BRIT Awards 2021: Looks, performances and surprises

The BRIT Awards 2021 were special in several ways. First of all, they were the first event of its kind with a live audience and performances on the stage of the O2 Arena. Second, the awards gala would be dominated by women in a way that had never happened before.

"2020 was a year to remember." More than one attendant or presenter uttered that phrase during the BRIT Awards gala. Little Mix will surely agree. Two out of three bandmembers (Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock) are expecting a baby. Their condition was a source of many jokes and references throughout the evening.

A classic British star, Boy George lit up the red carpet. "Back on the horse again after such a long time," he said, referring to the lockdowns of 2020-2021. Although it must have been his umpteenth music gala, the singer seemed as excited and energetic as ever.

Celeste, a big star thanks to her successful album, awards nominations - and not in the least that big nomination for Best Song at the Oscars, 'Hear My Voice' for 'The Trial of the Chicago 7' - appeared on the red carpet with a striking cocktail feather dress from Ashley Williams.

Stars and leopard print were the decorations of choice for 'Years & Years' singer Olly Alexander and Queen's step-in frontman Adam Lambert. The former was going to blow away the arena with a performance and the latter was handing out a BRIT Award.

Nominee for BRITs Rising Star, which Griff won, but winner of the best dress.

Always a treat on the red carpet: Billie Porter. This time in monochrome black lace with a silver handbag whose brand he could not directly remember. "I just got it... It has room for my phone and makeup, and that's enough." We'll get back to you when we've found the name.

It's a good thing he brought that bag, because he must have needed a touch-up for the expressive eyeliner and eyeshadow he wore.

Raye wore an eye-catching pink dress reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe ('Gentlemen Prefer Blondes') and Madonna's iconic music video 'Material Girl.'

They still looked serious and casual on the red carpet, but by the end of the night HAIM had a BRIT Award in hand for Best International Group, beating - among others - Foo Fighters and BTS.

The young singer Griff had already heard that she'd won the BRITs Rising Artist Award, so she could be a bit less nervous during the gala. To spice things up, she wore a dress that she herself described as 'over the top' with a most interesting headpiece that would probably not fit through a bathroom door.

Starting with former BRIT recipient Mabel, who was at the O2 Arena to give out an award, we noticed a pattern in colour: lime green.

The young artist from Spotify mega-hit 'Drivers License' walked the red carpet with a lime dress of her own.

Red carpet host AJ Odudu had also received the memo.

Finally, there was shiny lime green for singer Gracey as well: an elegance matching that of Grace Kelly.

Devotion was the defining word for the male fashion icons at the Brit Awards. Just check out 220 Kid's manicure and how it matches his suit and coloured hair. A lot of work was put into that!

Harry Styles' suits always deserve attention of their own, but he didn't show this brown-and-beige print on the red carpet. Had he sneaked into the O2 Arena through a back door? With a date perhaps? (Olivia Wilde?)

Harry's prize for Best Single seemed an exception in what had become a women's night at the BRIT Awards. HAIM got Best International Group, Little Mix Best British Group, Arlo Parks the Breakthrough award, Griff the Rising Star, and Taylor Swift the ultimate honour of Global Icon. Basically, the only two categories in which men predominated were... right, Best Male Solo Artist and International Male Solo Artist.

Two important awards - Best Album and Best Female Solo Artist - made Dua Lipa the absolute ruler of the gala. Her look was eccentric thanks to the high, black hairdo and a 'burlesque' Vivienne Westwood dress with corset silhouette.

Arlo Parks, winner of Breakthrough award and nominee for Best Female Solo Artist, performed live on the O2 stage in a beautiful flower power setting. Before that, Coldplay had started off the night from a boat, while The Weeknd 'zoomed' in for his  performance. Other live acts on the stage were Rising Star winner Griff and Best Male Solo Artist nominee Headie One.

Dua Lipa topped Coldplay's floating act with a fabulous hybrid show, starting in the London Underground (pre-recorded) and continuing on stage. It was the perfect intro to an evening with a remarkable female presence.

Teen icon Olivia Rodrigo sang her hit 'Drivers Licence' in a stripped-down version. She marked yet another impressive female performance.

Read more about Olivia Rodrigo, one of Taylor Swift's favourite young artists

A true highlight of the evening was the song 'It's a Sin' from the dramaseries with the same title by Olly Alexander and Sir Elton John. A swinging version of the 80s' hit that will be on sale to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Elton John.

They gave a touching finishing performance together with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Choir. Their song, 'Anywhere Away From Here' is for sale and all proceeds go to NHS charities. As had happened throughout the evening, the artists gave "a massive big up to the key workers here tonight" - referring to the health workers invited to sit in the front rows of the O2 Arena.

"We will never be able to thank you guys enough," host Jack Whitehall said at the end of the evening. "It’s been a year of fear and isolation, but music has an incredible power to connect us. We will never again take for granted the chance to gather like this."

See all the winners of the 2021 BRIT Awards