The Organizers of The Brit Awards, one of the most important ceremonies in the UK said the change would
celebrate artists "solely for their music and work."
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The Brit Awards have been presented annually since 1977, and their purpose
is to celebrate the development of music as an industry within the country.
Among its main categories are British Album of the Year, British Single of the Year, and British Producer of the Year.
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2021 was the last year in which the awards would be present in the sections British Female Solo Artist,
British Male Solo Artist, International Female Solo Artist, and International Male Solo Artist.
From the following year, awards will be given in best artist categories instead, according to the show's organizers.
The move comes following criticism from artists such as Sam Smith, who is non-binary.
The artist called for the change after they missed out on a nomination at this year's awards.
Their album, Love Goes, reached number two in the UK chart, but they felt excluded from the current system,
which doesn't acknowledge non-binary artists.
They responded: "I look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in.
Let's celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality, and class."
The Brits Awards have awarded separate male and female artist prizes since they began 44 years ago.
In a statement revealing the move to scrap gendered categories, organizers said: "The Brits confirm that for
the 2022 show they will move away from the Female and Male categories, and will launch new awards for
Artist of the Year and International Artist of the year."
The Brit Awards will take place on February 8, 2022.
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