From Outsider to Icon: Charli XCX Rules BRIT Awards
Mia Reynolds, 3/2/2025Charli XCX's triumphant night at the 2025 BRIT Awards saw her win five awards, including album of the year for 'Brat'. The ceremony highlighted diverse achievements in music, commemorated Liam Payne, and featured performances that celebrated innovation and cultural impact.
In a watershed moment for alternative pop music, Charli XCX transformed the 2025 BRIT Awards into her personal victory lap, claiming an impressive five awards — including the coveted album of the year for her groundbreaking record 'Brat' — in a night that celebrated both artistic authenticity and cultural impact.
The 32-year-old pop provocateur — whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison — dominated Britain's biggest music ceremony with a characteristic blend of wit and rebellion. Upon winning best song for "Guess" featuring Billie Eilish, she quipped, "I'm really happy that a song about underwear now has a Brit award, very important stuff and I'm sure that that proves something about songwriting but I'm not quite sure what."
Her triumphant evening at London's O2 arena included artist of the year, best dance act, and the prestigious songwriter of the year award — the latter announced earlier in the week. In a particularly memorable moment, she addressed controversy about her bold fashion choice, declaring "it's the year of the nipple" after ITV reportedly expressed concerns about her sheer top.
The success of 'Brat' extends far beyond the confines of the music industry. Its distinctive "slime green" aesthetic infiltrated unexpected corners of popular culture, even making its way into U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris' campaign imagery. The album's cultural saturation was so complete that Collins Dictionary recognized "Brat" as their word of the year.
In an emotionally charged acceptance speech for album of the year, Charli reflected on her journey: "I've always felt like an outsider in the industry but particularly in the British music industry... I think I'm living proof that maybe it takes a long time, but ... you don't need to compromise your vision."
The ceremony — hosted by returning master of ceremonies Jack Whitehall — also marked several groundbreaking moments for other artists. Jazz quintet Ezra Collective made history as the first jazz act to win best British group, while Sabrina Carpenter became the inaugural international recipient of the global success award, following in the footsteps of British music royalty like Adele and Ed Sheeran.
Former Little Mix member JADE claimed her first solo victory in the best pop act category, delivering a heartfelt tribute to her former bandmates who she credited with changing her life. Meanwhile, rising star Myles Smith used his platform to challenge the establishment, questioning why the government treats the British music industry "as an afterthought" and advocating for the preservation of grassroots venues.
The evening took a poignant turn with a special video tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne, whose tragic passing in October left an indelible mark on the music community. This somber moment provided a striking contrast to the otherwise celebratory atmosphere.
American artist Chappell Roan secured both international artist of the year and international song of the year for "Good Luck, Babe!" Though absent from the ceremony, she dedicated her win via video message "to trans artists, to drag queens, to fashion students, sex workers, and Sinéad O'Connor," affirming that their inspiration fuels her continued artistic journey.
Through spectacular performances — including Carpenter's opening number featuring dancing King's Guards and an unexpected collaboration between Ezra Collective and Jorja Smith — the 2025 BRIT Awards reflected an industry in evolution, celebrating both commercial success and artistic innovation while acknowledging its responsibility to nurture future talent.
