British music royalty met at the O2 last night for the annual BRIT Awards ceremony in which a host of stars took to the stage to perform some of the year’s biggest records.
Coldplay, James Bay and Justin Bieber all performed however it was Adele who stole the show picking up four awards, including the coveted honour of British album of the year.
But with the show receiving a mixed reaction on social media it would appear the ceremony no longer holds the affection of the nation as it once did in years gone by.
With commercialism changing the face of the British music industry, we took to the streets of Wimbledon to asking the following question about whether people still feel it is worthy of such acclaim.
Are the BRIT Awards still relevant today?
YES NO
70% 30%
Hairdresser Joanna Feacon, 34, from Brixton, felt it was essential to showcase British music.
She said: “It’s all about the British music industry so it’s still important. I’m not so much into the pop stuff but everyone loves Adele.”
This was a point shared by Wimbledon Police Officer, PC Bediako, who said the BRITS are a chance to show off British culture.
“I think it represents British culture and the young people of today. I think music is important nowadays,” he said.
Gemma Bushell, 32, a retail assistant from Streatham, opposed its importance nowadays however, stating that she preferred it when she was younger.
She said: “I suppose I don’t really watch it any more. I used to watch it more when I was a teenager when people that I liked were on it but now the kind of music I like isn’t really involved anymore.”
Tube Driver John Baldwin, 55, from Selsey agreed and said he doesn’t watch the awards as much of the music released today isn’t to his taste.
“I’m not really a big music fan anyway so I don’t watch it but the music today isn’t my taste” he said.
As a musician, Brendan Musk, from Tottenham, is in full support of the awards still, stating that although the commercial aspect of it is to its detriment, it’s still relevant to promote music.
“I think awarding and promoting music is important,” said the 25-year-old.
“I guess it’s highly commercialised in a way and it’s maybe promoting the wrong things, but it’s getting people interested in the music and hopefully they’ll be buying CDs.”
Fellow police officer, PC Turner, from Wimbledon liked that he it offers artists the opportunity to perform live, adding that its presenters help to make it worthwhile.
He said: “It’s just a really, really good way to listen to lots of music and see lots of artists. Plus Ant & Dec make me laugh.”
And 31-year-old Wimbledon student, Ismal Balda, believes it is a good way of inspiring the youth of today to achieve something within the music industry.
“It can motivate people so if there’s an award to win then there’s a motivation to do well and win it,” said Ismal.
“I think the music from a few years ago was better as it meant something but nowadays the lyrics are just anything really but I think it’s good that the awards can still motivate young people to achieve something.”
Croydon street cleaner, Mark Cooper, 47, also believes that it’s more orientated to younger generations, but that there’s nothing too negative about it.
He said: “It’s the norm really and I reckon it still caters for the youngsters. Plus it does no harm.”
Emily Watson, 37, a Wimbledon-based cabin crew member, added that although she didn’t manage to watch it this year, she still feels it is beneficial for the artists involved.
“I think it’s something people look forward to, I didn’t personally see it but I think it’s still a good thing to do especially for the artists to aspire to,” said Emily.
Finally, systems engineer Sam Barber, 25, from Guildford, agrees that it is still relevant today.
“It’s always good to give British talent a bit of recognition,” said Sam. “It’s about the best of British and is good to watch.”
Featured imaged courtesy of AdeleVEVO via YouTube, with thanks
