BRITS bosses have shelved plans to go gender-neutral and scrap Best Male and Best Female categories.
The gender-specific prizes came under review after Sam Smith, 28, twice nominated for British Male Solo Artist, said they identified as non-binary.
But a source said: “For 2021, there are no changes to the gender categories.
“The Brits are committed to evolving the show and it’s still something that’s very much under discussion. There’s no timeline in place, but there is still a possibility of change in later years.”
Former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said female artists would lose recognition in a male-dominated industry in mixed-gender contests.
At last year’s Brits, singer Mabel was the only female artist among 25 nominees in mixed-gender categories.
The British Group nominees were all men, prompting winners Foals to say on stage: “Hopefully next year we’ll see some more women in this category.”
Only male performers were nominated for British Album of the Year as well.
Paloma Faith, who won British Female Solo Artist in 2015, highlighted the lack of female talent at the 2018 Brits.
The Grammy Awards scrapped the distinction between male and female awards in 2012 – and have since taken flak for a lack of female representation.
The Brits source added: “If you take away gendered awards you risk not giving a platform to female artists."
“Any change made to be more inclusive needs to be just that," the source went on.
“If that change ultimately leads to less inclusion, or a less diverse shortlist, it risks being counter-productive.”
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