Watching the BRIT awards (the British Music industry awards) last night, I realised there was something different about them this year, something different… and yet very familiar.
Then it dawned on me, just before the American musician Frank Ocean (who won best International Solo Male) said: ‘And thanks to Damien Hirst for the Polka Dots!’ The BRITS had indeed been polka dotted—and by none other than Britain’s very own North Devon-based cow-in-formaldehyde/Crystal-Skull artist Damien Hirst.
Hirst thus becomes the third British creative to put his unique stamp on the iconic BRITs trophy. The BRITs are committed to working with the most innovative and original artists—those who help to inspire the British creatives of the future.
Fashion Designer Dame Vivienne Westwood gave the trophy its first makeover in 2011 and last year it was the turn of Sir Peter Blake, the artist responsible for the iconic cover of the Beatles album Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Another reason I found them familiar (apart from being a London girl with an appreciation for art) was that we have a Damien Hirst original hanging in our Ambassador’s Residence here in Washington DC. Also a polka dot piece, it’s called Pardaxin and I see it whenever the Ambassador is holding an event while guests eagerly have their photos taken in front of it.
Hirst’s exhibition at London’s Tate Modern last year was the most popular solo show ever staged at the gallery, attracting around 463,000 visitors, and helping make 2012 the busiest year in the gallery’s history, with some 5.3million people walking through its doors, adding to the already GREAT year London was having with the Olympics.
Last night’s awards were hosted by the indomitable James Corden, and the cheeky chappy with the mischievous smile didn’t disappoint, saying of One Direction (who won best the Global Success Award): ‘I bet their parents wished they’d stayed in school.’
Also ‘Representing’ last night was the transatlantic partnership, which was as strong as ever. Despite a questionable wedding dress outfit in the first half, I thought Taylor Swift’s performance of ‘I knew you were trouble’ was the best of the night—so good, in fact, that I think I’m actually going to download her album.
Also performing live was Justin Timberlake, making his comeback all shiny suited and Michael Jackson-esque.
The US cleaned up (unsurprisingly) in all International categories with Frank Ocean winning best International Solo Male, The Black Keys best International Group and the soulful Lana Del Ray best International Solo Female. BRIT Trivia fact: Lana Del Ray now lives in the UK (and loves it there) but studied Metaphysics at NYU—so at least she has something to fall back on, as last night’s announcer pointed out.
I always enjoy the BRIT Awards, particularly for their little flashes of anarchy: the James Corden jokes (although he didn’t get a chance to cut off Adele this time as she was video messaging from LA while rehearsing for the Oscars); the drunkenness of Rizzle Kicks as they hosted the after party; and seeing Robbie Williams (apparently dressed as Mark Ronson) wondering just how much longer he can survive in the music business—never underestimate the power of a boy band.
But as well as showing how GREAT British music is, I also like to think it’s another example of the strength of the UK/US relationship. A quid pro-quo, if you like: we win your Grammys and you win our BRITS.
Awesome! Innit?
Hetty: ‘”Despite a questionable wedding dress outfit in the first half, I thought Taylor Swift’s performance of ‘I knew you were trouble’ was the best of the night—so good, in fact, that I think I’m actually going to download her album.”
given the endless tallant that Britain has and continues to display, I (an American and fellow Taylor Swift fan) take that as very high praise indeed. She must have really knocked it out of the park–to quote a popular expression here.
As the Brit awards are not aired on US television (with the exception, as far as I know, of specialized British channels that one can order through their cable service provider) may I ask: what did you mean by “questionable wedding dress outfit?” Was it too revealing? Over adorned with accessories and such? In addition, might I suggest that you listen to a few more of her songs before downloading her album–that is if you haven’t already heard them–to insure that you really like her. “Begin Again” (also from her album ‘”Red”) if you haven’t already heard it, is on country radio now and, therefore I believe, is due to be the next single to be released onto Pop radio in the US and thus may cross the Atlantic soon.
“Lana Del Ray now lives in the UK (and loves it there)”
Why wouldn’t she? Aside from all of the atributes that you and your colleagues rightfully point out about it, some that I, as an outsider, see: you have essentially sensible politicians who don’t threaten a government shut down or an erasure of the full faith and credit of your country in order to get most or all of what they want!! Who wouldn’t love that?!
“As well as showing how GREAT British music is, I also like to think it’s another example of the strength of the UK/US relationship. A quid pro-quo, if you like: we win your Grammys and you win our BRITS. Awesome! Innit?”
Exactly!! This isn’t the first blog on one of these awards shows that I have seen from you and your colleagues, and it always struck me as ironic that this point hadn’t, to the best of my knoledge, been raised before. Is music not an example of culture and culture not a large factor in the relationship? Long may it continue!!!