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BRIT Awards most controversial moments - Ofcom row, middle finger and soaked MP

The BRIT Awards has played host to a number of controversial moments over the years involving some of music's biggest stars including Oasis, Blur, Michael Jackson and Adele

Bosses of the BRIT Awards will be hoping this year's ceremony passes without incident as the best of British gather to celebrate musical excellence of the last 12 months.

The 2024 awards show rolls into town on Saturday (March 2) with the O2 arena playing host to a star-studded bash that promises performances from the likes of Kylie Minogue, Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding. Since the BRITs began in 1977 its fair to say there has been plenty of controversial moments in its proud history, however.

From stage invasions to controversial hosts, and feuding bands to angry solo artists the BRITs has seen it all as it is broadcast to millions at home. Recent years have proved pretty tame in comparison to the rock 'n' roll antics of yesteryear - but who's to say someone won't want to grab the headlines this time out?

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Now we look back at some of the most famous - and infamous - nights in the BRIT Awards' 47-year history.

The Battle of Britpop - 1995 & 1996

[Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher and Oasis accepting award at the Brit Awards in 1996 ]

Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher and Oasis accepting award at the Brit Awards in 1996 (Image: FilmMagic)

As British guitar music began to dominate the charts and make headway across the Atlantic, two of its biggest acts in Blur and Oasis were often at loggerheads in what was dubbed the 'Battle of Britpop'. Tensions reached fever pitch in early 1995 as the two bands went head to head for the number one spot, with Blur's Country House pipping Oasis' Roll With It in an epic battle that even made the News at Ten.

At the 1995 BRIT Awards, meanwhile, both were up for the Best Group award. After both bands had taken verbal swings at each other before the ceremony, Blur bagged the gong. Collecting their award, frontman Damon Albarn surprisingly paid tribute to the high quality of British music and Oasis though, rather than use to the opportunity to slag off their rivals.

"It's not us on our own," he said. "I think we were the first people to shout about it. But bands like Oasis I think it should have been a joint with for Best Group."

A year later, however, Oasis weren't so kind as the Gallagher brothers collected three awards and took the opportunity to have a dig at Blur on stage. Picking up Best Album, Noel and Liam both mockingly sang a rendition of Blur's hit song Parklife - renaming it Sh**elife, much to the amusement of the audience.

Jarvis Cocker vs Michael Jackson - 1996

[Jarvis Cocker 'joined in' with Michael Jackson in 1996]

Jarvis Cocker 'joined in' with Michael Jackson in 1996(Image: ITV)

On a famous night in 96 there was more drama as the King of Pop Michael Jackson took to the stage to perform Earth Song. The dramatic performance saw Jacko coated in a white light in front of an emotive video montage, which saw the world and nature being destroyed.

However, the performance proved too much for Pulp's Jarvis Cocker who soon joined him in front of the shocked crowd. As MJ belted out the track to the world with an array of dancers behind him in the role of poverty-stricken people, Jarvis waltzed onto the stage and lifted up his top.

The cameras then focused on the singer as an army of show security burst onto the scene pushing him of view. Michael seemed oblivious to Jarv's protest throughout his performance, however.

Deputy PM gets a soaking - 1998

[John Prescott was drenched in 1998]

John Prescott was drenched in 1998(Image: DS)

A year after Labour came into power under the leadership of Tony Blair, deputy prime minister John Prescott made a surprise appearance at the BRITs in an effort to appeal further to young voters. Unfortunately though, things backfired when Chumbawamba drummer Danbert Nobacon chucked a bucket of water over his head.

Prescott had been sitting at his table at the time when the musician raced over to his table, brandishing the soggy surprise. Nobacon was later escorted away from the table by security, though photographers managed to snap a few outraged photos of the Kingston upon Hull East MP.

The politician later branded the stunt as "utterly contemptible" and "cowardly" which didnt stop the super-soaked snapshot from going down in BRITs history.

Russell Brand sparks Ofcom complaints - 2007

[Russell Brand sparked Ofcom complaints]

Russell Brand sparked Ofcom complaints(Image: PA)

Russell Brand's controversial hosting of the BRIT Awards in 2007 hit the headlines in after media regulator Ofcom received hundreds of complaints about the star. The flamboyant presenter drew gasps from viewers when he made a series of risqu jokes about "intimate parts of the human body", drugs, Iraq, the Queen and Robbie Williams.

Ofcom quoted Brand as saying: "What about the rumours David Cameron smoked drugs as a schoolboy? What worries me most is that he dressed up as a schoolboy to do it, the pervert. Though, perhaps let's not condemn him regardless. Who among us didn't smoke just a little bit of weed at school, just to take the edge off those irksome crack come-downs?"

ITV later defended Brand, saying he was a popular comedian and presenter "known for his flamboyant persona", adding that the reference to crack was "clearly ironic" and "did not seriously suggest that children take drugs at school".

The BRITs was never ultimately investigated as a result of the comedian by Ofcom, though he hasnt returned to host since.

Sharon Osbourne slams Vic Reeves - 2008

[Sharon Osbourne was fuming with Vic Reeves in 2008 ]

Sharon Osbourne was fuming with Vic Reeves in 2008

Comedian Vic Reeves joined X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne on stage in 2008 as the pair presented an award, but it didn't end well after Shooting Stars host Vic appeared to stumble over his words leaving Mrs O fuming.

Sharon, who believed he was drunk and had forgotten what award they were presenting, took matters into her own hands and pushed him away, angrily calling him a "p*ssed b*****d". She then finished the task of presenting the award herself.

Vic, however, later insisted he wasn't drunk and had looked confused during the job owing to an autocue malfunction.

Adele's middle finger salute - 2012

[Adele was not a happy bunny at the 2012 BRIT Awards]

Adele was not a happy bunny at the 2012 BRIT Awards(Image: getty)

Four years after finding fame with her debut album 19, Adele shocked the BRITs audience as she picked up the award for British Album Of The Year. After being presented the award by George Michael, Adele appeared to fan herself as she became overcome with emotion.

Looking teary, the Someone Like You superstar said: "Nothing makes me prouder than coming home with six Grammys and coming to the BRITS and winning Album Of The Year. I am so proud to be British..."

Suddenly, host - and now pal - James Corden appeared on stage and interrupted her speech. "I am so so sorry and I can't believe I am doing this but..." he stuttered.

"You're gonna cut me off? Can I just say then Goodbye and I'll see you next time round, yeah" Adele hit back. Furious, she then flipped the middle finger to the packed O2 arena.

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