The 2020 Brit Awards took place on Tuesday at London’s 02 Arena and it is being hailed by viewers as the most memorable ceremony in years.
Lewis Capaldi was the evening’s biggest winner, taking home two trophies in all. Rappers Dave and Stormzy and American singer Billie Eilish took home one award each.
The annual event, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary, was presented by Jack Whitehall, who spent the evening fraternising with high-profile audience members, including Lizzo and Harry Styles. Whitehall just about pulled off his quips about Rod Stewart’s age and Lizzo’s flute-playing abilities without inducing too many cringes.
His brief tribute to former Love Island host Caroline Flack, who was found dead at her flat on Saturday, was a touching addition to an otherwise raucous event.
Below, we run through the four biggest talking points from the show, which also saw Mabel win Best Female Solo Artist 30 years to the day her mother Neneh Cherry won her very own trophies.
1/55 Lizzo
The singer wore a custom Moschino gown designed to look like a chocolate bar wrapper.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
2/55 Billie Eilish
The singer dressed in Burberry from head to toe, even going as far as to have her nails painted in the fashion house’s signature checked pattern.
PA
3/55 Harry Styles
The singer lived up to his reputation as a leading fashion figure, wearing a brown 1970s-esque Gucic suit. His nails were painted lilac to match his lilac crewneck Gucci sweater, and he completed his look with Mary Jane shoes.
PA
4/55 Stormzy
The rapper graced the red carpet in an all-white Dior ensemble.
REUTERS
5/55 Hailee Steinfeld
The Oscar-nominated actor wore an eye-catching, royal blue, floral Fendi gown and Bvlgari jewellery for the Brits.
PA
6/55 Laura Whitmore
The television and radio presenter donned a mini dress by Annie’s Ibiza made to look as though it was a patchwork of newspaper articles.
PA
7/55 Mabel
The Best New Artist nominee matched the red carpet in a custom sequinned Moschino gown.
PA
8/55 Charli XCX
The singer opted for a gothic look, wearing a black, tulle design by Fendi and Bvlgari accessories.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
9/55 Maya Jama
The radio presenter brought old-school Hollywood glamour to the Brits, wearing a black, off-the-shoulder AloNuko bespoke gown with a thigh split and accessorising with matching elbow-length gloves. The star wore Bvlgari jewellery for the occasion.
PA
10/55 Niall Horan
The singer looked svelte in a custom navy blue velvet tuxedo and blue silk shirt by Paul Smith.
PA
11/55 Amber Davies
The former Love Island star sparkled in a silver ruffled gown by Zeynep Kartal.
PA
12/55 Emily Atack
The actor brought a sophisticated look to the red carpet, opting for a simple black Asos dress and strappy heels.
PA
13/55 Ellie Goulding
The singer made a bold statement at the Brits wearing a multi-coloured, cut-out Koche design, black chunky heels and Maria Tash earrings.
PA
14/55 Vick Hope
The radio presenter took a dramatic turn in a black, strapless, corseted number by Galia Lahav.
PA
15/55 Michael Kiwanuka
The singer songwriter wore Emporio Armani for the event, pairing a black velvet jacket with dark grey trousers.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
16/55 Joy Crookes
The singer paid homage to her Bangladeshi heritage with her extravagant yellow dress, designed by Monga’s London.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
17/55 Micheal Ward
The Top Boy actor struck a serious pose on the red carpet as he posed for photographers wearing a black ensemble.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
18/55 Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, JB Gill and Oritse Williams of JLS
The members of the pop group put on a sophisticated display at the Brits, matching one another in black and white outfits.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
19/55 Freya Ridings
The singer songwriter arrived on the red carpet looking especially refined in a black and blue polka dot Peter Dundas gown.
PA
20/55 Hrvy
Hrvy posed for photographers on the red carpet in a black and white ensemble.
AFP via Getty Images
21/55 Fleur East
The singer wore a white suit co-ord by Marr London for the awards ceremony, which was embellished with a black scribble design.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
22/55 Megan Jayne Crabbe
The Instagram star, also known as @bodyposipanda, put on a colourful display in a vibrant floral mini dress, carrying a chic gold tassled handbag.
PA
23/55 Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie oozed joy with her choice of attire, wearing a saccharine, candy-pink dress by Florence Grellier designed with a bow and train at the back.
PA
24/55 Grace Carter
The singer brought a burst of colour to the red carpet with her vibrant ensemble by Rose Danford-Phillips, which she accessorised with a pair of hoop earrings.
PA
25/55 Rag’n’Bone Man
The singer looked sophisticated in a suede, fringed jacket, combining it with a black top and trousers and a pair of retro red sunglasses.
PA
26/55 Abbey Clancy
The model stunned in a simple black creation by couture bridal and evening wear designer Kim Kassass.
REUTERS
27/55 Tom Jones
The singer never fails to look polished, as he demonstrated with his all-black outfit at the Brit Awards.
PA
28/55 Aitch
The rapper and songwriter posed for photographers on the red carpet wearing a navy blue tux.
PA
29/55 Burna Boy
The rapper attended the Brits dressed aptly for winter, wearing a striking aquamarine coat.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
30/55 Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
The musical siblings posed alongside one another on the red carpet, O’Connell in a pair of black and white checkered trousers and a pink and white pinstriped shirt.
AFP via Getty Images
31/55 AJ Tracey
The rapper looked sharp in a white Dior ensemble, wearing matching round-shaped glasses and dazzlingly bright trainers.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
32/55 Daisy Maskell
The radio presenter donned a khaki brown ensemble on the red carpet, styling her hair in braids.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
33/55 Tom Green
The radio presenter opted for a grey suit for the Brits, which he wore with a pair of white Converse.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
34/55 Kiefer Sutherland
The 24 actor donned a navy pinstriped suit for the event in the capital, accessorising with a polka dot neckerchief.
PA
35/55 Dizzee Rascal
The rapper looked suave in a smart-casual ensemble, pairing a black and yellow hooded jacket with matching trainers.
PA
36/55 Celeste
The singer looked as though she had stepped out of the 1920s, wearing a white embellished Gucci dress, black lace globes and styling her hair in old-fashioned curls.
PA
37/55 Yinka Bokinni
The radio presenter looked radiant in a pink and red design.
PA
38/55 Roman Kemp
The Capital FM radio presenter showcased high street fashion in a grey Topman suit.
Getty Images
39/55 Ashley Roberts
The Pussycat Dolls band member dazzled in a sequinned crop top and skirt combo by Celia Kritharioti.
PA
40/55 Montana Brown
The former Love Island contestant sparkled in a chainmail gown by Rami Kadi Maison de Couture.
PA
41/55 Lizzo
The rapper pretended to bite into a chocolate bar on the red carpet.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
42/55 Eva Apio
The model donned a black and white, thigh-split Bang London gown for the event, adding a pop of colour to her look with pink eye shadow.
PA
43/55 Will Farquarson, Kyle Simmons, Dan Smith and Chris Wood of Bastille
The four members of Bastille looked suave on the red carpet, wearing an array of prints as they posed for photographers.
PA
44/55 Sam Fender
The singer songwriter and winner of the 2019 Brit Awards Critics’ Choice accolade wore double-breasted, ice-blue suit by Richard James.
Getty Images
45/55 Ashnikko
The rapper opted for a surreal look for the Brit Awards, wearing an anime-esque blue outfit and wearing her hair in floor-length neon blue pigtails, which were carried by two men on the red carpet.
PA
46/55 Johnny Marr
The musician went for an all-navy look for the awards ceremony.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
47/55 Yasmin Evans
The DJ wore a tan-yellow ensemble for the Brits, styling her hair in a sleek ponytail.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
48/55 Dermot Kennedy
The singer songwriter decided to dress in blue and silver for the Brit Awards, donning a suit by Dior.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
49/55 AJ Odudu
The television presenter looked radiant in silver on the red carpet.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
50/55 Tallia Storm
The singer chose to wear a glamorous black gown by Dubai-based designer Marmar Halim for the event.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
51/55 Lewis Capaldi
The singer struck a playful pose on the red carpet, wearing a blue shirt, white top and black trousers.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
52/55 Tom Walker
The singer donned his signature beanie hat for the Brits, completing his look with a khaki jacket and black tie.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
53/55 Tessa Bear
The TikTok star looked pretty in pink on the red carpet.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
54/55 Holly H
Holly H, the widely-known TikTok influencer, wore a black sequinned design, carrying a miniature embossed handbag.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
55/55 Becca Dudley
The DJ and presenter went for an understated look in a black sequinned mini dress.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
1/55 Lizzo
The singer wore a custom Moschino gown designed to look like a chocolate bar wrapper.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
2/55 Billie Eilish
The singer dressed in Burberry from head to toe, even going as far as to have her nails painted in the fashion house’s signature checked pattern.
PA
3/55 Harry Styles
The singer lived up to his reputation as a leading fashion figure, wearing a brown 1970s-esque Gucic suit. His nails were painted lilac to match his lilac crewneck Gucci sweater, and he completed his look with Mary Jane shoes.
PA
4/55 Stormzy
The rapper graced the red carpet in an all-white Dior ensemble.
REUTERS
5/55 Hailee Steinfeld
The Oscar-nominated actor wore an eye-catching, royal blue, floral Fendi gown and Bvlgari jewellery for the Brits.
PA
6/55 Laura Whitmore
The television and radio presenter donned a mini dress by Annie’s Ibiza made to look as though it was a patchwork of newspaper articles.
PA
7/55 Mabel
The Best New Artist nominee matched the red carpet in a custom sequinned Moschino gown.
PA
8/55 Charli XCX
The singer opted for a gothic look, wearing a black, tulle design by Fendi and Bvlgari accessories.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
9/55 Maya Jama
The radio presenter brought old-school Hollywood glamour to the Brits, wearing a black, off-the-shoulder AloNuko bespoke gown with a thigh split and accessorising with matching elbow-length gloves. The star wore Bvlgari jewellery for the occasion.
PA
10/55 Niall Horan
The singer looked svelte in a custom navy blue velvet tuxedo and blue silk shirt by Paul Smith.
PA
11/55 Amber Davies
The former Love Island star sparkled in a silver ruffled gown by Zeynep Kartal.
PA
12/55 Emily Atack
The actor brought a sophisticated look to the red carpet, opting for a simple black Asos dress and strappy heels.
PA
13/55 Ellie Goulding
The singer made a bold statement at the Brits wearing a multi-coloured, cut-out Koche design, black chunky heels and Maria Tash earrings.
PA
14/55 Vick Hope
The radio presenter took a dramatic turn in a black, strapless, corseted number by Galia Lahav.
PA
15/55 Michael Kiwanuka
The singer songwriter wore Emporio Armani for the event, pairing a black velvet jacket with dark grey trousers.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
16/55 Joy Crookes
The singer paid homage to her Bangladeshi heritage with her extravagant yellow dress, designed by Monga’s London.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
17/55 Micheal Ward
The Top Boy actor struck a serious pose on the red carpet as he posed for photographers wearing a black ensemble.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
18/55 Aston Merrygold, Marvin Humes, JB Gill and Oritse Williams of JLS
The members of the pop group put on a sophisticated display at the Brits, matching one another in black and white outfits.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
19/55 Freya Ridings
The singer songwriter arrived on the red carpet looking especially refined in a black and blue polka dot Peter Dundas gown.
PA
20/55 Hrvy
Hrvy posed for photographers on the red carpet in a black and white ensemble.
AFP via Getty Images
21/55 Fleur East
The singer wore a white suit co-ord by Marr London for the awards ceremony, which was embellished with a black scribble design.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
22/55 Megan Jayne Crabbe
The Instagram star, also known as @bodyposipanda, put on a colourful display in a vibrant floral mini dress, carrying a chic gold tassled handbag.
PA
23/55 Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie oozed joy with her choice of attire, wearing a saccharine, candy-pink dress by Florence Grellier designed with a bow and train at the back.
PA
24/55 Grace Carter
The singer brought a burst of colour to the red carpet with her vibrant ensemble by Rose Danford-Phillips, which she accessorised with a pair of hoop earrings.
PA
25/55 Rag’n’Bone Man
The singer looked sophisticated in a suede, fringed jacket, combining it with a black top and trousers and a pair of retro red sunglasses.
PA
26/55 Abbey Clancy
The model stunned in a simple black creation by couture bridal and evening wear designer Kim Kassass.
REUTERS
27/55 Tom Jones
The singer never fails to look polished, as he demonstrated with his all-black outfit at the Brit Awards.
PA
28/55 Aitch
The rapper and songwriter posed for photographers on the red carpet wearing a navy blue tux.
PA
29/55 Burna Boy
The rapper attended the Brits dressed aptly for winter, wearing a striking aquamarine coat.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
30/55 Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
The musical siblings posed alongside one another on the red carpet, O’Connell in a pair of black and white checkered trousers and a pink and white pinstriped shirt.
AFP via Getty Images
31/55 AJ Tracey
The rapper looked sharp in a white Dior ensemble, wearing matching round-shaped glasses and dazzlingly bright trainers.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
32/55 Daisy Maskell
The radio presenter donned a khaki brown ensemble on the red carpet, styling her hair in braids.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
33/55 Tom Green
The radio presenter opted for a grey suit for the Brits, which he wore with a pair of white Converse.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
34/55 Kiefer Sutherland
The 24 actor donned a navy pinstriped suit for the event in the capital, accessorising with a polka dot neckerchief.
PA
35/55 Dizzee Rascal
The rapper looked suave in a smart-casual ensemble, pairing a black and yellow hooded jacket with matching trainers.
PA
36/55 Celeste
The singer looked as though she had stepped out of the 1920s, wearing a white embellished Gucci dress, black lace globes and styling her hair in old-fashioned curls.
PA
37/55 Yinka Bokinni
The radio presenter looked radiant in a pink and red design.
PA
38/55 Roman Kemp
The Capital FM radio presenter showcased high street fashion in a grey Topman suit.
Getty Images
39/55 Ashley Roberts
The Pussycat Dolls band member dazzled in a sequinned crop top and skirt combo by Celia Kritharioti.
PA
40/55 Montana Brown
The former Love Island contestant sparkled in a chainmail gown by Rami Kadi Maison de Couture.
PA
41/55 Lizzo
The rapper pretended to bite into a chocolate bar on the red carpet.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
42/55 Eva Apio
The model donned a black and white, thigh-split Bang London gown for the event, adding a pop of colour to her look with pink eye shadow.
PA
43/55 Will Farquarson, Kyle Simmons, Dan Smith and Chris Wood of Bastille
The four members of Bastille looked suave on the red carpet, wearing an array of prints as they posed for photographers.
PA
44/55 Sam Fender
The singer songwriter and winner of the 2019 Brit Awards Critics’ Choice accolade wore double-breasted, ice-blue suit by Richard James.
Getty Images
45/55 Ashnikko
The rapper opted for a surreal look for the Brit Awards, wearing an anime-esque blue outfit and wearing her hair in floor-length neon blue pigtails, which were carried by two men on the red carpet.
PA
46/55 Johnny Marr
The musician went for an all-navy look for the awards ceremony.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
47/55 Yasmin Evans
The DJ wore a tan-yellow ensemble for the Brits, styling her hair in a sleek ponytail.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
48/55 Dermot Kennedy
The singer songwriter decided to dress in blue and silver for the Brit Awards, donning a suit by Dior.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
49/55 AJ Odudu
The television presenter looked radiant in silver on the red carpet.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
50/55 Tallia Storm
The singer chose to wear a glamorous black gown by Dubai-based designer Marmar Halim for the event.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
51/55 Lewis Capaldi
The singer struck a playful pose on the red carpet, wearing a blue shirt, white top and black trousers.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
52/55 Tom Walker
The singer donned his signature beanie hat for the Brits, completing his look with a khaki jacket and black tie.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
53/55 Tessa Bear
The TikTok star looked pretty in pink on the red carpet.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
54/55 Holly H
Holly H, the widely-known TikTok influencer, wore a black sequinned design, carrying a miniature embossed handbag.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
55/55 Becca Dudley
The DJ and presenter went for an understated look in a black sequinned mini dress.
Getty Images for Bauer Media
1. Powerful political statements
Politics was on the mind at this year’s ceremony. Dave – who won the coveted Album of the Year award for his record Psychodrama – added a verse to his song “Black”, which saw him call Boris Johnson a “real racist”. The Streatham-born rapper also criticised the British media’s treatment of Meghan Markle in comparison to how they treated Kate Middleton.
He rapped: “And if somebody hasn’t said it / Equality is a right, it doesn’t deserve credit / If you don’t wanna get it, then you’re never gonna get it / How the news treats Kate versus how they’re treating Megan.
“It is racist, whether or not it feels racist / The truth is our Prime Minister is a real racist.”
Dave also paid tribute to Jack Merritt, who died in the London Bridge terror attack in 2019.
Elsewhere, Tyler, the Creator gave a “special shout out” to Theresa May after winning Best International Male Solo Artist. May was responsible for banning the rapper from entering the UK because of his song lyric in 2015.
2. Lewis Capaldi and his speeches
The evening’s biggest winner may have veered away from politics when accepting his awards, but he still managed to make his mark. After winning Best New Artist at the start of the ceremony, Lewis Capaldi – beer in hand – made his way to the stage, muttered a few words before departing and leaving everyone a bit perplexed. It’s clear the singer was playing the long game, though – and, sure enough, he was back on the stage at the end of the night after winning the Song of the Year trophy for “Someone You Loved”. it was here that Capaldi set a record straight – namely about the inspiration of the track.
“[The song] is actually about my grandma,” he said, telling the crowd that she died two years ago. Referencing the fact that his ex-girlfriend, Paige Turley, is currently appearing on ITV2 show Love Island, he quipped: “I hope [they] don’t contact her to be on the show” before “thanking” his grandmother “for dying”.
3. Brilliant performances
It was not just the speeches that delivered at this year’s ceremony, but the performances. Mabel kicked things off with a stellar renditon of her hit song “Don’t Call Me Up” before a flurry of breathtaking performances, including Dave’s stirring rendition of “Black”, Harry Styles’s emotional “Falling” and a hugely entertaining medley from Lizzo. No ceremony would have been complete without an appearance from Stormzy; his medley of tracks, including “Do Better” and “Wiley Flow” brought smiles to faces. Then there was Billie Eilish, who performed Bond theme No Time to Die for the first time ever live accompanied by her brother Finneas, Johnny Marr and Hans Zimmer. It was as haunting as you’d expect.
4. Diverse winners – but lack of female representation
Tthe 2020 Brits winners list is a diverse one, unlike its film award counterpart, the Baftas. While it should certainly be commended for this, it cannot be forgotten that this year’s nominations were dominated by men. This year’s nominations were criticsed for being dominated by men, with only one British female artist nominated out of 25 available slots in mixed-gender categories. Mabel and Eilish were the evening’s sole female winners.
Find a full list of the evening’s winners here.