10 December 2015 (gig)
11 December 2015
It was just last night that the BBC held the second edition of the BBC Music Awards, a ceremony to celebrate the best music of 2015, to remember those who left us and to crown some artists in a variety of categories. This second time was bigger, better and Birmingham-esque!
Last year, the BBC launched its very own award ceremony. The line-up was amazing and things went pretty smoothly. What about this year? Well, the BBC just outdid itself! The first act that opened the show was One Direction. This was one of their last performances before their much-dreaded hiatus. They sang Drag Me Down, on a stage that was literally burning. The audience went crazy and it was overall a great farewell for the biggest boy band of the world.
Ellie Goulding then took over the stage, wearing what felt like a very holy outfit. She gave a simple and delicate performance of Love Me Like You Do. Right after the love ballad, Stereophonics rocked the Genting Arena with their song C’est La Vie.
No break, no chill, the next act on was Hozier. Later in the show, the Irish artist won the very coveted Song of the Year award, decided by public vote. Surprised and overwhelmed, Hozier seemed very chuffed to win the big golden award.
Mister Khan, from Citizen Khan, presented the award for the International Artist of the Year. The winner was unsurprisingly Taylor Swift: she owned the charts all year long with tracks from her album 1989.
Little Mix gave a very uplifting performance of Black Magic. To keep the stage hot hot hot, OMI sang Cheerleader, the song that has been the soundtrack to our summer.
Brian May, from Queen, made an appearance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the mythic Bohemian Rhapsody (40 years? 40 YEARS?!) and to present the award for the Live Performance of the Year. The winner was none other than Adele, as she made a banging comeback just a few weeks ago.
Jess Glynne was up next with a stunning performance of Hold My Hand, shortly followed by James Bay and his hit Hold Back The River. Just a year ago, the longhaired singer won the BBC Introducing Artist award and, this year, the award was given to Jack Garratt. The one-man-band performed Worry in a mind-blowing set up.
A quartet then followed on the Genting Arena’ stage: Paul Heaton, Jacqui Abbott and The Shires. They sang a medley of three songs and sent some country vibes to a mesmerized audience.
Years and Years sang their massive tune King, recreating the choreography from the video on the stage. They were the perfect soft electro introduction to the performance of Faithless, who delivered a wonderful show with Insomnia.
The legendary Rod Stewart then presented the award for the UK Artist of the Year which was, once again, won by the talented Adele. He then sang Stay With Me and closed the show with a very moving performance of I Am Sailing. That was a wrap for a show that is on the verge of becoming the most exciting and thrilling Music Award Ceremony in the UK. Thank you Birmingham! Thank you the BBC and see you in 2016!
