Brit Awards 2021: The Weeknd signs up to perform after shock Grammys snub
CANADIAN superstar The Weeknd is the final big name act to sign up to perform at The Brit Awards.
The singer, whose single Blinding Lights was the biggest selling song of 2020, will perform remotely in what is being lined up as the most exciting act of the night.
The Brits will take place at London’s O2 Arena next Tuesday, with other stars including Dua Lipa, 25, Headie One, 26, P!nk, 41, and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, 36, all performing.
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, 31, is the last star to join the line up.
A source said: “Having Abel sign up to perform at The Brits is a huge coup for the organisers.
“He last performed at the ceremony in 2016 when his career was just starting to take off so to welcome him back feels very special.
“Just like Coldplay, who recorded their opening performance away from London’s O2 Arena, Abel will be doing the same.
“Although he won’t be performing inside the venue his performance is pulling out all the stops and in terms of production – it is looking to be the biggest and most exciting acts this year.”
Alongside performing with acts including Coldplay, Olivia Rodrigo, 18, and Arlo Parks and Griff, both 20, Abel will also be hoping it’s third time lucky for him with the gongs as he is nominated again for International Male Solo Artist.
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Abel’s decision to perform at the Brits is a U-turn for the superstar, who recently took a swipe at music awards shows.
He has been embroiled in a row with Grammys bosses since last November, when it was revealed he hadn’t been nominated in a single category despite his single Blinding Lights being the biggest selling single of 2020.
In an emotional statement, Abel branded the Grammys “corrupt” and said he would boycott the ceremony for the rest of his career.