Awards season is officially underway, with the Grammys celebrating a host of artists from the US and around the world.
Across the pond, the BRIT awards are all about recognising British musical talent, with everyone from George Ezra to Jorja Smith nominated for awards at this year's ceremony.
Taking place at London’s O2 arena, the BRITs has become notorious for outrageous celebrity behaviour, stage mishaps and controversies. Although many have argued the outlandishness that made the BRITs famous is no more, it’s still one of the most important events of the year on the music industry calendar.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 39th annual BRIT awards:
When are the BRIT awards?
The BRIT awards take place on Wednesday, February 20 and will be broadcast on ITV between 8pm and 10:20pm.
Who are the BRIT award nominees?
Much like the Grammys, women are set to dominate this year’s BRIT awards.
Anne-Marie has bagged herself four nominations including British Female, British Single, British Artist Video of the Year and British Album of the Year.
Meanwhile, pop princess Dua Lipa, who will be hoping to replicate her double-win from last year, is nominated for British Single and Best Artist Video for her track IDGAF and her collaboration with Calvin Harris on One Kiss.
Other notable nominees include George Ezra, The 1975 and Jorja Smith.
You can find the full list of nominees here.
Who's hosting the BRITs?
Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall will be hosting the awards for the second year running.
Speaking to The Sun, BRITs boss Jason Iley said: “Jack was one of the best Brits hosts the show has seen for many years, I’m delighted he had decided to do it again next year.
“He was so funny and very engaging. I can’t wait to see what he will bring to the show in 2019.”
Previous hosts have included Davina McCall, Chris Evans, Russell Brand and Dermot O’Leary.
Who’s performing at the BRITs?
Hugh Jackman will be opening the show with a song from his hit film The Greatest Showman.
In a funny social media clip in which he shares the news with his dancers, the 50-year-old actor said: “We’re opening the Brits. Oh no! I didn’t tell you that, I didn’t tell you anything…we’re just going to rehearse, it doesn’t matter what we’re rehearsing for.
“Why don’t we just work on The Greatest Show for no reason? Don’t tell anyone, I shouldn’t have told you.”
Calvin Harris will also be performing a set with his collaborators Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Rag’n’Bone man.
Other performances to look forward to on the night come from Little Mix, George Ezra, Jorja Smith and The 1975.
How to get tickets
Those hoping to see the action up close are in luck – tickets are still available to buy online and start at £120 plus a facility fee.
Tickets can be purchased through the AXS website.
Can the public vote for BRIT awards?
The public is permitted to vote in two categories: British Breakthrough Act and British Artist Video of the Year.
Votes for British Breakthrough Act are open on the BRITs website until 5:30 pm on Friday, February 15.
Votes for British Artist Video of the Year are open on social media from February 4 until February 15 at 4:30 pm.
To cast your vote, tweet using the designated hashtag that corresponds to your chosen nominated act.
For all other categories, winners are selected by the Voting Academy, made up of over 1,000 music heavyweights who represent every sector in the industry.
Do we know who any of the winners are yet?
Whilst most of the winners will get announced on the night, the recipients for two awards have already been confirmed.
Pink will take home the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. She will be the first artist to receive the honour since 2012 when Blur took home the coveted prize.
In a statement, the US star said: “I am so honoured to be recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the 2019 Brits!
“Since the beginning of my career, the British fans have been some of the most fierce and loyal in the world. I am humbled to receive this honour and be in the company of an illustrious group of British icons!”
The Critics’ Choice award is always announced before the ceremony. This year, the winner is singer-songwriter Sam Fender. Other nominees included Lewis Capaldi and Mahalia.
Who designed the BRIT award statues this year?
Almost as highly anticipated as the winners themselves is what the BRIT trophies will look like.
A host of creative designers have offered their take on the iconic statue over the years, which is always modelled on Britannia, the female personification of Britain.
This year, the statues are designed by architect Sir David Adjaye.
He said: “My take on the Brit trophy is a manifestation of a great material forged in fire and shaped in the body of a woman. She is unique, and proportionately she is very different.”
