Britain’s biggest and brashest musical awards show, the Brits, added a dash of profanity to its program on Monday when organizers confirmed an appearance by controversial rapper Eminem.
The 28-year-old Detroit star, lauded by fans as a gifted satirist but vilified by critics as sexist and homophobic, has won a huge following in Britain where he recently appeared in a series of sold-out concerts.
“Eminem has confirmed that he will be jetting into London to perform at the Brit Awards on February 26,” organizers of the show said.
Unlike America’s tamer Grammy Awards, which are expected to face protests from gay, women’s and religious groups when Eminem performs a duet with Elton John, the Brits welcome and even celebrate the controversial.
No Brit Awards in recent years has been complete without a healthy dose of crude, rude and often drunken on-stage behaviour.
The New Musical Express reported in its online edition on Monday that Eminem would likely perform a medley of his hits, including his smash single “The Real Slim Shady.”
Eminem, who has won industry praise for his “The Marshall Mathers LP,” is nominated for Best International Male Solo Artist at the Brits. He is up for four awards at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 21.
Among other acts scheduled to play the Brits are Irish band U2, British newcomers Coldplay and pop sensation Robbie Williams. Presenters include Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and the irrepressible 1970s icon Donny Osmond.
