1996 Brit Awards
| 16th Brit Awards | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Date | 19 February 1996 |
| Venue | Earls Court |
| Hosted by | Chris Evans |
The 1996 Brit Awards were the 16th edition of the biggest annual pop music awards in the United Kingdom. They are run by the British Phonographic Industry and took place on 19 February 1996 at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.
Live performers
- Alanis Morissette – "Hand in My Pocket"
- David Bowie and Pet Shop Boys – "Hallo Spaceboy"
- Michael Jackson – "Earth Song"
- Pulp – "Sorted for E's & Wizz"
- Simply Red – "Fairground"
- Take That – "How Deep Is Your Love"
The awards
| Mastercard British Album | Best British Single |
|---|---|
| |
| Best British Video | Best Soundtrack |
|
|
| Best British Male | Best British Female |
| Best British Group | Best British Breakthrough Act |
| Best British Dance Act | Best British Producer |
| Best International Male | Best International Female |
| Best International Group | Best International Breakthrough Act |
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Freddie Mercury Award
Artist of a Generation
Notable moments
Michael Jackson and Jarvis Cocker
Michael Jackson was given a special Artist of a Generation award. At the ceremony he accompanied his single "Earth Song" with a stage show, culminating with Jackson as a 'Christ-like figure' surrounded by children. Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker mounted the stage in what he would later claim as protest at this portion of the performance. Cocker ran across the stage, lifting his shirt and pointing his (clothed) bottom in Jackson's direction. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, who were now on stage. No criminal proceedings followed. This was Jackson's penultimate performance in the UK before his death in 2009 - the final performance being at Wembley Stadium in 1997.
Oasis and Blur
1996 saw the height of a well-documented feud between Britpop rivals Oasis and Blur. The differing styles of the bands, coupled with their prominence within the Britpop movement, led the British media to seize upon the rivalry between the bands. Both factions played along, with the Gallaghers taunting Blur at the ceremony by singing a rendition of "Parklife" when they collected their "Best British Band" award.