The nominations have been announced, the host has been confirmed and the newly-designed statue has been unveiled – this year’s Brit Awards are officially on their way.
This year’s ceremony has a tough challenge ahead when it comes to topping the 2018 event, which featured some incredible performances, bold political statements and, of course, no shortage of toe-curling awkward moments.
But what can we look forward to? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2019 awards...
First of all, when and where are the 2019 Brit Awards?
The Brit Awards will be held at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday 20 February. The ceremony will air live on ITV from 8pm.
And who will be hosting?
For the second year running, comedian Jack Whitehall will take on presenting duties, having gone down a storm with his hosting stint in 2018.
Who has been nominated for Brit Awards this year?
We’re excited to say that it’s women who are dominating this year’s Brits nominees list, with Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie and Jess Glynne each receiving four nods.
Just behind them, on three, are last year’s Critics’ Choice winner, Jorja Smith, and George Ezra, who are both up for the coveted British Album Of The Year award.
Among the international nominees are a mix of stars including Drake, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Shawn Mendes, Christine and the Queens and Cardi B.
And which artist has been named this year’s Critics’ Choice?
That distinction has gone to North Shields-born singer/songwriter Sam Fender, with runners up Lewis Capaldi and Mahalia just missing out.
As you can see, he’s over the moon about it...
Sam follows in the footsteps of British talents Adele, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sandé and Sam Smith, who have all been named the Critics’ Choice before.
Who will be performing?
The first three performers to be confirmed were Little Mix, Jorja Smith and George Ezra all of whom are among the nominees.
This will mark George’s second time time performing at the Brits, having sung Budapest at the ceremony in 2015, while Jorja did a duet with Rag’n’Bone Man last year.
Little Mix have previously performed at the Brits on two previous occasions, opening the show in 2017 with ‘Shout Out To My Ex’, before going on to win their first ever Brit later that night.
The 1975, who previously made an impression with their performance in 2016, and Calvin Harris were later revealed to be taking to the stage.
In what’s being billed as a “Brits first”, Calvin will be joined for a mega performance with his collaborators Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and Rag’n’Bone Man, all of whom performed at last year’s ceremony.
Also on the list of performers are Jess Glynne, who will duet with Grammy-winning star H.E.R., and Hugh Jackman, in a Greatest Showman-inspired opening number.
Meanwhile, Pink will be closing the show, after collecting an award for Outstanding Contribution To Music.
Who designed the award this year?
Since 2011, a different British designer has put their spin on the Brit Award statuette, and this year’s – modelled above by Sam Fender and Jack Whitehall – was designed by the architect Sir David Adjaye.
