Six weeks on from his death, the David Bowie tributes keep coming. But Lorde’s take on “Life on Mars?” at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday night may have been the best yet.
The segment at the O2 Arena in London was the highlight of the ceremony (which is essentially the British Grammys), and featured the New Zealander backed by Bowie’s long-time live band, as she performed an emotive and aptly regal-sounding version of the late legend’s 1971 hit.
It was a far cry from Lady Gaga’s deliberately over-the-top medley that divided so many viewers at the Grammys (it may have been camp, but lest we forget, it was a rare moment of entertainment during a night that was like being force-fed sedatives in musical form).
Lorde kept it classy, singing with a melancholy that echoed the original, but projecting a soul that was her own. Given that Bowie told Lorde face-to-face that her music sounded like “tomorrow” at a party in 2014, it was a tribute that the Starman himself would have approved of.
The ceremony was also notable for a sleek performance by Rihanna, who has obviously made a miraculous recovery from the bout of “bronchitis” that forced her to cancel her Grammys appearance. The Barbadian sang the “Anti” album track “Consideration” with SZA before Drake joined her on stage to perform current Billboard No. 1 single “Work.”
Adele was naturally the biggest winner of the night, taking home four awards in total (for British Female Solo Artist, British Single for “Hello,” Mastercard British Album of the Year for “25” and a Global Success Award). During one of her acceptance speeches, she also spoke out in support of Kesha and her legal battle with producer Dr. Luke.