The nominees have been announced, the first couple of performers are confirmed and we even have a host – the Brit Awards are officially on their way.

Of course, this year’s Brits will probably not be like any ceremony we’ve seen before, with the ongoing pandemic meaning producers will have to think outside of the box to make the show happen.

Still, given that chaos and unplanned drama are often part and parcel when it comes to the Brits, we’re sure this will only add to the fun.

Here’s what we know so far about the 2021 Brit Awards…

When are the Brit Awards 2021? 

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, most awards shows bumped their usual ceremonies back a few weeks. The Brits went one step further this year, shifting their regular February ceremony to Tuesday 11 May.

The Brits’ chief executive Geoff Taylor previously said of the decision: “We want to make sure that The Brits delivers the outstanding production levels, superstar performances and live excitement that make it the biggest night in music.

“We believe that the best way to achieve this in 2021 is to move the show back a few months to May, and we are already at work planning a spectacular event that will remind us how important music has been in getting us all through these difficult times.”

As ever, the Brits will air live on ITV from the O2 Arena in London.

Who is hosting the Brit Awards this year? 

Stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall will be back on presenting duties for the fourth year in a row, tying him with James Corden for the most number of consecutive years hosting the Brits.

James has still presented the most times, though, four times on his own and once with former comedy partner Mat Horne and Kylie Minogue.

Chris Evans has also hosted four times, in 1995, 1996, 2005 and 2006.

Jack said of his upcoming hosting stint: “I must be doing something right to be invited back to host the Brits!

“After the events of the past year, I think we can all do with a big night of music and entertainment, and I’m excited to be part of the show.” 

Which stars are performing during the ceremony?

So far, only two performers have been confirmed for this year’s Brits.

As the recipient of the Rising Star title, singer-songwriter Griff will be taking to the stage during the show, while Dua Lipa will also be performing, rounding off an incredible year after the release of her chart-topping Future Nostalgia album.

Griff joked in March: “Guys, pray for me! I’m going to be in a room full of the biggest and best artists in the world, singing my little heart out. I can’t wait!”

Who has been nominated at the 2021 Brit Awards? 

Excitingly, there are no real frontrunners at this year’s Brits, with AJ Tracey, Arlo Parks, Celeste, Dua Lipa, Joel Corry and Young T & Bugsey all leading on three nominations.

This year also marks the first time that four of the five acts in the running for Album Of The Year are women, with Arlo Parks, Celeste, Dua Lipa and Jessie Ware nominated alongside J Hus for the top prize of the night.

Other acts nominated include Little Mix, Harry Styles, Headie One, Taylor Swift and Cardi B.

Check out the full list of nominations here. 

Who has designed the awards statue this year?

Es Devlin and Yinka Ilori have designed the award, which is yet to be revealed. The duo are also serving as creative directors for the Brits this year, and are responsible for the new logo and look of the awards show in 2021. 

And finally, how is the Brit Awards live show actually going to work in 2021?

Well, that much we’re a bit less unsure about.

Organisers said in a statement earlier this year: “However the world is looking come May, our ambition is not for a ‘normal’ Brits but a show which truly reflects the spirit of the past year.”

The Brits have also said they want “outstanding production levels, superstar performances and live excitement”.

It’s not yet clear whether the show will be able to have its usual audience, but culture secretary Oliver Dowden said in March he was considering including the Brits in a programme of test events ahead of plans to lift Covid restrictions in June.

“These test events will be crucial in finding ways to get fans and audiences back in safely without social distancing,” Dowden said.

“We will be guided by the science and medical experts, but will work flat out to make that happen. We want to get the people back to enjoying what they love and ensure some of our most important growth industries get back on their feet. These are important steps towards the safe and special summer we all crave and that I’m fully focused on delivering.”

A Brits rep said: “We are exploring options with government to see whether this year’s Brit Awards could be one of their planned pilot events. 

“We’d love to see this to happen, but need to understand more fully how running a pilot would fit with the complex production requirements of the Brits.”

Further details about whether all of the A-list performances will be taking place live at The O2 – or whether some will be either pre-recorded or beamed live from other locations – are yet to be confirmed.