On 11 February, the Brit awards will break new ground, taking place on a Saturday for the first time in its 46-year history. With performances from acts including Lizzo and Harry Styles, the hope is to “breathe new life into the ceremony, while also introducing a new and more engaged audience”, according to this year’s Brits chairman, Damian Christian, who is managing director and president of promotions at Atlantic Records.
But despite attempts at revitalisation, the 2023 Brits has been accused of perpetuating retrograde attitudes. This year’s best artist category – which replaced the gendered best male/female categories in 2022 – has been criticised for its all-male nominees: Central Cee, Stormzy, Fred Again, George Ezra and Harry Styles. Given the backlash, and in light of historically low viewing figures for last year’s ceremony, can the Brits recapture its relevance?
