Olivia Dean picked up four awards at the Brit Awards while ITV removed a joke about Peter Mandelson and silenced an onstage pro-Palestine shout, prompting viewers and performers to react
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The Brit Awards in Manchester saw Olivia Dean emerge as the evening’s most awarded artist, taking home four trophies, including artist of the year and album of the year. The ceremony combined celebration and controversy: alongside surprise collaborations and tributes, the live ITV broadcast repeatedly cut audio during unscripted moments.
Broadly, the event highlighted both the current vibrancy of British music and the tensions that accompany politically charged or profane live remarks on mainstream television. This article unpacks the key winners, the performances that stood out, and the specific incidents that were censored.
Big winners and standout performances
Musician Olivia Dean collected awards for artist of the year, album of the year for The Art Of Loving, pop act, and song of the year for her contribution to “Rein Me In.” She spoke emotionally about the album’s themes of love and resilience, thanking collaborators and fans.
Other notable winners included Sam Fender (best alternative act), Wolf Alice (group of the year), Lola Young (breakthrough act) and Dave (hip hop, grime and rap). Industry honours went to Noel Gallagher as songwriter of the year and Mark Ronson for outstanding contribution to music, while PinkPantheress made history as the youngest woman named producer of the year.
Memorable collaborations and tributes
The ceremony doubled as a showcase of unexpected onstage pairings and homages. Spanish artist Rosalia performed with Bjork, and Dua Lipa made a surprise appearance during Mark Ronson’s medley celebrating his career. Harry Styles opened with an exclusive TV performance of his new single “Aperture,” backed by a gospel choir and theatrical staging. The night closed with an all-star tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, with Robbie Williams fronting a set and Sharon and Kelly Osbourne accepting a lifetime achievement award honoring Ozzy’s legacy.
International recognition and cultural notes
International accolades were shared across a diverse field: Rosalia won international artist of the year and spoke about bringing Spanish-language music to new audiences, while Rose (Rosé of BlackPink) collected international song of the year alongside Bruno Mars for “APT.” The ceremony emphasized global exchange and the British scene’s role in that conversation. Performances and awards underscored a range of musical languages, genres and backgrounds, reinforcing the idea that popular music is a cross-cultural economy worth protecting and celebrating.
Broadcast censorship and the moments cut from air
Throughout the live transmission on ITV, producers muted audio during several spontaneous moments. Host Jack Whitehall made a quip that referenced Lord Peter Mandelson while visiting a table that included Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Lisa Nandy; that remark was removed from the televised soundtrack. Later, Geese drummer Max Bassin delivered an acceptance speech for international group of the year that included the shout “free Palestine” followed by profanity; the audio feed was cut after the word “free,” leaving viewers to debate whether the edit targeted political content or swearing. ITV later explained the mute was tied to the use of explicit language rather than the political sentiment itself.
Reactions and implications
The censorship prompted immediate response on social media and in press coverage, with some viewers criticizing the broadcaster for silencing a political message and others pointing to the live broadcast’s obligations around expletives. The incident followed a recent controversy at the BAFTAs involving an audience member with Tourette syndrome, sharpening public sensitivity around how unscripted remarks are handled on national television. Performers and winners otherwise focused their speeches on gratitude, the plight of the live music sector and the value of nurturing small venues, as wolf Alice urged support for independent stages amid closures and job losses.
What it means for live awards shows
The evening underlined two enduring dynamics: the power of awards nights to elevate artists like Olivia Dean, and the logistical and ethical challenges broadcasters face when airing live, unscripted moments. Producers must balance freedom of expression with regulatory constraints that govern language and political advocacy on air. As ceremonies continue to generate both joyful celebration and sharp debate, the choices made in real time—what to amplify and what to silence—will remain a central part of how audiences experience these cultural events.
