BRIT Awards 2018
See the winners
On February 21st, the BRIT Awards commandeered London's O2 arena for a night of glitz, glamour and awkward gags, courtesy of host Jack Whitehall. The night's big winners were Dua Lipa, who took home the awards for British Female and British Breakthrough, and Stormzy who scooped British Male and British Album. Check out a full list of victors below, and pick up music from the night's performers, including Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake and Kendrick Lamar.
Performers
British Album
Featuring four debuts, 2018’s British album category pitted one of Britain’s most successful musical exports, Ed Sheeran, against last year’s British Breakthrough Winner, Rag'n'Bone Man, and 2017’s big break-out stars Stormzy, Dua Lipa and J Hus. It was Stormzy who ultimately triumphed with Gang Signs & Prayer.
British Male
Beating six-time BRIT-winner Liam Gallagher and the all-conquering Ed Sheeran, Stormzy was named Best British Male, off the back of his acclaimed debut Gang Signs & Prayer.
British Female
Of Dua Lipa’s five nominations, her inclusion in the category for British Female was surely one of the most prestigious nods. Thanks to the success of 'New Rules', she beat Jessie Ware, Paloma Faith, Laura Marling and Kate Tempest to the title.
British Group
After missing out on nine previous nods, Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett's virtual pop group Gorillaz finally picked up their first BRIT. Albarn took collaborators Little Simz, Savages' Jehnny Beth and U.S. rapper Dram onstage with him to accept the award.
British Breakthrough Act
By far the strongest category of the night, 2018's British Breakthrough nominees ranged from Mercury Prize-winner Sampha to hotly-tipped South London rapper Dave. However, it was Dua Lipa who emerged victorious, picking up her second and final award of the night.
British Single: Rag'n'Bone Man 'Human'
International Male
Hip hop dominated this year’s International Male contest, but it was Compton's Kendrick Lamar who took top prize. Rightly so too: his latest album, Damn, ruled 2017’s end of year polls.
International Female
International Group
Fresh from their debut BRITs performance, Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters beat Arcade Fire, The Killers, Haim and LCD Soundsystem to the title of International Group.
Critics' Choice
Beating the pop R&B of Neneh Cherry’s daughter, Mabel McVey, and dancehall-loving rapper Stefflon Don, Jorja Smith picks up the mantle from Rag'n'Bone Man as the recipient of this year’s Critics’ Choice award. Her soulful tones have picked up comparisons to Amy Winehouse, and songs like ‘Let Me Down’ suggest she has as much potential.