SEVEN-UP FOR RAYE
Female artists have dominated this year’s Brit awards nominations, with singer Raye becoming the most nominated artist in a single year with seven nods.
The teary eyed singer said it was a “miracle” – given she felt like “down and out” just 18 months ago, having split from her record label.
Female acts make up 55% of the nominations in total, and six of the 10 artists nominated for the Artist of the Year category are women.
It comes after the category’s size was doubled, when all five of last year’s nominees were male amid the decision to scrap gendered awards for a neutral Artist category.
Brits school alumni Raye said becoming the most nominated artist in a year was “too much” to describe, coming after she told how her former label delayed the release of her debut.
Now, her album My 21st Century Blues is up for the Mastercard Best British Album award.
“A year-and-a-half ago, as far as the industry was concerned I was down and out,” she said. “Never in my wildest dreams would I think like trying again would mean seven Brit nominations.”
Gorillaz, Craig David and Robbie Williams held the previous nominations record with six in a single year.
This year’s do will be a bit Blurry. Cheesemongerturned-wine maker – and Blur bassist – Alex James says the Britpop group are looking forward to a fun night out as they are up for two awards. “Thirty years on from Parklife, it’s very special to be nominated once again for Album of the Year and Group of the Year,” he says. “We’ve had some great nights at the Brits and, whatever happens, we’re looking forward to another brilliant one.” Blur have won five Brits over the years, including Outstanding Contribution to
British Music award in 2012. Hopefully after all their practice, they have an outstanding way to
combat hangovers.
In 2022, viewers said Little Simz’s mum “stole the show” when she joined her daughter to collect the Best New Artist award, and this year, Simz is up for three awards, including Artist and Album of the Year.
Simz has since said: “I didn’t expect her to come up on the stage, she just got up!”
No doubt Mum is planning her outfit already for the upcoming ceremony, and Simz says of her trio of tips: “I’m so honoured to be nominated for three Brit awards. Thank you to my supporters and to the Brit awards. Congratulations to everyone nominated too!”