Crowned with their victories at the American Grammys on February 5, British popstar Harry Styles and “Queen” Beyoncé are the big favorites in London on Saturday evening where they should win the main rewards of the Brit Awards, British music victories. With his hit “As It Was”, Harry Styles was nominated in four categories: song of the year, album of the year, best pop album and artist of the year. In this last gender-neutral category, we already know that the prize will be awarded to a man because no woman is included, which has caused disappointment and criticism.
The Brit Awards ceremony got rid of the “man” and “woman” distinctions in 2022 in order to reward artists “only for their work and their music”. It was the British singer Adele who then won this flagship award. But this year, five male artists are vying for this prestigious trophy: Central Cee, Fred Again, George Ezra, Harry Styles and Stormzy.
Most crowned artist of all time
If the absence of women or non-binary people is “disappointing”, the organization of the Brits justified itself, believing that it was necessary “to recognize that in 2022 we saw fewer high-level female artists with major releases. On social media, the announcement caused an uproar, with many internet users expressing their disappointment. “So the Brits are setting up a non-gendered category (…) but this year the five nominees are guys,” quipped Tim Burgess, singer of the Charlatans, on Twitter. “One step forward, three steps back,” he lamented.
In the best international artist category, however, it is a woman who is the favorite: Beyoncé, who a week ago became the most crowned artist of all time at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. She is in the running against two other Americans, Taylor Swift and Lizzo, as well as Kendrick Lamar and the Nigerian Burna Boy.
Ceremony broadcast on TV
The ceremony is to be broadcast live on the ITV channel on Saturday from 9.30 p.m. in France. British rap star Stormzy – named in three categories – is expected to perform on stage, as are Harry Styles, David Guetta, Lizzo and English band Wet Leg, named in four categories.