BRIT Awards 2018 – first performers announced

Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Sam Smith and Dua Lipa are the first live acts confirmed to perform at 2018’s BRIT Awards.

Set to take the stage at London’s O2 Arena on 21st February, the show will mark the return of both Sheeran and Stormzy who famously collaborated at 2017’s event for a surprise rework of Shape Of You, the joint lead-single from Ed’s No.1 album Divide. Stormzy also made his debut BRITs performance onstage with Kanye West two years prior in 2015.

BRITs Chairman and Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland, Jason Iley said: “I’m very excited to confirm such a strong British line-up as our first four live acts for the main show in 2018: Ed Sheeran has had an exceptional year, across the world and we are thrilled to have him back on the show. Then we have previous Critics’ Choice winner Sam Smith returning to our stage following the incredible success of yet another No.1 album this year. Stormzy has had a phenomenal 2017, putting grime firmly on the map with his No. 1 album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ and Dua Lipa has been the biggest British female breakthrough story of the year.”

In related BRIT Awards news, details have also been announced for the ceremony’s nominations show, returning on January 13th. Dubbed The BRITs Are Coming, the Emma Willis-fronted programme will feature performance from Clean Bandit, J Hus, Jorja Smith, Liam Payne and Paloma Faith.