BRITs 2025: Charli XCX makes it a Brat BRITs, winning five awards including album of the year

Charli XCX Dominates the BRIT Awards with Five Wins

The BRIT Awards, one of the most prestigious music ceremonies in the UK, saw Charli XCX make history by winning an impressive five awards, including the coveted Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed album BRAT. The 32-year-old artist, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, opened the night by winning Best Song for her hit single "Guess" featuring Billie Eilish. In her acceptance speech, she humorously remarked, "I’m really happy that a song about underwear now has a BRIT Award. Very important stuff, and I’m sure that proves something about songwriting, but I’m not quite sure what." Her wins also included Best Dance Act and Artist of the Year, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the music industry. Charli, who had often felt like an outsider in the British music scene, expressed her gratitude, stating, "It feels really nice to get recognition for this album. I guess culture caught up with us and wanted to be on this journey." Her success at the BRITs follows a monumental year that included three Grammy wins and the viral impact of her album, which even influenced the U.S. presidential campaign of Kamala Harris.

A Night of Memorable Performances and Tributes

The ceremony, held at London’s O2 Arena and hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, was a vibrant celebration of music, featuring live performances by artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, who opened the show, Myles Smith, and Sam Fender. The event also paid a heartfelt tribute to former One Direction star Liam Payne, who passed away in October 2023. Among the notable winners, JADE, a former member of Little Mix, took home the Best Pop Act award, dedicating it to her fans, parents, and former bandmates who had supported her journey. Myles Smith, who was named this year’s Rising Star, delivered a powerful speech questioning the government’s treatment of the British music industry and advocating for grassroots venues and artist support. His speech resonated deeply, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of emerging talent.

Sabrina Carpenter Makes History with Global Success Award

Sabrina Carpenter became the first international artist to receive the Global Success Award, recognizing her remarkable impact on the UK charts. She broke records by holding the top spot for a combined 21 weeks in 2024, a feat not achieved in 71 years. Her hits like "Taste," "Please Please Please," and "Espresso" simultaneously occupied the top three spots, making her the first female artist to achieve this milestone. Accepting her award, Carpenter reflected on her journey from performing in the UK as an unknown artist to headlining the O2 Arena. She also expressed her fondness for British culture, particularly the dry humor and love for tea. Her achievement was introduced by a pre-recorded video from music legend Diana Ross, further cementing Carpenter’s place in the spotlight.

Diverse Wins Showcase the Richness of British and International Music

The BRIT Awards celebrated a wide range of talents, with winners spanning multiple genres. Raye won the British R&B Act category, following her historic six-win streak at last year’s ceremony. Stormzy took home the Hip-Hop, Grime, Rap Act award, thanking Jesus and acknowledging fellow nominee Central Cee. The international categories saw Chappell Roan win Song of the Year for "Good Luck, Babe!" and International Artist of the Year. Fontaines DC claimed the International Group of the Year award for the second time, while The Last Dinner Party was crowned Best New Artist, highlighting the importance of independent venues in their success. British jazz quintet Ezra Collective also triumphed, winning Group of the Year and praising the role of youth clubs, schools, and teachers in nurturing musical talent.

A Star-Studded Red Carpet and Moments of Humor

The BRITs red carpet was a dazzling display of fashion, with attendees showcasing their unique styles. Host Jack Whitehall brought his signature wit to the stage, playfully roasting the A-list audience and keeping the energy high throughout the night. Charli XCX, known for her bold fashion choices, sparked some light-hearted controversy with her sheer top, jokingly advocating for "free the nipple." Her lighthearted comments added a touch of fun to the ceremony, much to the delight of the audience.

The BRIT Awards: A Celebration of Music’s Cultural Impact

This year’s BRIT Awards were not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. From Charli XCX’s genre-defying success to Sabrina Carpenter’s record-breaking feats, the ceremony highlighted how music continues to evolve and influence culture. The event also served as a platform for artists to address broader issues, such as the need for better support for grassroots venues and the recognition of underappreciated contributions to the industry. As the music world looks ahead, the BRIT Awards remind us of the enduring impact of creativity and talent, both on and off the stage.