Ellie Goulding Takes Aim at Recording Academy CEO’s ‘Step Up’ Comment at 2018 Brit Awards
Ellie Goulding made a rather quick appearance on the 2018 Brit Awards Wednesday (Feb. 21), but she certainly made sure it was an impactful one.
Upon presenting the award for international female solo artist with Adwoa Aboah, Goulding took a shot at the recent controversy surrounding Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow's comments thatwomen in the music business need to "step up."
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"It's so amazing to see so many people tonight wearing the rose," Goulding said, referring to the white roses attendeessported in support of the Times Up movement. "We're very proud to be women, and actually I think we can all agree that we've been stepping up for years."
Portnow has been under fire since telling backstage reporters that women need to "step up" after this year's Grammys saw just one woman win an award, best new artist recipient Alessia Cara. Several musicians (female and male) have expressed their thoughts on Portnow's comments, but Goulding's declaration on the Brits marked her first response to the controversy.
Lorde, who was one of the many female artists nominated for a Grammy this year — including the coveted album of the year award — ended up taking home the international female solo artist award.
Watch a fan-filmed clip of Goulding's shot at Portnow's comments below.
Ellie Goulding shades Recording Academy president Neil Portnow's comment about women needing to step up by saying on live television: "I think we can all agree that we've been stepping up for years". #BRITs2018 pic.twitter.com/P99emtuxiU
— Music News Facts (@musicnewsfact) February 21, 2018
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