Brit Awards 2012

Brit Awards 2012  was held on 21 February 2012. This was the 32nd edition of the British Phonographic Industry's annual Brit Awards. The awards ceremony was held at The O2 Arena in London for the second time. The ceremony was presented by James Corden. Leading the nominations was Ed Sheeran with four, followed by Adele and Jessie J with three, whilst Bon Iver, Aloe Blacc, Coldplay and Florence and the Machine all had two.

Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston received remembrance tributes due to their deaths in July 2011 and February 2012, respectively. Adele picked up two awards for Best British Album and British Female, whilst Sheeran also won two awards for Best British Male and British Breakthrough. Blur received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award. The statue was designed by Peter Blake.

Outstanding Contribution to Music

 * Blur (presented by Ray Winstone)

Adele and Blur
Adele was cut off by host James Corden during her acceptance speech for the MasterCard British Album of the Year award, causing her to "give the finger" on national television. Adele stated that the gesture was aimed at "the suits", not her fans. ITV issued an apology to the show as a spokesman for the network stated:The Brits is a live event. Unfortunately the programme was over-running and we had to move on. We would like to apologise to Adele for the interruption.

Corden was also upset by the occurrence, stating afterwards: I don't understand what happened but I'm upset about it. Blur get to play for 11 minutes and [Adele] gets to say thank you once.

Due to the over-running, Blur's set was also cut off, prior to their performance of "Tender".

Emeli Sandé
There was more controversy later on in the show when Emeli Sandé wasn't allowed to give a speech after winning the Critic's Choice Award. Sandé was said to be distressed by the bosses of the show and also angry after Adele got an apology for being cut off, whereas she did not. During the presentation of the award, previous winner Jessie J was asked to give her advice on her career instead of Sandé giving a speech. A friend of Sandé's said to the Daily Record: She's had a number-one album with Our Version of Events in the UK and they're asking Jessie J what advice she has got for her.

A spokesman for ITV later gave an apology to Sandé, stating:Because there was more music than ever before, everything got pushed back. The public love Emeli. They really support her and think she's fantastic.