Brit Awards 2025: Live updates as Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Fender take to the stage at the O2 Arena
Key points
- Charli XCX crowned 'Album of the Year' for 'Brat' View post
- The Brits honour Liam Payne View post
- Charli XCX wins 'Artist of the Year' View post
- Fontaines DC win 'International Group of the Year' View post
- Sabrina Carpenter opens the show View post
- The list of performers at the Brit Awards View post
It’s that time of the year again, the Brit Awards is back once more. It has a reputation for being the most controversial night of the British musical calendar, and Far Out will be on hand to guide you through the event.
Whether another rockstar will deliver a speech about rock ‘n’ roll and how it won’t go away like Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner infamously did in 2014 remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it’s important to expect the unexpected when it comes to the Brits.
Jack Whitehall returns as the host of the Brit Awards for the first time in four years, having previously hosted the event on four occasions. Meanwhile, the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Lola Young, Jade and The Last Dinner Party will perform. The Brit Awards is available to watch on ITV for those in the UK and will also be streamed on YouTube for international viewers.
It’s time to wrap up as Ezra Collective delightfully close the show
Ezra Collective were the final act to be announced to perform at this year’s ceremony, and they were also given the honour of closing the show, which they did immaculately thanks to the help of Jorja Smith.
After winning ‘Group of the Year’ earlier in the evening, it was time for Ezra Collective to tell people watching at home, who may not be familiar, why they were deserved winners.
On that note, thanks for choosing to follow Far Out’s coverage for the Brit Awards. Same time again tomorrow for the Oscars? See you then.
Charli XCX crowned ‘Album of the Year’ for ‘Brat’
The most prestigious award of the night is ‘Album of the Year’ which now belongs to Charli XCX for her phenomena Brat.
In her speech, Charli emotionally said: “I used to tell myself that things like this weren’t important, this kind of recognition, awards in general, and that was really easy for me to do because until last year I was never nominated for anything, it’s cool to not be in that position. I’ve always felt like an outsider in the British music industry and so it feels really nice to be recognised on this album when I haven’t really made any sacrifices, doing my own thing in my own corner of the industry.”
She continued: “I’ve worked with the same people, we’ve always been doing our thing and I guess this time around culture caught up with us and wanted to be on a journey with us. I want to share this with any artists who have felt they need to compromise to be recognised because I think I’m living proof that you don’t need to compromise your vision. It’s the long road but if you do your own thing and if you do it well and believe in yourself and make good enough music, people will resonate with you and be there with you. Thanks to all the people who believed in me along the way. Thanks so much.”
Louis Tomlinson praises Brits tribute to Liam Payne
Taking to X, Louis Tomlinson has praised the Brit Awards tribute to his late bandmate in One Direction, Liam Payne, writing, “Thank you Brits. Beautiful tribute. Miss you always brother x”.
The Brits honour Liam Payne
Rightly, the Brit Awards have paid tribute to the late Liam Payne, who won seven Brit Awards with One Direction. Payne was given his own segment by the Brits, which charted his early life from childhood to becoming a global sensation with One Direction before establishing his own solo career.
Although there was speculation about a possible One Direction reunion featuring the other four members, this video package felt like an appropriate way to remember a life that was lost far too soon.
Charli XCX wins ‘Artist of the Year’
After winning ‘Song of the Year”, ‘Best Dance Act’ and ‘Songwriter of the Year’, Charli XCX has now won ‘Artist of the Year’.
In her victory speech, Charli shared: “I heard that ITV were complaining about my nipples and I feel like we’re in the era of free the nipple. Thanks for being on my side. This is really cool – thank you so much. I feel like I’ve always been an artist but it really takes a whole team and they’re all sat at that table so I just want to say thanks to the people who helped me make this record.”
[Link]Sam Fender performs ‘People Watching’
Sam Fender has returned to the stage to perform ‘People Watching’, the title track from his chart-topping album of the same name. Fender, backed by his tight-knit band, have put in an impassioned performance which he will be taking to stadiums across the UK this summer.
Chappell Roan wins ‘International Artist of the Year’
Chappell Roan has won another Brit, bringing home the award for ‘International Artist of the Year’ in addition to ‘International Song of the Year’.
“I dedicate this to trans artists, to drag queens; sex workers – because of all these people, I can be here today. I did not give up because of them and I continue growing because of them,” she powerfully said in her speech.
The Last Dinner Party win ‘Best New Artist’
The Brit Awards pipeline has now been completed in style by The Last Dinner Party who were crowned with the ‘Rising Star’ award last year and have now stepped up to win ‘Best New Artist’.
In their speech, the band said, This is truly the biggest honour. We won the ‘Rising Star’ last year, and it means so much to win against such incredible competition.
We’d like to thank our friends and family.”
They also honoured producer James Ford, who is battling leukemia, adding, “The incomparable James Ford – that man can really make a record and we just want to send him so much love.”
On another vital note, they continued: We wouldn’t be a band without the UK’S incredible independent venues, they are the lifeblood of the music industry and they are dying. And if venues like this contributed a tiny bit to these independent venues then we wouldn’t not be losing them as this alarming rate. So I want to say to those artists who are playing independent venues, keep going because that’s the best art there is.”
Fontaines DC win ‘International Group of the Year’
For the second time of their career, Fontaines DC have been crowned ‘International Group of the Year’ by the Brits.
Frontman Grian Chatten said in his acceptance speech on behalf of the band, “We weren’t expecting to get it for a second time, this year in particular we’re up against some great people in that category. Amyl and The Sniffers are one of the most inspiring bands at the moment.”
The other nominees they beat to the award were Linkin Park, Future and Metro Boomin, and Confidence Man.
Lola Young performs ‘Messy’
The biggest song of the year has been ‘Messy’ by Lola Young, it’s unavoidable on social media and despite not being recently released, it has gained a new sense of popularity that has put Young on this stage.
While she didn’t win in the ‘Best Pop Act’ category, Young got the O2 Arena singing along at full volume to her hit song.
[Link]Why was Danny Dyer censored?
Danny Dyer first appeared at the Brits to hand out the award for ‘Best International Song of the Year’, then returned for a chat with Jack Whitehall at his table. However, much of the expletive-ridden conversation was blanked for televised audiences.
According to our reporter on the ground, when Dyer was asked about the plot of his new movie, Marching Powder, which is about a cocaine-sniffing football hooligan facing up to his demons, he jokingly said: “It’s Bridget Jones with the word cunt.”
One part of the conversation that wasn’t deleted was Dyer slamming the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, who is the latest politician facing his wrath after his famous David Cameron barb.
Raye awarded ‘Best R&B Act’
After sweeping the ceremony last year, Raye has added another Brit Award to her record collection with ‘Best R&B Act’. She is currently in the process of making new music, therefore, wasn’t in attendance but still provided a powerful speech and was grateful to her fans for voting her as the winner.
Stormzy wins ‘Best Rap/Hip-Hop Act’ but says he doesn’t deserve it
After winning ‘Best Rap/Hip-Hop Act’, Stormzy has spoken out against the voting process, claiming it should have gone to Central Cee instead and it shouldn’t be decided by fans.
He began his speech by saying, “Thank you Jesus I want to say a couple of things, big up Chase and Status – the only reason why I’m here. Thirdly, I love everyone who voted for me and I love the Brits, very grateful. I don’t think this should be fan voted. Not in the controversial way.”
Stormzy then paid tribute to Central Cee, before adding, “These things don’t define us as much as they’re amazing. I’m very grateful to the public.”
The Last Dinner Party perform ‘Nothing Matters’
The Last Dinner Party, who won the ‘Rising Star’ award in 2024, have returned to the Brits in 2025 to perform their breakout single ‘Nothing Matters’. They are nominated for several awards tonight, but have yet to take home any gongs, but are the second-nominated act behind Charli XCX.
Chappell Roan wins ‘International Song of the Year’
Chappell Roan has beat competition from huge names like Benson Boone and Djo to win ‘International Song of the Year’ for ‘Good Luck, Babe’.
While she wasn’t in attendance, which unfortunately meant she didn’t meet Danny Dyer who was handing out the award, Roan said in a pre-recorded message: Thanks to the Brits for recognising ‘Good Luck, Babe’ – that’s crazy. Over the years I have written many songs let’s just say I had to write a lot of bad songs to get to the good ones
Artists deserve their freedom to write bad songs and to flip and not be pressured into making music. Continue to support artists to make success on their own terms.”
Diana Ross and Millie Bobby Brown present ‘Global Success’ award to Sabrina Carpenter
In a bizarre pre-recorded message from her show at Wembley Arena on the other side of the river in London, Diana Ross introduced the ‘Global Success’ award to Sabrina Carpenter.
Thankfully, Millie Billie Brown was actually in attendance at the O2 to present Carpenter her award.
In her speech, Carpenter spoke about her relationship with the UK which has developed over the last decade since she first entered the music business and has risen to the top of the ladder.
Regarding her break-out hit ‘Espresso’, she jokingly said: “This feels like an insane honour in a primarily tea drinking country you guys stream the shit out of ‘Espresso’
Your sense of humour is so dry so I love y’all more than you even understand.”
Jade takes to the stage
After previously winning ‘Best Pop Act’, Jade has now arrived on stage to celebrate her victorious night to perform ‘Angel of my Dreams’ which established as a star in her own right following the demise of Little Mix.
Ezra Collective win ‘Group of the Year’
Ezra Collective have beaten Bring Me The Horizon, Coldplay, The Cure and The Last Dinner Party to win ‘Group of the Year’, marking their first ever Brit Award.
In his acceptance speech, Femi Koleuso ensured to pay tribute to the youth clubs that made Ezra Collective a possibility, and explained their importance to the fabric to British society.
The bandleader powerfully shared: “So many of the problems that face greater society in the UK – the solution lies with giving a young person a trumpet, a saxophone, because when you do that you give them a dream and an aspiration and a goal.”
Poor old KSI
Jack Whitehall has just spent five minutes unloading a verbal beatdown on KSI, the YouTuber/Boxer/Rapper/Energy drink salesman. Admittedly, the Britain’s Got Talent judge was an easy target for Whitehall, but Whitehall truly gave him both barrels, especially about his much-maligned song ‘The Thick of It’.
I don’t think KSI will be making another YouTube video with Whitehall anytime soon.
Charli XCX wins ‘Best Dance Act’
After previously winning the awards for ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Songwriter of the Year’, Charli XCX has now won ‘Best Dance Act’.
In her speech, Charli XCX said of her collaborators which include George Daniel of The 1975 and AG Cook, “I wouldn’t be up here without these three straight white men so, especially on this record, look, I feel like dance music gets a really bad rep because everybody is like, ‘It’s not really that deep’. I feel like it is. I feel like this genre is euphoric and it allows me to escape and feel on such a deep level. Maybe that’s not the way for everyone but for me it is.
After paying tribute to a number of dance icons such as Honey Dijon, Daft Punk and Justice, Charli XCX also remembered the late pioneer Sophie.
Myles Smith calls out UK government
In his acceptance speech, Myles Smith used his platform to speak about the importance of supporting grassroots venues, and questioned their commitment to the creative industries.
Smith pleaded, “If British music is one of the most powerful exports we have then how many more venues need to close before we realise we can’t just celebrate success we have to protect the foundations that make it. What are you doing to keep grassroots venues alive? Are we building careers or just building moments? Please stick with artists past their first tour.”
[Link]The Last Dinner Party present ‘Rising Star’ to Myles Smith
In 2024, The Last Dinner Party won the ‘Rising Star’ award and has since gone on to play huge headline tours and give a memorable performance on The Other Stage at Glastonbury.
Luton singer-songwriter Myles Smith will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of The Last Dinner Party and establish himself like they have done.
[Link]Sam Fender wins ‘Best Alternative/Rock Act’
Sam Fender has won yet another Brit Award to add to his collection, this time for ‘Best Alternative/Rock Act’. He was handed the award by Serge Pizzorno of Kasabian and beat accomplished names such as The Cure.
In his speech, Fender proudly said: “First of all I just want to say a huge thanks. We’re a little bit nervous, nowhere near as drunk as last time. Massive thanks to the fans, we’ve got the best fans in the world. To everybody at home in Newcastle and Shields, love you all. Huge thanks to my band, who without I’m just a mad person shouting at the walls. Love yous all.”
Jade wins ‘Best Pop Act’
Pop royalty Sugababes have arrived on stage to deliver Jade with the award for ‘Best Pop Act’, which marks the first award of her career since leaving Little Mix. Other nominees included Myles Smith and Lola Young.
In her speech, she emotionally said: “I can’t cry because I’ve got to sing later but I knew I’d forget people. Firstly, I need to thank the fans because that’s why I’ve won this award. Thanks for relentlessly forcing everyone around you to vote for me. I love you guys too much. I want to thank my fabulous team at RCA.
Jade added: “All of my family and friends for always believing in me. Thank you for making me feel like it was a realistic home to be a pop star. Thanks my Little Mix sisters – I love you so much, I wouldn’t have this award without them, they changed my life.”
[Link]Teddy Swims performs
Next up on the Brits stage is American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims who is performing his hit single ‘Bad Dreams’ and has certainly dressed up for the occasion. Initially, he was wearing his own bed before taking it off to unveil a stylish suit and jumper concoction.
However, the performance is slightly less exciting than his choice of clothing. His medley has also seen Swims take on ‘The Door’ which has been streamed close to 500 million times on Spotify alone.
Charli XCX wins ‘Song of the Year’
Lenny Kravitz has opened the ceremony by handing out the award to Charli XCX for ‘Song of the Year’ for her collaboration with Billie Eilish on ‘Guess’. She beat the likes of The Beatles, Dua Lipa, Myles Smith and Sam Ryder to the prestigious award.
“Thank you, this is cool. I’m pretty 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 sure what”.
In her speech, Charli also thanked Billie Eilish for working with her on the track which she said was “spontaneous” and it developed from a conversation into a song within a matter of days.
I suspect that’s not the last time we see Charli XCX collect an award tonight, even if she isn’t performing.
Jack Whitehall delivers opening monologue
Jack Whitehall is no stranger to the Brits, and it shows by his opening monologue. Performing stand-up comedy in an arena full of music industry professionals who couldn’t be less interested in hearing Whitehall deliver jokes is no easy task, but he’s unphased by the lacklustre energy in the room and pokes fun at everyone from Charli XCX to Stormzy’s latest controversial collaboration with McDonald’s.
Whitehall also had jokes aplenty for the broadcaster of the Brit Awards, ITV, who, as he mentioned, have had a difficult couple of years with presenters abruptly leaving the station due to controversies.
[Link]Sabrina Carpenter opens the show
Sabrina Carpenter, the winner of the ‘Global Success’ award at the Brits, has opened the show with a performance of ‘Espresso’ surrounded by guards as backing dancers that would typically be seen protecting Buckingham Palace.
After opening the show, Carpenter could return to the stage later this evening as she is nominated for two awards including ‘International Song of the Year’ for ‘Espresso’.
The Brits pay tribute to Liam Payne in programme
As a member of One Direction, Liam Payne won seven Brit Awards during his time with the band. His tragic loss in October sent shockwaves around the world and it’s only right that the Brit Awards have acknowledged Payne with a moving tribute in the programme.
It’s also expected that Payne will be honoured in the ceremony. At the Grammys, he featured in the ‘In Memoriam’ section while Coldplay’s Chris Martin took to the stage and remembered the late musician.
Artists make their voice heard against AI
One of the biggest ongoing talking points in music is the battle against artificial intelligence. Earlier this week, 1000 artists came together to release a silent album to make their voices heard.
It comes after new legislation was introduced, which states that AI developers will be able to use any creator’s content found online to help develop and train their models unless they opt-out.
Before the Brits gets underway, this statement has been echoed with a poignant message on the big screen which you can see below.
Could The Beatles win another Brit?
In 2025, The Beatles were nominated at the Brit Awards in the ‘Song of the Year’ category, which is a sentence that still doesn’t feel real. However, it’s very much true thanks to their chart-topping track ‘Now and Then’.
However, it does face tough competition in the category from Coldplay with ‘Feels Like I’m Falling in Love’, Dua Lipa with ‘Training Season’, Charli XCX and Billie Eilish’s ‘Guess’, Jade’s ‘Angel of My Dreams’ and ‘Backbone’ by Chase and Status with Stormzy.
The Beatles have previously won four Brit Awards, having won three prizes at the inaugural edition of the ceremony in 1977. In its first year, the Brit Awards celebrated all British music from 1952 to 1977 and only became an annual event in 1982. Notably, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club won ‘Best Album’ in 1977 and they were also named ‘Best British Group’.
The list of performers at the Brit Awards
Throughout the night, the Brits are set to welcome performances from a wide range of nominees from both the UK and the US, including Sam Fender, Sabrina Carpenter, The Last Dinner Party, Jade, Ezra Collective with Jorja Smith, Teddy Swims, and Lola Young.
Fender has a lot to cheer about recently having broke records with his new album People Watching within its first week of sales, and the Geordie is excited about his return to the Brits. In a statement, he said of performing: “Me and the band are so excited to perform at The Brit Awards this year – we can’t wait to get up on that stage again!”
Who is hosting the Brit Awards?
For the fifth time in his career, comedian Jack Whitehall will be oversee the ceremony having previously hosted the Brits in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. He takes over from Roman Kemp, Clara Amfo and Maya Jama who teamed up last year as a triple presenting team.
“They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that is absolutely the case with the Brit Awards,” he said in a statement regarding his return, “It is my favourite night of the year, and I am delighted to be back to host in 2025.”
Who is the most nominated artist at the Brits?
Charli XCX is the most nominated artist at this year’s ceremony. In addition to being shortlisted in the ‘Song of the Year’ category, her album, Brat, has been nominated for ‘Album of the Year’. Charli is also up for ‘Artist of the Year’, ‘Pop Act’ and ‘Dance Act’.
Meanwhile, The Last Dinner Party are trailing Charli XCX behind with four nominations. The indie band, who were crowned with the ‘Rising Star’ award in 2024, have been nominated for ‘Group of the Year’, ‘Best New Artist’, ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Alternative/Rock Act’.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.