One and Edinburgh’s Forth One.
Meanwhile, Capital will be leading Global’s 2017 BRIT Awards coverage this year, with the station providing backstage coverage on-air and across its social media platforms. Roman Kemp will host a special edition of the Capital Evening Show live from 7pm backstage at London’s O2 Arena on February 22, where he will provide red carpet and backstage interviews with nominees, winners and performers, including the likes of Katy Perry, Tinie Tempah, Zara Larsson, Ed Sheeran and Anne-Marie. All of Global’s exclusive content from the BRITs will be broadcast across the UK on Capital, Capital Xtra, Heart, Radio X, Smooth and LBC. Capital Breakfast's George Shelley and Lilah Parsons will also host the BRITs official Red Carpet Live stream on Facebook.
