Coldplay have been named the British Artist Of The Year, despite the late David Bowie having also been among the list of nominees.
Coldplay were honoured with the award at last night’s BBC Music Awards, beating out Bowie, Adele, Jess Glynne and Calvin Harris. Although Coldplay were unable to attend the ceremony at London’s ExCel, they sent a video message to those in the arena. Frontman Christ Martin said: “We just got word that we’ve won the artist of the year award. Sorry we’re not there, we’re about to go on stage in Australia. We’re so grateful and we’ll see you soon.”
Here’s Coldplay accepting their award for BBC Music British Artist of the Year! #BBCMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/7UUdxaFFJA
— Coldplaying (@coldplaying) December 12, 2016
While Coldplay released several tracks from their 2015 LP A Head Full of Dreams this year, with it also being nominated in the BBC’s Best Album category (unlike Blackstar, which was curiously snubbed), it was widely believed that Bowie would pick up the gong this year after he passed away in January following a battle with cancer. As such, many took to Twitter to voice their frustrations with the results:
Bowie losing to Coldplay pretty much sums up 2016
— Rachel ★ (@rachelharms_) December 12, 2016
. @BBCRadio2 believe Adele, Coldplay and Rick Astley to have made better albums this year than David Bowie. pic.twitter.com/M0mRCkKeMl
— Paul Holmes (@DidymusBrush) November 25, 2016
Sorry but Coldplay winning a music award over Bowie? That’s like switching your wonder mop for a damp cloth.
— alan (@alanismcquillen) December 12, 2016
David Bowie was featured in an obituary at the show dedicated to those working in the music industry who have passed away this year.