Posted on 11 May 2021

17 Outrageous Things That Actually Happened At The Brit Awards, Which I Still Haven't Come To Terms With

Yes, this list does include Geri Halliwell's Union Jack dress.

BuzzFeed Staff

Madonna was in the middle of singing "Living for Love" when she was yanked off stage by a dancer. It was only her Armani cape that was supposed to come away, but it had been tied too tight for the singer to undo it in time. The incident was only made more awkward by the next lyrics in the song — "Now that it's over I'm gonna carry on / Lifted me up, and watched me stumble." — youtube.com

Madonna was in the middle of singing "Living for Love" when she was yanked off stage by a dancer. It was only her Armani cape that was supposed to come away, but it had been tied too tight for the singer to undo it in time. The incident was only made more awkward by the next lyrics in the song — "Now that it's over I'm gonna carry on / Lifted me up, and watched me stumble."

youtube.com

Madonna was in the middle of singing "Living for Love" when she was yanked off stage by a dancer. It was only her Armani cape that was supposed to come away, but it had been tied too tight for the singer to undo it in time. The incident was only made more awkward by the next lyrics in the song — "Now that it's over I'm gonna carry on / Lifted me up, and watched me stumble."

The Queen frontman appeared at the awards to accept his Outstanding Contribution to Music Award with the rest of the band. Though Freddie was known for his extravagant stage presence, it was Brian May who did most of the speaking, with a noticeably gaunt Freddie simply adding, "Thank you. Goodnight". He died the next year on 24 November from an AIDS-related illness. — youtube.com

The Queen frontman appeared at the awards to accept his Outstanding Contribution to Music Award with the rest of the band. Though Freddie was known for his extravagant stage presence, it was Brian May who did most of the speaking, with a noticeably gaunt Freddie simply adding, "Thank you. Goodnight". He died the next year on 24 November from an AIDS-related illness.

youtube.com

The Queen frontman appeared at the awards to accept his Outstanding Contribution to Music Award with the rest of the band. Though Freddie was known for his extravagant stage presence, it was Brian May who did most of the speaking, with a noticeably gaunt Freddie simply adding, "Thank you. Goodnight". He died the next year on 24 November from an AIDS-related illness.

It's 2012, and Adele has just won Album of the Year. The crowds were lavishing her with applause, but she barely got out a couple of thank yous before the host of the evening, James Corden, appeared to cut her off. Visibly pissed, Adele ended her speech with "Goodbye, and I'll see you next time round", before putting up her middle finger. Poor Blur then had to begin their set to the sound of raucous boos! — youtube.com

It's 2012, and Adele has just won Album of the Year. The crowds were lavishing her with applause, but she barely got out a couple of thank yous before the host of the evening, James Corden, appeared to cut her off. Visibly pissed, Adele ended her speech with "Goodbye, and I'll see you next time round", before putting up her middle finger. Poor Blur then had to begin their set to the sound of raucous boos!

youtube.com

It's 2012, and Adele has just won Album of the Year. The crowds were lavishing her with applause, but she barely got out a couple of thank yous before the host of the evening, James Corden, appeared to cut her off. Visibly pissed, Adele ended her speech with "Goodbye, and I'll see you next time round", before putting up her middle finger. Poor Blur then had to begin their set to the sound of raucous boos!

Michael Jackson is a legendary performer, but I think many would agree that his 1996 BRITs appearance was a little...much. The singer pulled out all the stops for a rendition of "Earth Song", even appearing at the culmination of the ballad as a Christ-like figure surrounded by children.
Pulp frontman, Jarvis, thought the performance was "in bad taste", so he impulsively ran onstage and began fooling around, lifting his shirt and pointing his butt in Michael's direction. Jarvis would later claim it was a protest of the way he felt Michael saw himself as a messiah-type individual. — youtube.com

Michael Jackson is a legendary performer, but I think many would agree that his 1996 BRITs appearance was a little...much. The singer pulled out all the stops for a rendition of "Earth Song", even appearing at the culmination of the ballad as a Christ-like figure surrounded by children.
Pulp frontman, Jarvis, thought the performance was "in bad taste", so he impulsively ran onstage and began fooling around, lifting his shirt and pointing his butt in Michael's direction. Jarvis would later claim it was a protest of the way he felt Michael saw himself as a messiah-type individual.

youtube.com

Michael Jackson is a legendary performer, but I think many would agree that his 1996 BRITs appearance was a little...much. The singer pulled out all the stops for a rendition of "Earth Song", even appearing at the culmination of the ballad as a Christ-like figure surrounded by children.
Pulp frontman, Jarvis, thought the performance was "in bad taste", so he impulsively ran onstage and began fooling around, lifting his shirt and pointing his butt in Michael's direction. Jarvis would later claim it was a protest of the way he felt Michael saw himself as a messiah-type individual.

Since she's best known as an exponent of whisper-pop (which I personally love), sceptics doubted that Billie could ever stand up to the Shirley Bassey–like vocals required for a classic Bond song. But she proved everybody wrong when she unveiled "No Time to Die" at the awards last year, alongside her brother and frequent collaborator, Finneas, as well as Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr. Billie also won International Female Solo Artist that night. — youtube.com

Since she's best known as an exponent of whisper-pop (which I personally love), sceptics doubted that Billie could ever stand up to the Shirley Bassey–like vocals required for a classic Bond song. But she proved everybody wrong when she unveiled "No Time to Die" at the awards last year, alongside her brother and frequent collaborator, Finneas, as well as Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr. Billie also won International Female Solo Artist that night.

youtube.com

Since she's best known as an exponent of whisper-pop (which I personally love), sceptics doubted that Billie could ever stand up to the Shirley Bassey–like vocals required for a classic Bond song. But she proved everybody wrong when she unveiled "No Time to Die" at the awards last year, alongside her brother and frequent collaborator, Finneas, as well as Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr. Billie also won International Female Solo Artist that night.

Ginger Spice's Union Jack dress might just be as imitable and iconic as the Spice Girls themselves — it even has its own Wikipedia page! Geri was actually due to wear a lil' black Gucci dress for the band's performance, but she thought it was too boring, so she had her sister stitch a Union Jack tea towel to the front. The next day the dress was splashed over all the newspapers and the rest, as they say, is history. — youtube.com

Ginger Spice's Union Jack dress might just be as imitable and iconic as the Spice Girls themselves — it even has its own Wikipedia page! Geri was actually due to wear a lil' black Gucci dress for the band's performance, but she thought it was too boring, so she had her sister stitch a Union Jack tea towel to the front. The next day the dress was splashed over all the newspapers and the rest, as they say, is history.

youtube.com

Ginger Spice's Union Jack dress might just be as imitable and iconic as the Spice Girls themselves — it even has its own Wikipedia page! Geri was actually due to wear a lil' black Gucci dress for the band's performance, but she thought it was too boring, so she had her sister stitch a Union Jack tea towel to the front. The next day the dress was splashed over all the newspapers and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Arctic Monkeys won big at the 2014 BRIT Awards, earning a best album award for AM, but when they took to the podium to give thanks...well, they didn't really. Instead, Alex made a speech about the cyclical nature of rock 'n' roll, commenting that "it might hibernate from time to time and sink back into the swamp...but it will never die". Alex later said to Rolling Stone that his speech was about his indifference to awards ceremonies. — youtube.com

The Arctic Monkeys won big at the 2014 BRIT Awards, earning a best album award for AM, but when they took to the podium to give thanks...well, they didn't really. Instead, Alex made a speech about the cyclical nature of rock 'n' roll, commenting that "it might hibernate from time to time and sink back into the swamp...but it will never die". Alex later said to Rolling Stone that his speech was about his indifference to awards ceremonies.

youtube.com

The Arctic Monkeys won big at the 2014 BRIT Awards, earning a best album award for AM, but when they took to the podium to give thanks...well, they didn't really. Instead, Alex made a speech about the cyclical nature of rock 'n' roll, commenting that "it might hibernate from time to time and sink back into the swamp...but it will never die". Alex later said to Rolling Stone that his speech was about his indifference to awards ceremonies.

fri•° semi ia @jeonshalaa

Remember when fucking little mix did this on the BRITs, no one is at their level
05:42 PM - 07 May 2021
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Twitter: @jeonshalaa

The British girl band were fresh off the success of their album LM5 when they showed up to the BRITs to show just how much they'd grown since their reality-show beginnings. Little Mix performed with London rapper Ms Banks and showed off some serious choreo that had the crowd going wild. Later on, they would win British Video of the Year for the song!

At the 2000 awards, during an acceptance speech, Robbie challenged the Oasis lead singer to a £100,000 bet and a televised boxing match. The event was apparently sparked by Liam's constant jabs at Robbie, and it marked a significant development in the ongoing feud between the pair. The speech has gone down as a bit of an iconic moment, with celebs like Mel C and Craig Cash quoting Robbie in subsequent ceremonies! — youtube.com

At the 2000 awards, during an acceptance speech, Robbie challenged the Oasis lead singer to a £100,000 bet and a televised boxing match. The event was apparently sparked by Liam's constant jabs at Robbie, and it marked a significant development in the ongoing feud between the pair. The speech has gone down as a bit of an iconic moment, with celebs like Mel C and Craig Cash quoting Robbie in subsequent ceremonies!

youtube.com

At the 2000 awards, during an acceptance speech, Robbie challenged the Oasis lead singer to a £100,000 bet and a televised boxing match. The event was apparently sparked by Liam's constant jabs at Robbie, and it marked a significant development in the ongoing feud between the pair. The speech has gone down as a bit of an iconic moment, with celebs like Mel C and Craig Cash quoting Robbie in subsequent ceremonies!

In the same year as Robbie's challenge to Liam, DJ Brandon Block – who no one had ever really heard of – stormed the stage just as Ronnie Wood and Thora Birch were about to announce the winner of Best Soundtrack Album. He'd apparently been convinced by a friend that he'd won the award. The Rolling Stones alumnus was so unimpressed that he threw a drink over Brandon. It's literally one of the most chaotic things you'll ever watch. — youtube.com

In the same year as Robbie's challenge to Liam, DJ Brandon Block – who no one had ever really heard of – stormed the stage just as Ronnie Wood and Thora Birch were about to announce the winner of Best Soundtrack Album. He'd apparently been convinced by a friend that he'd won the award. The Rolling Stones alumnus was so unimpressed that he threw a drink over Brandon. It's literally one of the most chaotic things you'll ever watch.

youtube.com

In the same year as Robbie's challenge to Liam, DJ Brandon Block – who no one had ever really heard of – stormed the stage just as Ronnie Wood and Thora Birch were about to announce the winner of Best Soundtrack Album. He'd apparently been convinced by a friend that he'd won the award. The Rolling Stones alumnus was so unimpressed that he threw a drink over Brandon. It's literally one of the most chaotic things you'll ever watch.

During her second appearance at the BRITs, Gaga ended up winning three awards, but it was her musical tribute to English fashion designer Alexander McQueen – who had just died by suicide – that really stood out. Gaga had planned a different performance but changed it at the last minute to a slowed-down piano performance of "Telephone" in honour of Alexander. — youtube.com

During her second appearance at the BRITs, Gaga ended up winning three awards, but it was her musical tribute to English fashion designer Alexander McQueen – who had just died by suicide – that really stood out. Gaga had planned a different performance but changed it at the last minute to a slowed-down piano performance of "Telephone" in honour of Alexander.

youtube.com

During her second appearance at the BRITs, Gaga ended up winning three awards, but it was her musical tribute to English fashion designer Alexander McQueen – who had just died by suicide – that really stood out. Gaga had planned a different performance but changed it at the last minute to a slowed-down piano performance of "Telephone" in honour of Alexander.

In the same year as Gaga's tribute to Alexander McQueen, Florence took to the stage to sing her mega-hit "You've Got the Love" with London-born rapper Dizzee Rascal. The resulting collaboration was a hit, with both artists delivering top-notch performances. People loved it so much that the pair performed their duet again at Glastonbury Festival, and even released it as a single! — youtube.com

In the same year as Gaga's tribute to Alexander McQueen, Florence took to the stage to sing her mega-hit "You've Got the Love" with London-born rapper Dizzee Rascal. The resulting collaboration was a hit, with both artists delivering top-notch performances. People loved it so much that the pair performed their duet again at Glastonbury Festival, and even released it as a single!

youtube.com

In the same year as Gaga's tribute to Alexander McQueen, Florence took to the stage to sing her mega-hit "You've Got the Love" with London-born rapper Dizzee Rascal. The resulting collaboration was a hit, with both artists delivering top-notch performances. People loved it so much that the pair performed their duet again at Glastonbury Festival, and even released it as a single!

Kylie Minogue debuted this genius mashup at the 2002 BRITs, and it has since become one of the most memorable performances the awards has ever seen. Conceived by DJ Erol Alkan, the track was also released as its own single, and both Kylie and New Order have been known to play it at their respective shows! — youtube.com

Kylie Minogue debuted this genius mashup at the 2002 BRITs, and it has since become one of the most memorable performances the awards has ever seen. Conceived by DJ Erol Alkan, the track was also released as its own single, and both Kylie and New Order have been known to play it at their respective shows!

youtube.com

Kylie Minogue debuted this genius mashup at the 2002 BRITs, and it has since become one of the most memorable performances the awards has ever seen. Conceived by DJ Erol Alkan, the track was also released as its own single, and both Kylie and New Order have been known to play it at their respective shows!

During an unforgettable performance of "Blinded by Your Grace", Stormzy delivered an unexpected freestyle that called out the then Prime Minister Theresa May for neglecting the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This was Stormzy's second BRIT Awards appearance, and he took home two prizes — one for British Male Solo Artist, and another for British Album of the Year for Gang Signs & Prayer. — youtube.com

During an unforgettable performance of "Blinded by Your Grace", Stormzy delivered an unexpected freestyle that called out the then Prime Minister Theresa May for neglecting the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This was Stormzy's second BRIT Awards appearance, and he took home two prizes — one for British Male Solo Artist, and another for British Album of the Year for Gang Signs & Prayer.

youtube.com

During an unforgettable performance of "Blinded by Your Grace", Stormzy delivered an unexpected freestyle that called out the then Prime Minister Theresa May for neglecting the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This was Stormzy's second BRIT Awards appearance, and he took home two prizes — one for British Male Solo Artist, and another for British Album of the Year for Gang Signs & Prayer.

A year before she would be cut off by producers at the 2012 awards, Adele delivered a stand-out performance of her latest hit at the time, "Someone Like You". It was a stripped-back performance that sent fans wild and helped to solidify Adele as one of the most spellbinding musical artists of the 2010s (and beyond)! — youtube.com

A year before she would be cut off by producers at the 2012 awards, Adele delivered a stand-out performance of her latest hit at the time, "Someone Like You". It was a stripped-back performance that sent fans wild and helped to solidify Adele as one of the most spellbinding musical artists of the 2010s (and beyond)!

youtube.com

A year before she would be cut off by producers at the 2012 awards, Adele delivered a stand-out performance of her latest hit at the time, "Someone Like You". It was a stripped-back performance that sent fans wild and helped to solidify Adele as one of the most spellbinding musical artists of the 2010s (and beyond)!

youtube.com

At the 2015 awards, Kanye West debuted his brand new track "All Day" onstage accompanied by a ton of US rappers and UK grime artists, including Krept & Konan, Boy Better Know, Novelist, Q-Tip, and Stormzy. The performance was totally enthralling, but for viewers at home, it was mostly silent due to Kanye repeatedly using the n-word, which was bleeped out of the broadcast version.

Back in 2008, critics of Amy Winehouse had dubbed her an unreliable performer, but this performance showed that while she struggled behind the scenes, Amy always shined onstage. The iconic singer provided a show-stopping end to Mark's medley set, which also featured fellow London-born musician Adele singing "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face". — youtube.com

Back in 2008, critics of Amy Winehouse had dubbed her an unreliable performer, but this performance showed that while she struggled behind the scenes, Amy always shined onstage. The iconic singer provided a show-stopping end to Mark's medley set, which also featured fellow London-born musician Adele singing "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face".

youtube.com

Back in 2008, critics of Amy Winehouse had dubbed her an unreliable performer, but this performance showed that while she struggled behind the scenes, Amy always shined onstage. The iconic singer provided a show-stopping end to Mark's medley set, which also featured fellow London-born musician Adele singing "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face".

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