Coldplay confirmed to open the BRIT Awards 2021

They'll be performing from a pontoon on the Thames...

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 4th May 2021

Coldplay have been confirmed as the opening act for the BRIT Awards 2021. Speculation was rife last week that the band would be taking to the stage, and BRITs bosses have now confirmed that they'll be opening the show.

In what will be their first TV performance in over a year, the band - Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Will Champion - will perform on a pontoon on the Thames near The O2.

The news comes after the band's announcement that they will be releasing a brand new single, 'Higher Power', on Friday 7th May - and will no doubt be performing it at the BRIT Awards.

Known for their quirky promotional style, Coldplay put up a series of billboards around the UK in a seemingly alien language, even sending emails out to their fanbase to promote 'Alien Radio FM'. These were all translated over the weekend to reveal 'Higher Power' - the name of their new single.

The BRITs will play host to the first major indoor music event with a live audience after the pandemic, forming part of the Government’s scientific Events Research Programme with the use of enhanced testing approaches to examine how events can take place without the need for social distancing.

The BRIT Awards with Mastercard 2021 will take place on Tuesday 11th May.

BRIT Awards 2021: The full list of nominations

BRITISH GROUP

Bicep
Biffy Clyro
Little Mix
The 1975
Young T & Bugsey

INTERNATIONAL MALE

Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Childish Gambino
Tame Impala
The Weeknd

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST

Arlo Parks
Bicep
Celeste
Joel Corry
Young T & Bugsey

INTERNATIONAL GROUP

BTS
Fontaines DC
Foo Fighters
HAIM
Run The Jewels

FEMALE SOLO ARTIST

Arlo Parks
Celeste
Dua Lipa
Jessie Ware
Lianne La Havas

MALE SOLO ARTIST

AJ Tracey
Headie One
J Hus
Joel Corry
Yungblud

MASTERCARD ALBUM

Arlo Parks – 'Collapsed in Sunbeams'
Celeste – 'Not Your Muse'
Dua Lipa – 'Future Nostalgia'
J Hus – 'Big Conspiracy'
Jessie Ware – 'What's Your Pleasure?'

INTERNATIONAL FEMALE

Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift

BRITISH SINGLE WITH MASTERCARD

220 Kid & Gracey – 'Don't Need Love'
Aitch & AJ Tracey Ft Tay Keith – 'Rain'
Dua Lipa – 'Physical'
Harry Styles – 'Watermelon Sugar'
Headie One Ft AJ Tracey & Stormzy – 'Ain't It Different'
Joel Corry Ft MNEK – 'Head & Heart'
Nathan Dawe ft KSI – 'Lighter'
Regard & Raye – 'Secrets'
S1mba Ft DTG – 'Rover'
Young T & Bugsey Ft Headie One – 'Don't Rush'

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