Sam Fender won best Rock/Alt act after the release of his newest album People Watching which topped the UK charts in the same week. In his speech he praised his home, dedicating the award to “all those at home in Shields”. This is the Geordie star's third Brit after winning the same award in 2022 and getting the award for Rising Star in 2019.
After collecting his award, Fender admitted to a sense of nerves as he took a few attempts to express his gratitude to fans. He then thanked his band, quipping that without them, he would resemble a "mad man shouting at walls", before adding a touch of Northern charm in acknowledging he was “no where near as drunk as last time”.
Meanwhile, hailing from across the Tyne in South Shields, Jade Thirlwall scooped up the Brit for Best Pop Act. Having rose to fame with iconic girl group Little Mix, Jade (as she goes by now) is embarking on a solo career. She also performed her single 'Angel of My Dreams' - which peaked at number 7 in the UK charts upon release - in an extravagant performance which was received very positively by fans.
In her speech, Jade sent thanks to her friends and family for “making me feel like it was a realistic goal to be a pop star ever since I was a little girl". She also commented on the meaning of the song, saying it’s about her "toxic relationship with the music industry".
The Brit awards ceremony took place in London on 1st March and celebrated British music, as well as some international awards, from the past 12 months.