Awards shows can be long, but you can normally count on them to produce at least a handful of moments that get everyone talking.
The 2022 BRIT Awards, which celebrates the best in music from the UK and the globe, was no exception, bringing together the likes of Adele, Dave, and Olivia Rodrigo at London’s O2 Arena for a night of viral performances and more than a few powerful speeches.
This year’s event made headlines for ditching gendered categories for the artist of the year award, won by Adele, who also took home song of the year for “Easy on Me,” and album of the year for 30. Little Simz grabbed best new artist, while Billie Eilish grabbed international artist of the year, while Olivia Rodrigo won international song of the year with “Good 4 U.”
Dave took home the award for hip hop/grime/rap act, Ed Sheeran took out songwriter of the year, performing big hit “Bad Habits” onstage with Bring Me The Horizon, while Dua Lipa grabbed best pop/R&B act. Wolf Alice won best group, Silk Sonic scored best international group, Sam Fender and Becky Hill won for best alternative/rock and dance, respectively, and Holly Humberstone won the rising star award. And fans praised Anne-Marie after getting right back up after a fall onstage performing with KSI.
Plenty of highlights, so we’ve rounded up some of the most standout moments below…
1. Little Simz bringing her mum onstage.
Credit: Karwai Tang / WireImage
After winning the award for best new artist, London rapper Little Simz (aka Simbiatu Ajikawo) brought her mum — who seemed extremely happy to be there — up on stage with her.
“Mum!” she said, after thanking the crowd. “Look at what you’ve done, mum!”
Her mum covering her hands with her face pretty much said it all.
2. And then making a powerful acceptance speech.
“Anyone that is watching this at home, I want to say I am living proof that if you work hard at something, no matter where you come from, no matter your background, no matter your race, you can do something extraordinary,” Little Simz said.
“So this is for all the kids dreaming. Keep dreaming, keep pushing. I am you, you are me.”
3. Adele’s powerful performance of “I Drink Wine”.
You can always rely on Adele to give an awesome live performance. This year she donned a gold dress, perched on a piano, and belted out a beautiful rendition of the ballad “I Drink Wine” from her recent album 30. Truly shiver-inducing.
4. Adele dedicating her award to her son and ex.
Adele had a great night all round at the BRITS, winning three major awards for the inaugural artist of the year, song of the year for “Easy on Me”, and album of the year for 30. For the latter, she gave a moving speech, dedicating a moment to her ex-husband Simon Konecki — Adele has spoken publicly about writing 30 about their divorce — and their son.
Adele talks about the meaning behind ‘Easy on Me’ as if she’s having a cuppa in your kitchen
“I’d like to dedicate this award to my son,” Adele said. “And to Simon, to his dad, this album was all of our journey, not just mine. I’m very proud of myself for sticking to my guns and putting out an album that was about something so personal to me. Because not many people do stuff like that anymore. And my son has been so gracious, and kind, and patient with me over the last couple of years.”
5. Dave’s fiery performance.
Dave’s performance of “Black” was one of the standout moments from the 2020 BRIT Awards, so expectations were high ahead of his appearance this year. Taking home the award for hip hop/grime/rap act, he surpassed all hopes, bringing rappers Giggs, Ghetts, Meekz, and Fredo onstage to perform “In the Fire” from his recent album We’re All Alone In This Together.
We already knew he could play piano, but the flaming guitar was certainly something new.
