Brit of a disappointment

Published on Friday 21 February 2003 00:00

IF nothing else, the 2003 Brit Awards will be remembered for its lack of controversy. So some musicians may have used the stage at the music business industry’s annual pat on the back to protest against possible war in the Gulf, but generally this overly-controlled and stage-managed teetotal event was more like the Smash Hits Party than the Brits the nation knows and loves for its unexpectedness and potential to descend into complete chaos when the champagne flows freely.

Presenter Davina McColl tried to liven things up with countless references to certain pop stars breasts and revealing dresses - she even scattered the occasional bleeped out profanity into her monologues - but overall the edge of excitement normal to the awards show had been, well, Botoxed.

Even the awards themselves were completely without any nail-biting tension. Unsurprisingly Will Young was voted Best Breakthrough Artist, pop group Blue won Best Pop Act, Sugababes Best Dance Act, Pink Best International Female Artist, Robbie Williams Best British Male Artist for the third time, Liberty X Best Single, Coldplay Best British Album and Group . . . even when Eminem won Best International Male Artist and Best International Album his pre-recorded thank you from the States gave the viewing a public a young bespectacled man who again had his words bleeped out.

All of which meant that when a pregnant Ms Dynamite took to the stage, the audience was on tenterhooks waiting for a major happening. And at least here the Brits didn’t disappoint.

The R&B diva took the ceremony by storm picking up two top prizes and leading a music world protest against war with Iraq. Ms Dynamite, whose real name is Niomi McLean-Daley, crowned her astonishing year with awards for Best British Female and Best British Urban Act, before launching a stinging attack on the looming conflict in the Middle East.

In a revamped version of George Michael’s Faith, she changed the lyrics to include the line: "We’ve been here before/talk of violence and talk of war/I don’t wanna to see children die no more/so I gotta make a stand." And she also caused audience speculation over whether she had secretly become Mrs Dynamite, by saying "I would like to thank my husband" as she collected a prize.

She was joined at the ceremony by Dwayne Seaforth, the father of the baby she is expecting this summer, but the star’s publicist quashed any question they are married. "She’s just called him that. It’s a figure of speech," her spokesman said.

The 21-year-old has already won three Mobos and the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in the 18-months since she swept onto the music scene.

Coldplay also joined in the anti-war protests - and even tried their best to give as much of a physical performance they could to a piano song. During their acceptance speeches lead singer Chris Martin also attempted to lived things up, first by challenging anyone to a fight a la Liam Gallagher - "but not Jackie Chan" the kung fu legend who had given them their Brit - and then taking the mickey out of Britney Spears’ ex, Justin Timberlake for his high-pitched singing voice. That even descended into a pretend shoving match.

But he also told the audience: "Awards are essentially nonsense and we are all going to die when George Bush has his way. But at least we are going to go out with a bang."

Martin’s girlfriend, Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, was watching the action from back stage.

The show included a raunchy performance from pop diva Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake, in which he grabbed the Aussie singer’s famous behind, drawing gasps from the audience. Kylie wore an eye-popping black mini-dress as she joined Timberlake to sing Blondie’s 1980 chart topper Rapture.

Robbie Williams extended his record- breaking run of Brit wins by taking his 14th, for Best British Male Solo Artist. Currently in the US he also sent a taped acceptance speech in which he made a jokey lonely hearts appeal. The star, recently dumped by girlfriend Rachel Hunter, said: "Twenty-nine-year-old Aquarian, slightly chubby, chain-smoker, boy or girl for night of poker and AA meetings."

But it was a disappointing night for The Streets aka Mike Skinner, who was nominated for four awards like Ms Dynamite but won none. Avril Lavigne also missed out on an award but gave an electric performance with her hit Sk8r Boy.

Tom Jones landed the Outstanding Contribution Award and dedicated it to his late parents. He said: "They were my biggest fans and biggest supporters. They would have been really pleased I have got this so this is for mam and dad."

Another dedication came from Bee Gee Robin Gibb to his recently deceased brother Maurice.

The other winners were the Red Hot Chili Peppers for Best International Group and Norah Jones for Best International Breakthrough Artist.

Note the difference as Elaine takes star turn

She won a competition to mingle with the biggest names in music at last night’s Brits, and a make-over made sure Elaine Anderson looked the part, says Miranda Fettes

KITTED out from head to toe in designer labels, with her hair done by Aveda experts and her make-up by MAC, Elaine Anderson looked every bit as much of a star as anyone else at last night’s Brit Awards.

The 18-year-old customer service officer for the Royal Bank of Scotland - working at the St Andrew Square headquarters - won a place at the biggest event in the music industry’s calendar as part of a staff competition. But not only did her prize include a trip to London, accommodation at a top hotel, a limousine to the awards ceremony and tickets to the aftershow party, but also a luxury makeover, thrown in by neighbours Harvey Nichols.

Elaine spent six hours on Sunday and a further five hours on Monday choosing her outfit, with help from the personal shopping department, had her hair cut, dyed and styled and her make-up applied. And when she finally emerged, the teenager who spends her days in a bank uniform had been transformed into a glamour puss who could hold her own against the Kylies and Ms Dynamites of the music world.

"They’re a very tight fit," laughed the bubbly blonde, drawing in a breath as she patted the taut stomach of her Seven Jeans, which cost a cool 115. "I love the jeans and the shoes are pretty spectacular." They certainly are - a pair of black Gucci shoes with killer stiletto heels and a wide ankle strap, all for 220. Her ensemble also comprised a black Wheels and Baby Doll camisole top (105), a Prada leather wrist cuff (100) and a Miu-Miu white leather bag (215). All of which amounted to 755 worth of designer clobber which Elaine kept as part of the prize.

Assisted by two personal shopping consultants, she had tried on countless outfits before settling for the final ensemble. "We tried out the key looks for this season. We picked out different shapes and different colours," said consultant Daniel Fox.

"I wasn’t keen on the floral skirts," admitted Elaine. "I’m a plain dresser as it is. But I’ve learnt a lot about hairdressing and make-up and designers I’d never heard of before."

Rocco Peacock of Aveda designed Elaine’s hair and her make-up was applied by Carrie Taylor of MAC. Elaine said: "I was really shocked when they started putting green on my eyes. I’m not used to wearing loads of make-up, but I’ve got used to it. I’ve got false eyelashes which feel a bit strange."

So was she a trifle nervous at the thought of mingling with the best known faces in the music scene? Apparently not. "I’ll be heading straight for Justin Timberlake," she grinned. Whether or not she succeeded in meeting Britney’s old flame, one thing was for sure - the customer service officer had been transformed into a star for the night.