Brit Awards announced last month that they would no longer have gendered categories. However, they were worried that separating male and female talent, there were fears that women would be overlooked. Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries expressed “concern” about female representation, while Piers Morgan slammed the move as “woke garbage.” However, the first nominations under the new system include the most female nominees in more than a decade. It has Adele, Olivia Rodrigo, and Dua Lipa all up for multiple awards.
Adele shares the most nominations with Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, and Dave. They each received four nominations. And they are all nominated for best album and best British artist. Sam Fender completes the shortlist for those awards, earning a third nod for best rock artist. Central Cee, a newcomer to rap, also receives three nominations. Including the best new artist. Little Mix, who became the first female act to win best British group this year, is back in the running for the award.
Ben Mawson, Lipa’s manager, was one of those who backed the Brits’ gender-neutral decision. “It’s good to see the Brits continuing to make progress to more inclusive awards shows that put talent first,” he told the BBC last month. “It’s a step that we welcome.”
Why gender-neutral awards?
In November, just before voting for the 2022 Brit Awards began, organizers made announcements about their intention to retire the gendered categories. It entailed the establishment of two new awards. British artist of the year and International artist of the year, to replace the previous male and female categories. The decision came after non-binary pop singer Sam Smith’s non-allowance from attending this year’s ceremony. “I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in,” they wrote at the time. “Let’s celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality, and class.”
Commemorating Smith’s statement, the British acknowledged by saying that “gendered categories are very much under review.” While instructing that “if a change unintentionally leads to less inclusion. risks being counterproductive to diversity and equality.” The 2022 Brit nominations should reassure artists who were concerned that they would be overlooked.
There are a total of 18 female acts in nomination for awards next February. The only year this was surpassed was in 2010 – the Brits’ 30th show. When 22 female acts were in nomination in two one-time award categories. Women are still few on 2022 shortlist. These 18 women are joined by 48 men. Demonstrating the music industry’s frustratingly slow progress toward diversity.