Brit Awards to honor Taylor Swift in front of live crowd

Taylor Swift will be honored as a global icon at the Brit Awards set to be held in front of a live audience of 4,000 at London’s O2 Arena

LONDON -- Taylor Swift will be honored as a global icon on Tuesday at the Brit Awards, set to be held in front of a live audience of 4,000 as part of a test return to mass-attendance events. Britain's leading music prize ceremony is being used as a pilot event by the government ahead of the expected full easing of coronavirus restrictions this summer. Attendees at London's O2 Arena will not be socially distanced or wearing face masks, but they will have had to provide a negative COVID-19 test ahead of the show. The audience will include 2,500 key workers and their guests who had received tickets in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic. British female singer-songwriters Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks and Celeste are each nominated for three prizes at the awards, Britain's equivalent of the Grammys. DJ Joel Corry and rap duo Young T & Bugsey also have three nominations apiece.