Marking what has already been an outstanding year for British music The BRITs have confirmed Arctic Monkeys and Katy Perry for the opening performance of the show.
This is the first time the Arctic Monkeys have ever played at the event. Their booking is a statement of intent by the organising committee to put British music at the heart of the UK’s most celebrated music awards show. Historically bookings are announced later in the project but the Committee felt that Arctic Monkeys are the perfect British act to announce the 2014 campaign.
Since releasing their debut album the Arctic Monkeys have been nominated for a total of eleven BRIT Awards and have won four. Along with the Manic Street Preachers they are the only British band to have won Best Group and the prestigious MasterCard British Album twice. Their most recent record ‘AM’ is also the band’s fifth consecutive No.1 album.
As well as the best of British, The BRIT Awards has also previously attracted some of the biggest superstars from around the world and this year is no different. Former BRIT winner Katy Perry, whose current album Prism shot to No.1 on iTunes in 93 countries, has also been confirmed for her first ever performance on the show. Winner of 2009’s International Female Solo Artist, Katy has received a total of four BRIT nominations during her career to date.
Katy Perry said: “The BRITs has always showcased the music that I love and am influenced by. It’s an honour to play at such a prestigious event where musicality shines at its brightest.”
Katy Perry’s lead single from the album, ‘Roar’ has already sold more than five million copies worldwide and Katy has just announced a UK arena tour for May 2014. Her new single ‘Unconditionally’ will be released in the UK on December 16th.
James Corden will return as host for his fifth and final time, making him the longest serving presenter in BRITs history.
James said: “I really love the BRITs. I’m such a fan. I’ll miss not doing it after this one but fully intend to enjoy every second of BRITs 2014.”
The BRIT 2014 statue has been styled by hat designer to the stars and fashion icon Philip Treacy. Philip will re-work a ‘blank canvas’ making the 2014 trophy a truly bespoke and collectable award.
Speaking about his involvement Philip said: “Music has always been my inspiration and I’m fortunate to have worked with some of the music industry’s greatest artists. My inspiration for the trophy comes from a uniquely British genre of music, Punk.”
The BRITs will be held on Wednesday 19th February 2014 at The O2, London and exclusively broadcast live on ITV.
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