Pop star Liam Payne opened the BAFTAs 2021 ceremony on Sunday night with a show-stopping rendition of his latest single.
The former One Direction hunk wowed fans across the nation with two next level performances, kicking-off an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
He made history with a one-of-a-kind experience, where his real-time AR avatar was unveiled, before he hit the EE BAFTA stage to deliver a spectacular show, powered by EE’s 5G award-winning network.
The real-time AR experience was recorded live at 6.45pm BST for fans across the UK, who enjoyed an exclusive first-look of Liam’s avatar ahead of the artist’s much-anticipated opening ceremony performance.
In the AR studio, Liam wore a motion-capture suit, which featured over 50 sensors, with his movement and audio data captured using state-of-the-art technology, including 36 cameras and live audio feed, which was instantly transmitted for fans to enjoy through their mobile phone via The Round AR app as a live gig.
The BAFTAs opened at 7pm with a dramatic sequence reflecting that: “In a year where we haven’t been able to go anywhere…The magic of film has transported us everywhere”.
As the music kicked in, the artist’s avatar appeared on the Royal Albert Hall stage, opening the show in a one-of-a-kind 5GEE-powered duet, with real-life Liam who was dressed to impress in a sharp grey suit.
The 5’9” avatar was incorporated into the innovative stage production and beamed through state-of-the-art holographic technology, powered by EE’s award-winning 5G network – a first for the platinum-selling artist who recently celebrated hitting 5.1 billion streams worldwide and having sold more than 23 million singles as a solo artist.
During the euphoric performance, viewers were transported through a year of film before Liam stepped out of the hologram box to reveal the spectacular EE BAFTA setting.
Viewers at home were left divided over the use of the technology as well as Liam’s new hairstyle.
One fan penned: “Is the crap CGI of Liam Payne supposed to be impressive?”
Another added: “Why is there a CGI Liam Payne on my tv?”
While a third person posted: “So proud of Liam. Did not recognise him with his new hair.”
A fourth social media user said: “I love Liam’s new look with lockdown haircut.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking ahead of the performance, Liam said: “To be able to perform live via my very own Avatar blows my mind a little bit…!
“I’m really excited for everyone to see what we’ve been working on. The strides in tech at the minute are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be doing next.
“For now, this Sunday, you can take a first-look at my EE BAFTA performance, delivered by my real life Avatar live in your kitchen, bedroom, on the bus or at the park… see you there.”
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Liam fans are used to seeing the father of one was shorter hair.
He was snapped on Thursday with his new longer locks as he arrived for rehearsals for this weekend’s BAFTAs performance
The singer was almost unrecognisable when compared to his previous looks, which have seen him with smarter, cropped hair and a sleek clothing style.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
