The Brit Awards: Bolder, Bigger, Better!

By Mallory Lebo, Reporter|March 10, 2016

The 2016 Brit Awards were held this past Wednesday, February 24 and was the 36th edition of the British Phonographic Industry’s annual pop music awards. The ceremony was held at the O2 in London and was presented by Ant & Dec for the third time. The Brit Awards honor excellence in music and lifelong achievements in the industry.

This year the performances did nothing but leave the crowd in awe on their feet. Performances through the night came from Coldplay, Justin Bieber, James Bay, Jess Glynne, Rihanna, Drake, SZA, Little Mix, David Bowie’s band, The Weeknd and Adele. On top of the performances, the winners this year were all well deserved. This year there were not any crazy surprises. Adele swept the awards, taking home the most gongs since Blur in 1995. She won four awards to become the most successful solo artist in one year. However, with record-breaking singles, top notch albums, and die-hard fans, the winners definitely had a lot to be thankful for:

Hello, Adele – Brit Award for best British Single

Adele – British Female Solo Artist Award

Coldplay – British Group Award

Jack Garratt – Critics’ Choice Award

25, Adele – MasterCard British Album of the Year

James Bay – British Male Solo Artist Award

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act

Bjork – International Female Solo Artist Award

Drag Me Down, One Direction – British Video Award

Tame Impala – International Group Award

Justin Bieber – International Male Solo Artist Award

Charlie Andrew – Best Producer

Adele – Global Success Award

David Bowie – Brit Global Icon Award

 

Amongst the performances and winners, the Brit Awards (or any award show) would be nothing without the most jaw-dropping fashion trends walking on the red carpet. Here are some of the night’s most eye-grabbing outfits.

Alexa Chung opted for something classic and sophisticated that fit her name perfectly. She donned a velvet black dress by Preen featuring a sweetheart neckline ruching details on the skirt. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Alexa Chung opted for something classic and sophisticated that fit her name perfectly. She donned a velvet black dress by Preen, featuring a sweetheart neckline ruching details on the skirt. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Rihanna's Armani Prive dress features playful layers and ruffles in a beautiful lilac color. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Rihanna’s Armani Prive dress features playful layers and ruffles in a beautiful lilac color. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini showed off some leg in a yellow mini dress with a waterfall hemline. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini showed off some leg in a yellow mini dress with a waterfall hemline. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Kylie Minogue went for a Madonna-inspired quirky look in a midi gown that she playfully paired with a fedora hat and green pumps. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Kylie Minogue went for a Madonna-inspired quirky look in a midi gown that she playfully paired with a fedora hat and green pumps. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Emma Bunton went for a polished look in a cape black ensemble that she paired with nude platform shoes. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Emma Bunton went for a polished look in a cape black ensemble that she paired with nude platform shoes. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards O2 Arena in London
Florence Welch yet again made a brave style choice in a Calvin Klein slip dress that was styled with a Gucci fringe cape and Alexander McQueen clutch. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards 02 Arena in London
Florence Welch yet again made a brave style choice in a Calvin Klein slip dress that was styled with a Gucci fringe cape and Alexander McQueen clutch. Photo By: Courtesy of the Brit Awards 02 Arena in London

 

The Awards did nothing but leave the star-studded audience attending and the even larger audience watching at home in awe. This year’s Brit Awards set an even higher level of expectations for the upcoming years.