- Title: UNITED KINGDOM: HIGHLIGHTS OF 1997 BRIT AWARDS CEREMONY
- Date: 24th February 1997
- Summary: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (FEBRUARY 24, 1997) (REUTERS) GABRIELLE, WINNER OF BEST BRITISH FEMALE, SAYING NEVER (TO QUESTION DID YOU EXPECT TO WIN). IT IS AN IMPORTANT AWARD. A NOMINATION WAS GOOD ENOUGH BUT TO WIN, IT'S OH MY GOD (ENGLISH)
- Embargoed: 11th March 1997 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: LONDON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
- City:
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Business,Entertainment,General,People
- Reuters ID: LVA46O3V44XR4PCH521Q8G84GI4C
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- Story Text: Britain's pop stars and a smattering of their international counterparts dusted off their glad rags on Monday for the annual Brit Awards -- the biggest and brashest awards in British music.
The Brits earned notoriety among the events on the music awards calendar last year after the "Jarvis and Jacko" clash. In that now infamous incident, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker staged his own protest at Michael Jackson's "messiah-like" performance by joining him onstage and wiggling his bottom.
This year, the unstoppable pop phenomenon of the year, the Spice Girls, threatened to sweep all before them with their girl-power. And they did, carrying off two top awards for best video and best single.
Spice mania was running high outside London's Earls Court as the cream of the music industry arrived for the awards.
But even the die hard fans were fooled when a lookalike band rolled up.
Nice 'N' Spicy -- five very Spicy-looking girls -- arrived in a white limousine to thunderous cheers from hundreds of spectators.
The crowd all believed they were the Spice Girls -- as did almost everyone else. The imposters were rushed through security and into the main hall just 20 minutes before Britain's showbiz event began.
The girls told Reuters Television they made it all the way to the dressing room, only to find the real thing already ensconced inside.
There, the genuine feisty fivesome prepared to head the Brits bill.
Fast-talking comic Ben Elton hosted the show, introducing the Spice Girls' opening girl power performance.
The girls' routine to forthcoming single "Who Do You Think You Are" was an explosive start to the Brits, with pyrotechnics and huge wind machines.
They had to share some of the limelight, however, with Welsh trio, The Manic Street Preachers.
The Manics stormed last year's album charts with "Everything Must Go" and thrilled live audiences in Britain and in America.
They picked up best group and album awards.
Sheryl Crow added the first international flavour, winning best international female artist.
The former teacher from Missouri beat Toni Braxton, Neneh Cherry, Celine Dion and Joan Osborne to the prestigious title.
In the Best British Newcomer category, Kula Shaker reigned supreme.
The group, a psychedelic proponent of all things Indian and mystic, offered a change in a rock scene dominated by Oasis-alikes from the north of England.
Kula Shaker is led by Crispian Mills, actress Hayley's son.
Their first big hit "Tattva" married Sanskrit lyrics to crashing guitar. "Hey Dude" and "Govinda" followed "Tattva"into the singles charts and album "K" crashed straight in at number one.
Crispian met fellow band members Alonza Bevin, Jay Darlington and Paul Winter when they were all at Richmond College.
In a jazzy rework of her 1980's hit "Upside Down", Diana Ross teamed up with JK from Jamiroquai to add some superstar glamour.
South London chanteuse Gabrielle won the Best British Female Solo Artist award. The singer won best newcomer at the Brit Awards in 1993.
The Artist also performed at the Brits, singing "Emancipation" from his latest album. Although a hot contender for the Best International Male, the nod went to Beck.
The Bee Gees added the nostalgic element. Once their dazzling grins and breathy falsetto voices were synonymous with naff, but at the Brits there were recognised as leading contributors to pop music.
The Brothers Gibb have been making music since the 1950s, changing their style to adapt to each passing decade.
Three brothers born in Lancashire, they emigrated to Australia as young children.
Barry, 49, is the eldest and Robin and Maurice, 47, are twins.
The full Brit Awards winners are: :: Best British Male Solo Artist: George Michael.
:: Best British Female Solo Artist: Gabrielle.
:: Best British Group: Manic Street Preachers.
:: Best British Producer: John Leckie (Kula Shaker and Mark Owen).
:: Best British Video: Say You'll Be There (Spice Girls).
:: Best British Album: Everything Must Go (Manic Street Preachers).
:: Best British Newcomer: Kula Shaker.
:: Best British Dance Act: Prodigy.
:: Best British Single: Wannabe (Spice Girls).
:: Best International Male: Beck.
:: Best International Female: Sheryl Crow.
:: Best International Group: Fugees.
:: Best International Newcomer: Robert Miles.
:: Best Soundtrack: Trainspotting.
:: Outstanding Contribution: Bee Gees. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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