The 33rd edition of the British Phonographic Industry’s annual pop music awards, The Brits, took place Wednesday evening at The O2 Arena in London. For the third year in a row, the event was presented by funnyman James Corden.
Leading the nominations were Mumford and Sons and Emeli Sandé with four nominations each, but Sandé and Ben Howard ended up as the most successful winners, with two awards each.
The Brits always plays host to excellent performances and 2013 was no exception; Muse, Robbie Williams, Justin Timberlake, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Ben Howard, Mumford & Sons and Emili Sandé all performed on the broadcast.
Since 2011 the BPI has offered a ‘blank canvas’ Brit statuette to British artists to customize, this year’s trophy (pictured right) was tailored by iconic modern artist Damien Hirst.
For the 2013 Awards, the ‘Best Live Act’ category, last awarded in 2009, was reinstated but the usual ‘International Breakthrough Act’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ awards were left out, instead a ‘Brits Global Success’ award was presented for the first time. A Special Recognition award highlighted the great work by the charitable organization War Child
The Brits went to:
British Male Solo Artist – Ben Howard
British Female Solo Artist – Emeli Sandé
British Breakthrough Act – Ben Howard
British Group – Mumford & Sons
British Single of the Year – Adele : “Skyfall”
Mastercard British Album of the Year – Emeli Sandé : “Our Version of Events”
International Male Solo Artist – Frank Ocean
International Female Solo Artist – Lana Del Rey
International Group – The Black Keys
Critics’ Choice – Tom Odell
British Producer of the Year – Paul Epworth
Best British Live Act – Coldplay
BRITs Global Success – One Direction
Special Recognition Award – War Child