The Brit Awards, the equivalent of the British Emmy Awards, have chosen to abolish the so-called “gendered” categories in the attribution of their prizes, explains the organization in a press release.
The 2022 edition, which will be held on February 8, plans to recognize male or female British artist and international artist of the year without distinction.
Singer Dua Lipa and rapper J Hus, crowned best British solo artists respectively female and male in 2021, thus become the last to be awarded in these categories.
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"We will celebrate artists purely for their music and their work, rather than how they choose to identify or how others may perceive them,
" write the organizers who add that this development is part of the framework of “
Brit's commitment to evolve the show so that it is as inclusive and relevant as possible”
.
Four new awards must also make their appearance: the best indie-rock album of the year, the best hip-hop-grime-rap album, the best dance album and the best pop-r'n'b album.
This decision is the result of a controversy that marked the previous edition.
In 2021, British artist Sam Smith was excluded from gender categories because he defines himself as non-binary.
On his Instagram account, the singer explained that he was waiting
"impatiently for the moment when the awards ceremony could reflect the society in which we live
".
“
Let's celebrate everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality and class,”
he continued.
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The organizers then pledged to change the reward system
"towards more inclusiveness"
.
“If a change unintentionally leads to less inclusion, it risks being counterproductive for diversity and equality. We need to consult more widely before any changes are made to make sure we're doing it right, ”
they explained.
The 2021 edition was also distinguished by its very feminine prize list.
The group Little Mix walked away with the statuette of the best British group of the year, becoming the very first group of women to win the prize since the creation of the Brit Awards in 1977. Taylor Swift was crowned the prestigious Global Icon Brit Award (also a female first) rewarding her entire career.
Dua Lipa, for best female artist, was honored by receiving the award for best British album of the year.