Showing posts with label Nile Rogers. Show all posts

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Arctic Monkeys and One Direction win two gongs each as Ellie Goulding is Queen of the BRITs

Arctic Monkeys and One Direction are the big winners with two gongs each as Ellie Goulding is crowned Queen of the BRITs

PUBLISHED: 22:46, 19 February 2014 | UPDATED: 09:21, 20 February 2014

Arctic Monkeys and One Direction were the big winners at the BRIT Awards - taking home two accolades apiece.

The Sheffield four-piece were named Best British Group and Album Of The Year for their disc AM during the star-studded ceremony at London's O2 Arena.

Meanwhile, manufactured pop quintet One Direction picked up Global Success Award and British Video Of The Year for Best Song Ever.

Scroll down for a list of winners and video

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Northern lads done good: Arctic Monkeys accept their first award of the night - Best British Group

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On top of the world: One Direction accept their first accolade of the night - Global Success Award

The big winners of the 2014 Brit Awards

After years in the charts, it was finally Ellie Goulding's time to shine as she beat Laura Marling, Jessie J, Birdie and Laura Mvula to the coveted Best British Female Artist accolade.

A shaking Ellie accepted her award from Prince, saying: 'Thank you so much, I genuinely am in shock. I'm about to say a thank you to my lovely management.

'I'm shaking. Thank you so much, this means so much to me I can't even tell you.'

Brit Awards 2014: Ellie Goulding interview before Brit win

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Stunned: Ellie Goulding looked lost for words as she came on stage to accept Best British Female Artist wearing a gold Julien Macdonald dress

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Striking: Ellie's Julien Macdonald dress was much better received on Twitter than her red carpet ensemble

Ellie Goulding bares midriff as she performs at BRIT Awards

Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner provided some quirky responses to his group's two awards.

When they picked up Best British Group from Lily Allen, he quipped: 'Well there's that £15 we put on One Direction to win down the drain then innit...

'There's a lot of people who require thanks for this, but they need to hear their names read out about as much as you need to hear another list of people's names read out.'

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New kids on the block: Bastille show off their award for Best British Breakthrough Act

London-based band Bastille were the surprise winners of the British Breakthrough Act - a tough category featuring Disclosure, Laura Mvula, London Grammar and Tom Odell.

Accepting their statuette from Tinie Tempah and Fearne Cotton, the four-piece said: 'I think that this time last year anyone in the room let alone us would've ever thought we'd even be here so thank you.

'I'm going to shut-up now. Thank you very much.'

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Missing - one bandmember: Liam admitted he didn't know where Harry was

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Celebrate: The boys show off their two awards backstage

Rather predictably, One Direction were named the winners of the Global Success Award for the second year in a row for a category which was unveiled for the first time last year.

However, Harry Styles missed the band's name being read out, meaning he ran on stage halfway through their acceptance speech.

Grabbing the microphone, he apologised for his tardy behaviour: 'I'm really sorry I was having a wee, the toilets are ages away!

David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys & One Direction all win Brits

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Tribute to an icon: Kate Moss wore one of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust playsuits to accept the British Male Artist Award on his behalf from Noel Gallagher

'A massive thank you to all our incredible fans. Thank you.'

One no-show of the night - but his lack of attendance was no surprise - was rock legend David Bowie, who was named Best British Male Solo Artist.

Instead, supermodel Kate Moss accepted it on his behalf wearing one of his Ziggy Stardust playsuits.

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UK united: Kate read out a Japanese myth and appeal to Scotland to vote 'no' to independance

Reading out a Japanese myth, she said: ‘In Japanese myth the rabbits from my old costume that Kate's wearing live on the moon.

‘Kate comes from Venus and I from Mars, so that's nice. I'm completely delighted to have a Brit for being the best male, but I am, aren't I Kate? I think it's a great way to end the day.

‘Thank you very, very much and Scotland - stay with us.'

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New Zealand's finest: Teen singer/songwriter Lorde with her Best International Female Award

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Sharing the love: Bruno Mars won Best International Male Solo Artist

Another no show was French dance duo Daft Punk, who won Best International Group.

Instead, Chic rocker Nile Rodgers - who appears on several tracks on their Random Access Memories album - accepted it on their behalf.

Bruno Mars, who performed Treasure, was named International Male Solo Artist.

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We did it! Rudimental brought Ella Eyre on stage with them to accept the award for Best British Single

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So excited: London group Rudimental couldn't hide their joy at winning Best British Single for Waiting All Night

Accepting his trophy, he said: 'Thank you so much, thank you guys. It's an honour to be in this category with … I want to thank the fans. We love coming out here and performing for y'all.'

New Zealander Lorde looked stunned to be named International Female Solo Artist following her success at the Grammys last month.

She gushed: 'I'm still so new to getting awards like this. Thank you so much to the talented women in this category – it's amazing to have competition this happy.

'This really was a priceless surprise. Thank you.'

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Funky: Nile Rodgers accepted Best International Group on behalf of Daft Punk, who were unable to attend

London collective Rudimental were stunned to win British Single - beating the likes of One Direction, Disclosure and Calvin Harris to the award, which is voted for by members of the Brits Academy.

The four-piece brought guest vocalist Ella Eyre to accept the gong for Waiting All Night.

Arctic Monkeys were the last winners of the night as they were named Mastercard Album of the Year for their record AM.

Frontman Alex took the mic again as he said: 'Thank you. That rock and roll eh. That rock and roll, it just won't go away.

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Rock n roll: Alex Turner dropped the microphone on the stage at the end of his second acceptance speech of the night

'It might hibernate form time to time, sink back into the swamp, I think the cyclically nature in the universe in which it exists demands it adheres to some of its rules. But it's always waiting there just around the corner ready to make its way back through the sludge and smash through the glass ceiling looking better than ever.

'Yeah that rock and roll it seems like it's fading away sometimes but it'll never die and there's nothing you can do about it.

'Thank you very f***ing much for this, I do truly appreciate it. Don't take that the wrong way. Invoice me for the microphone if you need to.'

Ending the night on a rock 'n' roll note, he then dropped the microphone on the floor.

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The next big thing: Sam Smith with his Critics' Choice Award

BRIT AWARD WINNERS 2014

British Male Solo Artist: David Bowie

British Female Solo Artist: Ellie Goulding

British Group: Arctic Monkeys

British Breakthrough Act: Bastille

Critics' Choice (already awarded): Sam Smith

British Single: Rudimental featuring Ella Eyre - Waiting All Night

British Album Of The Year: Arctic Monkeys - AM

British Video Of The Year: One Direction - Best Song Ever

International Male Solo Artist: Bruno Mars

International Female Solo Artist: Lorde

International Group: Daft Punk

Global Success Award: One Direction

Sunday, 3 November 2013

Nile Rodgers and Chic open Disco Night with a medley of hits as X Factor bosses ditch the flash vote in favour of live acts

Did someone say ratings? Nile Rodgers and Chic open Disco Night with a medley of hits as X Factor bosses ditch the flash vote in favour of live acts

By JASON CHESTER

PUBLISHED: 00:02, 3 November 2013 | UPDATED: 00:07, 3 November 2013

Its introduction divided fans of the show, but after an experimental three week trial the controversial flash vote was ditched by X Factor bosses on Saturday evening as Disco Night kicked off with an added twist.

Indeed, while the flash vote was laid to rest so too was the expected group performance, with the opening five minutes of the show given over to a medley of disco classics from Nile Rodgers and Chic.

The legendary guitarist has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late thanks to his collaborations with French duo Daft Punk, and he enjoyed a rapturous reception on Saturday night as his band launched into disco classic Freak Out.

Something different: The introduction of Nile Rodgers and Chic on Saturday provided the show with a new twist after bosses made the decision to scrap the flash vote after just three weeks

Musical accompaniment: Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh took to the stage to the opening strains of seventies classic Freak Out

That opening would segue into seventies hits He’s The Greatest Dancer and Good Times as judges Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh took to their seats.

The decision to feature a live act on Saturday’s show is understood to be a cautionary measure employed to boost ratings after the flash vote failed to win ITVs flagship the desired results.

Sources clam that show bosses were keen to try something new, just three weeks after introducing the new system on the first live show of the series.

He's the man: Nile Rodgers and Chic opened Disco Night with a medley of hits on Saturday night

Quite an opening: The judges are on their feet as Chic perform at The Fountain Studios in Wembley

The host with the most: Dermot O'Leary takes to the stage with his troupe of dancers as Chic open the show with classic track Freak Out on Saturday evening

‘The Flash Vote isn’t quite working as expected, it is a new thing that the producers wanted to try but now they’re thinking of moving a live act to fill the time slot and go back to the one act on the Sunday as well as the reveal of who the bottom two contestants are,’ an insider told Mirror Online.

X Factor spokesmen insist the flash vote is being ‘rested’ while they try out ‘new innovations.’

‘As tonight’s show featured an opening performance by Niles Rodgers and Chic there wasn’t time in the show’s current length to feature the Flash Vote as well,’ they said.

On their feet: The judges get into Chic's performance on Saturday evening

New twist: The flash vote has been ditched in favour of a live act on Saturday's show as X Factor bosses attempt to boost ratings

Loving it: The judges seemed to enjoy the show's new twist

‘The flash vote is currently being rested, the live show has always had a number of innovations and changes from wildcards and double eliminations to keep things interesting for viewers.’

The decision comes seven days after girl-group Miss Dynamix to face the axe after falling foul of the now defunct system during last Saturday’s Movie Night.

Gary’s girl’s faced Hannah Barrett in the sing-off before being given their marching orders after failing to win the judges over with their version of Swedish House Mafia hit Don’t You Worry Child.

Here we go: The fun's over and it's time for the show to get underway

Hannah Barrett stuns with incredible X Factor comeback while Sam Callahan is slammed on Disco Night

A tale of two teens: Hannah Barrett stuns the judges with an incredible X Factor comeback, while Sam Callahan's Take That cover is slammed on Disco Night

By JASON CHESTER

PUBLISHED: 22:28, 2 November 2013 | UPDATED: 02:03, 3 November 2013

The last three weeks of live shows have inevitably showcased teenager Hannah Barrett's powerful vocal rang - and she put them to good use on Saturday night's X Factor with a showstopping rendition of Jocelyn Brown classic Somebody Else's Guy.

Having found herself in the bottom two as Movie Week reached its third act last weekend, the teenager was on back on song with the penultimate performance on a memorable Disco Night.

'That is how to come back after being in the bottom two fighting for your life,' raved Gary. 'What a great platform that was for you to showcase your voice - welcome back.'

Pulling it out of the bag: Hannah Barrett takes to the stage with rousing version of Jocelyn Brown hit Somebody Else's Guy

'Nobody puts my baby in a corner!' screamed Nicole. 'I'm just so proud of you, you showed us how to do Disco Week.'

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Hannah looked stunning in busty sequined gown - and she had the audience in stitches by admitting it made going to the toilet very difficult.

It was a remarkable turnaround for the teenager following last week's dramatic sing-off with Miss Dynamix.

Out to impress: The teenager was hoping to avoid the sing-off after being pitted against Miss Dynamix in Last Sunday's results show

Nailing it: Hannah turned in her best performance of the series so far on Saturday night

Hitting the high notes: With one of the competition's more powerful voices, Hannah was given a song that enabled her to showcase her impressive range

Somebody else's song: The teenager's powerful voice was perfectly suited to the Jocelyn Brown hit

Out to impress: Hannah Barrett hoped to impress on Saturday night (L) and is full of smiles after being heaped with praise following her performance (R)

In raptures: Nicole Scherzinger is full of praise for her girl after one of the night's stand out performances

Indeed, as the credits rolled on Movie Week the girl group would ultimately fall foul of the wildcard, subsequently crashing out of the competition during Sunday's result's show.

The controversial new system, which gives viewers a ten minute window to vote for their favourite act, has since been axed, and the show returned to a conventional format when the nine remaining hopefuls took to the stage for the fourth live show of the series.

Saturday was all about the seventies and Disco Night kicked off in spectacular style when Nile Rodgers and Chic opened proceedings with a live rendition of Freak Out.

It's that time again: Judges Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh hit the stage ahead of Disco Night on The X Factor

Disco chick: Nicole Scherzinger stood out courtesy of her big hair and striking blue dress on Saturday night's show

It's that time again: The obligatory 'Dermot dance' gets into full swing as Disco Week kicks off on The X Factor

Kicking it: Nile Rodgers and Chic perform (L) and Dermot gets down with his dancers on Saturday night (R)

Star of the show: Nile Rodgers opens the show with legendary seventies band Chic on Saturday evening

Getting down: The X Factor judges enjoy the live performance for disco legends Nile Rodgers and Chic before the show begins on Saturday night

The guitarist has enjoyed a successful years thanks largely to his collaborations with French duo Daft Punk, and he received a rapturous round of applause from those in attendance at The Fountain Studios after an opening that included another obligatory 'Dermot Dance.'

The applause would continue as the band segued into a medley of their greatest hits, amongst them He's The Greatest Dancer and Good Times.

As the dust settled, Luke Friend braced himself for the night's first performance, and he admitted he felt nervous about embracing a genre that was popular years before his birth.

Play that funky music: Luke Friend kicked off the show with the Wild Cherry hit on Saturday night

On his knees: Luke turned in his best performance of the series on Disco Week, according to the judging panel

Lively: The teenager turned in a performance that impressed the judging panel

Coming up from the outside: Sharon Osbourne praises Luke Friend (L) while Nicole takes in his performance on Saturday night

Chuffed: Luke Friend was pleased with his comments from the judging panel on Disco Night

Despite his apprehension, the tousle-haired teen threw himself into a performance of Play That Funky Music - originally a hit for Wild Cherry back in 1976.

'You are the dark horse in this contest, you're coming up from the outside,' raved Sharon, adding: 'That was amazing.'

Hard to please Gary was also impressed: 'Within five minutes I thought that was incredible,' he said.

'I think you're a little star,' added his mentor, Louis. 'I think you're a little Johnny Depp!'

Next up: Kingsland Road took to the stage with Jackson 5 hit Blame It On The Boogie

Ready to boogie: The band work their way through a lively routine

Jumping: The group were aiming to avoid another sing off with their latest performance

Encouragement: Louis said he hoped the band remained in the competition for 'a few more weeks, at least'

Judges verdict: Nicole offers a positive response to the band's performance

Arm in arm: The East Londoners listen to the judges verdict on Saturday night

Given such a promising start the pressure was on East Londoner's Kingsland Road to win the panel over with a rendition of Jackson 5 hit Blame It On The Boogie.

Going into the show the band were concerned about their dance moves - but Louis was impressed.

'I hope you're going to stay in the competition for a few more weeks,' he said, but admitted their vocals needed work.

'You don't just do a song, you do a show for everyone,' added mentor Gary, who returned to his groups this week after performing for serving troops in Afghanistan.

Wishing on a star: Tamera Foster was next up with a rendition of the Rose Royce hit

Hoping to impress: The judges take in Tamera's performance on Saturday evening

Singing beyond her years: The 16-year old turned in a mature performance of the disco hit

Centre stage: Tamera silences the studio audience with her performance of Rose Royce hit Wishing On A Star

High praise: Tamera's performance won rave reviews from the judging panel, with Sharon commenting that her voice is 'like velvet'

You're a star: The judges were full of praise on a night of memorable performances on The X Factor

Tamera Foster - the show's youngest competitor at 16 - turned in a performance beyond her years with a powerful version of Rose Royce classic Wishing On A Star.

'Every time I see you I think 'Star,'' raved Louis. 'I think you're gonna go far in the competition - if there's any justice.'

'So controlled, so smooth,' cooed Sharon. 'Your voice was like velvet.'

Nicole added: 'You got to show everyone another side. It was all about your tone... it just shows that you can do anything and everything.'

Memorable: But Sam's performance would once again divide the judging panel

Relight my fire: Sam Callahan attempted to impress the judges with a song previously covered by Gary Barlow with Take That in 1996

All singing all dancing: The teenager pulled out all the stops on Saturday night

Anxious: Sam Callahan waits to hear the judges comments on Saturday night's show

Soaking it up: Sam received some harsh criticism on Saturday, with Gary Barlow claiming his voice sounded 'exposed'

Stinging criticism: Hist Dermot O'Leary looks on as the judges offer Sam Callahan their verdict

Taking it on board: Sam responds to the judges after some stinging criticisms on Saturday night

Having divided the judges over the last three weeks, a downcast Sam Callahan came out with all guns blazing as he performed Dan Hartman classic Relight My Fire.

The youngster was well aware that Barlow had successfully covered the track with Take That in 1996, and the singer didn't hold back with his criticism.

'Last week I was hard on you, you came to my dressing room, you're keen to learn,' he began. 'But I really didn't like that performance. Your vocals were so exposed.'

'Your voice sounded so much smaller than it is,' agreed Nicole.

Moving earth, wind and fire: Rough Copy came next with disco classic September

Singing on a prayer: Rough Copy members Sterling Ramsey (L) and Kazeem Ajoobe (R) work their way through the track on Saturday evening

On fire: The urban trio entertain audience members at The Fountain Studios in Wembley

Centre of attention: The band put on a show for the studio audience, while the judges look on in silence

Disco treat: Rough Copy performed a loyal version of the Earth, Wind & Fire hit

Hopeful: Rough Copy band-member Joey James

'He's tried rock, he's tried pop, it's not working,' finished Gary. 'I don't want to be sat here saying the same things every week.'

Rough Copy came next with a version of Earth, Wind & Fire hit September.

The urban act have been dealt a difficult hand over recent weeks having been given songs by the likes of Phil Collins and Backstreet Boys, but they were in their element with the popular disco staple on Saturday night.

'Y'all was Le freak ces chic!' raved Nicole. 'You did disco but you did it your own way... you Rough Copied it.'

Desperate to impress: Abi Alton was back behind the piano after two difficult weeks on The X Factor

Stripped back: The teenager performed a piano led rendition of Gloria Gaynor hit I Will Survive

On form: Abi Alton's understated performance put her X Factor future on stable ground after two weeks of highly critical responses from the judging panel

'Your performances are all so effortless,' added Sharon. 'It is infectious, it comes across.'

Mentor Gary agreed. 'The performance of the night by far,' he said.

Supermarket worker Abi Alton had endured a difficult two weeks prior to Saturday's show, but after trying and failing to perform without her piano she was back behind the keys with a pared back version of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive.

'That was a very, very brave choice,' said Sharon. 'It was a brave arrangement and I bow down to you.'

The X Factor continues on Sunday night.

Great Scot: Nicholas McDonald was up next with a performance of Michael Jackson hit Rock With You

Proving a point: The Scottish teen was keen to impress with one of the night's biggest disco hits

Up on stage: Nicholas takes to a podium as he performs his cover of the classic track on Saturday night

Over the moon: Nicholas McDonald is clearly delighted after his night ended with high praise from Gary, Nicole, Sharon and Louis

Buzzing: Nicholas is greeted onstage by host Dermot O'Leary

'This is why I've been so hard on you for the last few weeks because I knew you could do that,' added Gary.

Next up was Scottish teenager Nicholas McDonald, who took to the stage with Michael Jackson hit Rock With You.

'What a great singer you are, I was really impressed tonight,' said Gary - a marked improvement from last week's comments, when he urged the Scot to 'embrace youth.'

'You're a natural performer,' added Louis. 'We believe in you, you're gonna go all the way.'

My turn: Sam Bailey was last to perform with a version of Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand hit No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)

Last, but not least: Sam Bailey closed the show, but her performance was one of the highlights on Disco Night

She's got company: The singer was joined onstage by a troupe of dancers

Powerful: The prison officer was on song on Saturday night

Reaching an end: Sam ends her performance in style on Saturday night

Prison officer Sam Bailey closed the show with No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) by Barbara Streisand and Donna Summer - and she nailed it with one of the performances of the night.

'As the big ballad singer of the competition I was sure tonight you were gonna struggle, how wrong was I,' said Gary. 'Flawless vocals and you're a great mover when you move around the stage. And can i say, you look incredible!'

'You've become a yummy mummy now,' added Louis. 'That was the best performance of the night by far.'

Chuffed: The singer is clearly pleased with her performance as Dermot O'Leary greets her onstage on Saturday night

Quite a closer: San Bailey closed The X Factor's Disco Night with her performance, which won rave reviews from the judging panel

Impressed: Gary Barlow was full of praise for final act Sam Bailey on Saturday night

KATCHING MY I

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