Charli XCX was undoubtedly the star of the night at the 2025 BRIT Awards, which took place on March 1 at London’s O2 Arena. The pop sensation took home five prestigious awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed record, ‘Brat.’ The night was filled with electrifying performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and heartwarming tributes.
During the ceremony hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, Charli XCX not only secured the Album of the Year title but also won Song of the Year for her hit single “Guess,” featuring the talented Billie Eilish. Upon receiving her awards, she expressed her joy and satisfaction, particularly emphasizing how the recognition felt especially noteworthy considering her previous struggles within the industry.
“I always felt like an outsider... so it feels nice to be recognized on this album when I actually haven’t made any sacrifices,” Charli told the audience during her acceptance speech. Her remarks struck a chord, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision.
Charli’s dominance at this year's BRIT Awards is reflective not only of her talent but also of the cultural moment her album encapsulated. ‘Brat,’ released to widespread acclaim, resonates deeply with today’s youth, addressing themes of empowerment and self-acceptance. The record’s vibrant aesthetic and energetic beats became iconic, making it the soundtrack for the summer of 2024, and even influencing pop culture discussions on various platforms.
The stage shined not only for Charli but also for Chappell Roan, who impressed with her wins for Best International Artist and Best International Song for “Good Luck, Babe!” Meanwhile, the Irish band Fontaines DC continued their winning streak, taking home the award for Best International Group for the second consecutive year.
Other notable winners included Sam Fender, who clinched the title for Best Alternative/Rock Act, RAYE with the Best R&B Act award, and Stormzy, recognized as the Best Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act. JADE thrilled the audience by winning the Best Pop Act award, showcasing the diverse talent represented at the BRITs.
Besides the winners, the night highlighted live performances from various artists, such as Sabrina Carpenter, who opened the show with her energetic medley. Other standout performances came from Jorja Smith and the jazz quintet Ezra Collective, who won their first-ever Brit Award for Group of the Year. They passionately used their speech to address the need for support for grassroots music venues, emphasizing the role of community music education programs.
Femi Koleoso, the band's frontman, said, “I’ll bang this drum... until the entire country gets it,” stressing the importance of nurturing young musical talent. His comments underscored the evening's theme of celebrating the music community and acknowledging the hard work behind each artist's success.
Charli XCX, during her acceptance speech, did not only revel in her own success but also paid tribute to her musical influences and collaborators. “Shout out to Justice, Daft Punk... M.I.A., Autechre, Aphex Twin, and of course, someone who none of us would be up here without: SOPHIE,” she proclaimed, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the music industry.
The BRIT Awards have also become known for emotional tributes, and this year was no exception. A heartfelt segment was dedicated to the late Liam Payne of One Direction, who passed away tragically last year. Whitehall introduced the montage, allowing attendees and viewers alike to reminisce about Payne’s contributions to music.
Besides celebrating established artists, the event also shone light on rising stars, with Myles Smith receiving the Rising Star Award and The Last Dinner Party winning Best New Artist. These accolades are significant,making the BRITs not just about current giants but also about nurturing future talent within the industry.
Not to be overlooked, A.G. Cook, one of Charli's key collaborators and the album's executive producer, won the Producer of the Year award, rounding off the recognition for the heavy hitters behind the scenes.
Post-ceremony, the official afterparty at 180 The Strand featured exciting sets from Confidence Man, Arielle Free, and KILIMANJARO, concluding the night with vibrancy and celebration. With such talent showcased, the 2025 BRIT Awards left fans and artists alike buzzing from the sheer depth and quality of music represented.
This year’s BRITs clearly illustrated the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the music scene, as artists connected with audiences through their authentic narratives. The night was not only about the trophies but also served as a powerful reminder of music's unifying force and its ability to inspire social change. It was, without doubt, one for the history books.