Brit awards makes major change to show this year following criticism

Tonight's Brit Awards have made a major change following some heavy criticism of last year's ceremony.

The awards show came under fire last year over its Artist of the Year nominations.

Fred Again, Harry Styles, George Ezra, Central Cee and Stormzy were last year's nominees, with Styles scooping the prestigious prize.

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The all-male crop of nominees in 2023 followed a decision from the Brits to scrap individual awards for male and female performers and instead go gender-neutral.

The move was meant to 'celebrate the achievements of artists irrespective of their gender', but last year attracted criticism for not having any women in the top category.

With that in mind the Brits are expanding the categories of Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year.

Last year both awards had five nominees up for them but this time they've doubled in size to accommodate 10 acts.

The Brits say this move is 'aimed at improving representation and inclusion'

Dr Jo Twist OBE, chief executive of British Phonographic Industry, said: "We look forward to celebrating another brilliant year in music, and we are all working hard to deliver another memorable show that will promote the incredible breadth of British and international talent that we have seen flourish and succeed over the past twelve months.

"The Brits is committed to making the show as inclusive and representative as possible, the changes to this year’s categories are part of an ongoing process of evolution, and we will continue to review, listen and learn."

This year's nominees for Artist of the Year are RAYE, Dua Lipa, Central Cee, J Hus, Arlo Parks, Dave, Fred again.., Jessie Ware, Little Simz and Olivia Dean.