Ahead of next month’s Brit Awards ceremony, we look back at the most memorable Brits performances of all time. Do you agree with our picks? What other Brits performances do you feel have stood the test of time? Comment below.
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Spice Girls (1997) – Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are
For many, the simple mention of ‘The Brit Awards’ is synonymous with a little Union flag dress, worn by Geri Halliwell during this performance, cementing their status as global icons. Composed of five unique, ambitious performers, it’s safe to say this performance was pivotal in introducing everyone to Spiceworld and signalled the end of the boyband dominance of the early nineties.
Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield (2005) – Ain’t Nobody
The Brits is famous for bringing artists together for unlikely duets, but in this case, the performers were very well known to each other. With incredible vocals supported by a wonderful orchestra, the duo delivered a contemporary and energising performance of the Chaka Khan hit first released in 1983.
Mark Ronson (2008) – God Put a Smile Upon Your Face/Stop Me/Valerie
Now this really was a showcase of incredible British musical talent! Long-time producer Ronson’s album Version earned him the ‘Best British Male’ award at the 2008 event, and he performed a medley of hits. Starting with God Put a Smile Upon Your Face featuring the incredible Adele, Daniel Merriweather then joined Ronson for Stop Me, and the crowd erupted when Amy Winehouse arrived to perform the hit Valerie. Sadly, this would be the only televised performance Winehouse and Ronson would do together, but their talent and connection are clear during this incredible performance.
Girls Aloud (2009) – The Promise
Having started on Popstars: The Rivals, Girls Aloud were often unfairly overlooked by award nominations; however, 2009 was their year. A burlesque/cabaret-inspired performance showcased the harmonised vocals and dance routines we came to expect from the band, which deservedly won them ‘Best British Single’ at the ceremony that year.
Florence Welch & Dizzee Rascal (2010) – You Got The Dirtee Love
Another unexpected Brits duet, Welch and Dizzee combined their respective hits You Got The Love and Dirtee Cash together, which was later released as a single and hit number two on the UK singles chart. Their contrasting styles merged seamlessly, uniting flawless rap with powerful vocals to create one of the most famous Brits duets ever.
Lady Gaga (2010) – Telephone/Dance In The Dark
A performance dedicated to designer and friend Alexander McQueen, Gaga performed a piano version of Telephone followed by a rare outing of Dance In The Dark. This was one of the first times Gaga was on stage alone, having always previously been supported by dancers in her earlier performances, and it was an excellent demonstration of her impeccable musicianship and captivating fashion.
Adele (2011) – Someone Like You
Undoubtedly the turning point in Adele’s career, this beautiful, emotional rendition of the piano ballad resonated around the world. Raw and at times visibly upset, Adele’s performance was the clear standout of the night and propelled her to unparalleled success with the album 21.
Raye (2024) – Ice Cream Man/Prada/Genesis/Escapism
Similar to Adele at the 2011 ceremony, it is safe to say 2024 was clearly Raye’s night. Winning six awards and performing a medley of her hits, Raye showcased otherworldly vocals and excellence across a number of music genres, while remaining vulnerable and emotional. The star ensured that anyone who was not aware of her songwriting talent or vocal prowess prior to the ceremony certainly was afterwards, once again propelling her to unrivalled success around the world.
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