BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The BRIT Awards, established in 1977 by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), has long been the UK’s most prestigious music awards, celebrating the best in British and international talent. Originally created to honor outstanding achievements in music, the BRITs have evolved into a globally recognized event known for its electrifying performances, career-defining wins, and unforgettable moments. This year’s event was no different–an awesome spectacle to behold.
The BRIT Awards 2025 took over The O2 Arena in London on March 1, 2025, in a night filled with groundbreaking wins, show-stopping performances, heartfelt tributes, and bold fashion statements. Hosted by Jack Whitehall for the fifth time, the event celebrated the best of British and international music, reflecting the industry’s evolution while honoring both established icons and rising stars.
The undisputed star of the night was Charli XCX, who made history as the biggest winner, securing five BRIT Awards. She took home Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best Dance Act, Album of the Year for Brat, and Song of the Year for Guess featuring Billie Eilish. Her dominance cemented her as one of the most influential and innovative artists in British music today. In her acceptance speech, Charli expressed gratitude to her fans while also addressing critics of her bold fashion choices, emphasizing artistic freedom and body positivity.
Other major winners included Sabrina Carpenter, who received the Global Success Award, acknowledging her meteoric rise and worldwide influence, while Ezra Collective took home Best British Group, solidifying their impact on the jazz and fusion scene. Jorja Smith, Raye, and Sam Fender were also honored for their outstanding contributions to British music, showcasing the diversity and talent within the UK’s music landscape.
The BRITs 2025 stage was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a lineup of electrifying performances. Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the night with a high-energy mashup of Espresso and Bed Chem, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Teddy Swims delivered an emotional medley of Bad Dreams, The Door, and Lose Control, while JADE captivated the audience with her performance of Angel of My Dreams. Sam Fender performed his latest single, People Watching, to thunderous applause, and Jorja Smith teamed up with Ezra Collective for a jazz-infused performance that celebrated Britain’s rich musical heritage.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came with a tribute to Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024. Host Jack Whitehall introduced a moving video montage honoring Payne’s career, from his One Direction days to his solo success. The tribute brought many attendees to tears, and his former bandmate Louis Tomlinson later expressed his gratitude for the heartfelt homage on social media, highlighting Payne’s lasting impact on music and his devoted fanbase.
This year’s BRITs also saw a significant African presence, celebrating global music diversity. The 2025 BRITs trophy was designed by British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Gabriel Moses, who drew inspiration from his Nigerian heritage and South London upbringing. His work embodied a fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry, adding a deeper cultural resonance to the awards.
African stars were also well-represented on the red carpet, with notable appearances from Nella Rose, Whitney Adebayo, and Jordan Adetunji, who stunned in statement-making outfits. Nigerian maestro, BNXN was present, dapperly dressed in a green suit. Ghanaian Star, Black Sherif was also present at the award show. Their presence underscored the growing influence of African artists and culture in the global music industry.
As always, the BRITs red carpet was a dazzling display of high fashion, with some of the night’s biggest stars making unforgettable style statements. Charli XCX turned heads in a sheer Dilara Findikoglu dress that exposed her body, sparking widespread conversation about artistic expression and body positivity. The pop star later used her acceptance speech to shut down criticism, calling for freedom in self-expression.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter looked stunning in a custom pink Alexander McQueen gown, embodying classic Hollywood glamour. Other standout looks included Jourdan Dunn and Jorja Smith, who brought a mix of elegance and edginess to the red carpet, further proving that the BRITs remain one of music’s most fashion-forward nights.
A standout moment of award show was when Stormzy was honored with the Best Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act award, marking his fourth BRIT accolade. Taking the stage, Stormzy began his speech by expressing profound gratitude: “Firstly I say thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you, Jesus. And I wanna be very clear about the God I serve, that’s Jesus Christ. The God of Abraham, that’s my God.” He acknowledged his fans’ support but critiqued the fan-voted nature of the awards, suggesting it might overshadow deserving artists’ moments. Highlighting his humility, he remarked, “I think Cench (Central Cee) was the rap artist of the year, but these things don’t define us as much as they’re amazing and we love them.” His speech resonated with authenticity, blending personal faith and industry insights.
The BRIT Awards 2025 delivered on all fronts–record-breaking wins, emotional tributes and speeches, breathtaking performances, and bold fashion statements. From Charli XCX’s historic sweep to African stars making their mark and a touching tribute to Liam Payne, the ceremony was a testament to British music’s influence on a global scale. As the industry continues to evolve, the BRITs reaffirmed its role as a platform for celebrating innovation, cultural diversity, and groundbreaking artistry.
With yet another unforgettable night in the books, fans and artists alike are already looking forward to what the BRITs will bring next year.
List of Awards and Wins at the BRIT Awards 2025:
