Charli XCX comments on “annoying” lack of female nominees: “Women are not the sub-plot”
That’s it from us on the red carpet now. Here’s some Martin Kemp. https://t.co/qPRTfZAKWS
Charli XCX says the lack of female nominees this year is ‘annoying’
“We’re not the sub-plot. We’re not the support act. We’re the main event,” she said, adding that she was “very grateful” to be nominated for female solo artist but stressed women should be represented more in other categories.
She said: “I’m very grateful to be nominated, but don’t just give us the women category and then forget about us everywhere else because there have been so many incredible albums that have been made by iconic, incredible, prolific women.
“This year and every year. So yes, I think it would be nice for female artists to be shown some love in other categories.”
How does Sam Fender feel about going up against the mighty Lewis Capaldi again? “I’m going to lose.” #Brits https://t.co/cMC2JX8cD0
JLS speak of a ‘totally humbling’ response to reunion and tease possible new album
JLS are back after a seven-year hiatus and say the reaction to their recently-announced comeback tour has been “overwhelming”.
“It has been incredible. It has been an overwhelming response,” JB Gill told us. “It has been such a great reception from the industry, from fans. It has been totally humbling.”
“We’re so excited for our upcoming tour, getting out to see everybody, and seeing where this amazing journey takes us.”
Asked how long the reunion had been under wraps, the band said they had started casual discussions four years ago, but things “got serious” last year.
They have also teased a possible album could be in the works for this time next year, with Aston Merrygold saying: “We want to bring new music to the table. If the fans want it, who are we to deny it?”
Harry Styles has pinned a black ribbon – a symbol of mourning – to his jacket this evening.
The singer’s former girlfriend Caroline Flack was found dead in her London flat on Saturday night after taking her own life.
It’s JLS look, back together at the Brits! https://t.co/BsjY8sb7Hx
Stormzy hugs Annie Mac as he hits the carpet
Freya Ridings is up for Best Female Artist tonight – she says we need to shine a light on the lack of women in the music industry #Brits2020 https://t.co/3Bqhsceev6
Foals are also talking female representation at awards and festivals. Says it’s something that needs addressing – along with sustainability too #Brits https://t.co/cL8bNR5ShZ
Foals are nominated for Best Group this evening #Brits2020 https://t.co/0XvhgrmMlS
“We’re not the subplot, we’re the main event.” Charli XCX says the lack of female Brits nominees this year is “annoying”. https://t.co/cDiQeJ81ar
Mabel has got three nominations this year – for female solo artist, new artist and best song.
Tallia Storm, AJ Odudu, Laura Whitmore, Yasmin Evans, Becca Dudley, Eva Apio, Johnny Marr, Ashley Roberts, Dizzee Rascal and Sir Tom Jones have all arrived on the red carpet.
Love Island star Montana Brown on Caroline Flack’s death: “Enough is enough”
Just Kiefer Sutherland here… https://t.co/zO1JEUsRcU
Celeste Waite has bagged the Rising Star award (previously Critics Choice).
The 25-year-old singer told us in December that it wasn’t an easy journey to the top as she “got fired from loads of jobs” for putting her dreams of a music career first.
Tom Walker says he’s looking forward to some “Brits shenanigans”. Not sure we’ll get a Jarvis moment, but you never know. https://t.co/0XzSsRs6Nh
Burna Boy bringing the red carpet style for his first #BRITs. Says he’s heard a lot about the drinking. https://t.co/DJpMow1px3
‘People can’t be made accountable for every single mistake’
Former Love Island contestant Montana Brown paid tribute to Caroline Flack on the red carpet and said her death was “completely unfair”.
Speaking to Sky News about the effects of negative media attention, she said: “I’ve definitely had it before where newspapers have messaged my PR and said this is going to be going out. And I’ve literally been like: ‘What? Why are you putting that out?
“That’s going to ruin my life. And they don’t care. They actually don’t care. I have friends who have cried on the phone to the press and begged them not to print stories and they don’t care.
“That is heartbreaking. I get it that’s their job and they write stories about people but it has got to stop because they’ve got to live through every single mistake publicly and that isn’t fair.
“Everyone makes mistakes, we’re all human and I think that people can’t be made accountable for every single mistake they ever make in their life just because it is printed in a newspaper.”
Burna Boy is up for Best Song (with Dave) and Best International Male tonight #brits https://t.co/SRKOApPFMl
Love Island star Montana Brown has paid tribute to Caroline Flack: “Enough’s enough. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. ” https://t.co/FSY4YaWOP7
Billie Eilish arrives …
Billie Eilish will be performing later this evening. She is also nominated in the best international female solo artist category.
Former Love Island contestant Montana Brown is on the red carpet.
Lizzo has arrived. She is up for best international female artist.
We bring you close to the stars. If you squint you can just about see best song nominee @ @ IamTomWalker on the right in his hat. https://t.co/aPsGfCZJPz
Tom Walker will be competing for the Song of the Year title with his single Just You And I.
Lewis Capaldi has just arrived. The Scottish singer-songwriter is expected to have a successful night tonight, having been nominated in a number of big categories including best male and best single.
Rising star
Celeste has already been named winner of the rising star award, which is announced ahead of the ceremony.
Previously called the critics’ choice award, Celeste follows in the footsteps of winning stars including Adele, Florence And The Machine and Sam Smith, so she’s in good company.
Sky’s # BritAwards team – with and without egg sandwich 🥪 https://t.co/bpniiPecFv
Stormzy is up for best male, best album and song of the year
Female nominees
Once again, the gender gap has been a big issue ahead of this year ceremony, with all-male nominee shortlists in both the best album and best group categories.
Critics and music industry experts have criticized the lack of female nominees
Hello and welcome to Sky News’ coverage of the Brits !
The biggest night in British music celebrates it’s th anniversary today so it’s expected to be a big show. We’ll be covering the red carpet and the show itself live, so stick with us here to keep up with it all.
Key points:
(The Brit Awards) are taking place at the O2 in London tonight Lewis Capaldi and Dave lead the nominations, with Mabel, Stormzy and Harry Styles also up for awards Billie Eilish and Rod Stewart are among the stars set to perform Harry Styles to go ahead with performance days after death of ex-girlfriend Caroline Flack Reporting by Gemma Peplow, Katie Spencer, Jess Breadman and Claire Gregory
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