Known for its inclusive range of music genres and audiences, the third round of the Global Music Awards Show was kickstarted by a hologram-like video message from no other than Lewis Capaldi, who geared up the superstar attendees. However, whilst failing to mention this positive diversity of music categories present, he also set the dividing tone for the awards show and used the first opportunity given to congratulate fellow musician, Anne Marie, on her appearance. 

 

At first glance, Camila Cabello’s modern take on Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time look seemed fun, as she twirled around the stage in a neon lime tartan two-piece. Yet, 10 minutes later, after presenter Amanda Holden presented a pervy new way of greeting other celebs, — you’ll need to watch it to understand this one — she referred to Cabello as “rampant”, clouding the viewers’ judgement on  the award-winning artist’s lighthearted performance — and making them question who on Earth was writing the script. 

 

On the other hand, the next performers, classical duo Aled Jones and Russell Watson, sported sleek black and navy suits as they swayed on stage, emphasising the stark contrast between the expectations of female and male artists, in regards to appearance and modesty. Yes, naturally these two music genres have different uniforms — while pop-stars are often associated with excitement, classical singers approach the stage in a more serious fashion. However, even Katherine Jenkins, the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical BRIT Awards, is widely known for her ability to simultaneously hit the high notes and rock a risqué low-cut dress.

 

Amanda Holden’s sexual linguo didn’t finish there; she announced that the winner of the ‘Best British Act’ award, Dua Lipa, had a “beautiful bottom”, insinuating that her physique was more important than the music award she had just won. So much for women empowering other women.

 

And if the cringe-worthy remarks weren’t enough, by the end of the night the female nominees had rounded up a total of 4 awards out of the 16 categories, indicating a clear division in regards to rewarding hard-working female musicians.

 

Unfortunately — yet not surprisingly — this year’s Global awards wasn’t the only time sexism took the shape of a very large and ugly elephant in the venue; in 2019, Little Mix used the moment they accepted their first of three awards that night, to confess that “as women we do face a lot of scrutiny all the time”, despite their ongoing success. 

 

Despite all the negative attitudes that were flying around at the awards ceremony that night, don’t be disheartened — there are so many groups of supportive people who are trying their hardest to tackle the derogatory treatment that women everywhere (not just successful musicians) face on a daily. In case you want some inspiration — or just a daily reminder that women are great — find a list of a few of PolyFizz's favourite supportive organisations below:

 

• Her Hustle — Career-driven badass women who still find the time to motivate others, through various talks and events such as "How to Hustle in 2020" and "Women in Journalism: The Written Word".

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Photocredits: herhustle.co.uk

 

• Grl Pwr Gang — Who said feminists don’t love pink?! Grl Pwr Gang have produced a fun yet strong place where women are encouraged to support others and professionally collaborate together in the creative industries.

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Part of Grl Pwr Gang's digital campaign for Dr Martens

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• This Girl Can — A campaign successfully putting a stop to the insecurities around women exercising, in order to celebrate the fact that our bodies are as powerful as our minds - which is pretty bloody strong. 

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This Girl Can's latest campaign video​

• Inspiring Girls International — Through face-to-face and online sessions, this charity works against gendered job roles, to ensure young girls and women have dreams so big that small-minded people would be scared. 

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Interview with Lady Arden as part of Inspiring Girl's Video Hub, 

that features strong role models for young girls