Brits bosses scrambling to fill live slots after Doja Cat drops out
THERE are just six days to go before the biggest night in British music – and bosses must be tearing their hair out trying to finalise the Brit Awards show.
Despite months of planning, it was all change last night as one of last year’s biggest pop stars, Doja Cat, was forced to pull out at the eleventh hour due to Covid in her team.
But just as chiefs feared a crisis, A-lister Adele finally confirmed she will fly into London to perform and collect any of the four gongs she is nominated for if she wins — after leaving organisers sweating.
The A-lister had been expected to appear via a video link due to her planned Las Vegas residency — but then went cold on showing up at all, before last night giving the nod that she will be jetting in to take to the stage in person.
A source said: “It has been all over the place — up and down, Covid, other problems. It hasn’t been an easy year.
“Doja Cat pulling out was a real blow as she’s very glamorous and has had a huge year, but then Adele confirmed and things suddenly look so much brighter.
“It’ll be a relief when the final awards are given out, but things are starting to come together.”
Posting a snap online, Adele wrote: “Hiya, I’m really happy to say that I am performing at The Brits next week.”
Perhaps she took my advice after I hinted yesterday that fans had been left in the dark, despite their mammoth support for her brilliant album 30 last November.
Earlier in the day, announcing her withdrawal, US rapper Doja said: “Unfortunately, due to cases of Covid within my crew, I will no longer be performing at the Brits.
“It’s simply not safe for us to continue to rehearse together and put each other in harm’s way. I can’t wait to perform for my UK fans as soon as I can. Take care of yourselves.”
I am told organisers are hoping to secure another big female act for the night to replace her. It would be amazing to see Little Mix give their final Brits performance before going off on their hiatus.
But that would be a stretch, given Perrie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock are currently away on holiday.
Does anyone have Taylor Swift’s number?
Covid has made things difficult for the Brits in other ways too.
Safety concerns have prompted the major record labels to cancel their big-budget after-parties, meaning it’s likely to be a quieter affair.
But I am still hoping that a lot of the stars will go out on the town to let their hair down afterwards anyway.
For viewers at home, it will look different on telly this year, with one huge C-shaped stage dominating the arena where all the A-listers would usually sit.
It’s always a cracking night — and with Liam Gallagher, Ed Sheeran and Dave still on the line-up, I am sure there will be plenty worth tuning in for when the event airs on ITV.
God knows the music industry deserves a knees-up.
