Brits 2017: Ed Sheeran brings out Stormzy as his surprise guest

Could this year get any bigger for Stormzy?

There was some speculation as to who Ed Sheeran would be duetting with at this year’s Brit Awards, with the singer-songwriter teasing the mystery collaboration throughout the lead up to – and during – the awards ceremony. It turns out his special guest was none other than Stormzy – cementing 2017 as truly a truly breakthrough year for the Thornton Heath MC. His album, Gang Signs & Prayer is released this Friday.

Joining Sheeran onstage for Shape of You, Stormzy’s appearance wasn’t the first time a grime artist commanded the vast Brits stage – earlier Skepta nearly derailed the entire live TV broadcast with an intense performance of Shut Down.

However, despite a strong presence in the nominations, not a single grime artist went home with an award. Skepta and Stormzy both lost out to Rag’n’Bone Man in the Best Breakthrough category while Skepta lost to David Bowie in Best British Male category.

Watch clips of both performances below, then prep yourself for Gang Signs & Prayer by reading our feature charting Stormzy’s rise.