The BRITs 2018 is fast approaching, and today the first four performers for the awards ceremony have been confirmed.
Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Sam Smith and Dua Lipa will take to the stage at London’s O2 Arena on February 21. All four artists have had a hugely successful year, and will no doubt put on a world class show.
After making a huge comeback at the start of the year, Ed Sheeran has truly made history with his latest music. His third album ÷ is the fastest-selling album ever by a male artist, and all 16 tracks charted in the UK top 20 when the album dropped in March.
Stormzy will be making his first solo appearance at the BRITs, having previously performed with Ed Sheeran this year and as part of Kanye West’s squad in 2015. The grime artist has paved the way for the genre. Earlier this year, his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer became the first grime album to chart at number one in the UK.
Sam Smith will be making a triumphant return to the BRITs this year. He last performed there during the 2015 ceremony where he also took home the awards for British Breakthrough Artist and Global Success. Since then, he has released his second album The Thrill Of It All, which charted at number one.
Completing the line up so far is woman of the moment, Dua Lipa. After being shortlisted for the 2017 BRITs Critics’ Choice, Dua has proven to be a mighty force. Not only is she the most streamed female of 2017, but she also became the first female solo artist to top the charts since Adele’s ‘Hello’ in 2015 with the feisty ‘New Rules’.
Speaking about the line up so far, BRITs Chairman and Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, Jason Iley said: “I’m very excited to confirm such a strong British line-up as our first four live acts for the main show in 2018: Ed Sheeran has had an exceptional year, across the world and we are thrilled to have him back on the show. Then we have previous Critics’ Choice winner Sam Smith returning to our stage following the incredible success of yet another No.1 album this year. Stormzy has had a phenomenal 2017, putting grime firmly on the map with his No. 1 album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and Dua Lipa has been the biggest British female breakthrough story of the year.”
The BRITs 2018 will be hosted by Jack Whitehall at the O2 Arena, London on February 21. The nominees have yet to announced, however, all will be revealed on The BRITs Are Coming on January 13. The nomination announcements will be broadcast on ITV at 5:45pm, and will also feature performances from Clean Bandit, J Hus, Liam Payne, Paloma Faith and this year’s Critics’ Choice winner, Jorja Smith.