PA/ BRIT Awards Limited 2019Among the interminable and ill-advised ‘jokes’ by host Jack Whitehall, and questionable performances by some, there were a few glimmers of hope during this year’s Brit Awards, which were held last night (February 20).
For example, as The 1975 took to the stage to collect awards for British Album of the Year and British Group, the band used the opportunity to read a few sentences written by The Guardian‘s Laura Snapes about male misogyny within the music industry, which she wrote in response to the recent allegations made against Ryan Adams. It was an arresting, if all too brief, moment.
Elsewhere, Beyonce and Jay-Z collected their award for International Group while standing in front of a portrait of Meghan Markle, echoing their visually stunning video for APESH*T.
Although they didn’t mention it directly, some people suggested it was in reference to the press’ treatment of the Duchess of Sussex, while Beyonce later took to Instagram to say: ‘In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas. Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy.’
However, many people are praising Jess Glynne for one of the most inspirational moments of the awards ceremony.
The I’ll Be There singer took to the stage to perform her latest single Thursday, with the staging of the song resonating with many fans and viewers.
The track is a paean to self-acceptance, in a similar vein to Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful for example, with lyrics such as: ‘I won’t wear makeup on Thursday / ‘Cause who I am is enough’.
Taking a rather literal interpretation of the lyrics, Jess appeared on stage with a group of around 70 other women – made up of influencers and models – as they sat in front of ring lights and all removed their makeup.
For many, it was the standout point of the evening, and fans were quick to praise the song and performance for its positive message.
One person wrote on Twitter:
Powerful message and powerful performance for all the powerful women all around the world by a powerful woman
Powerful message and powerful performance for all the powerful women all around the world by a powerful woman, @JessGlynne.
— Hailey won’t say no🇰🇷 (@hailey_jang_) February 20, 2019
While another wrote:
Such a beautiful performance and one that will be iconic. It’s so special to see performers like you break the stereotypes and make other women feel empowered.
Makes me emotional. Gutted you didn’t win tonight, but we all know you’re a star and your future continues to be bright.
Such a beautiful performance and one that will be iconic. It's so special to see performers like you break the stereotypes and make other women feel empowered. Makes me emotional. Gutted you didn't win tonight, but we all know you're a star and your future continues to be bright.
— Chloe (@chlobel13) February 21, 2019
Another person wrote:
Amazingly strong message to all the women/young girls especially out there that worry that they aren’t enough or look good enough! Loved it.
Amazingly strong message to all the women/young girls especially out there that worry that they aren’t enough or look good enough! Loved it.❤️
— Claire Leeson (@claireleesonx) February 21, 2019
Although she may not have walked away with a Brit award at the end of the night, it seems Jess Glynne made a sizable impression on the ceremony nonetheless.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected]
Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.