Women take centre stage at Brit awards

The shortlist for the 2019 Brit Awards has been dominated by women with solo artists Dua Lipa and Anne-marie each securing four nominations.

The prestigious award for best British album has more female nominees for only the second time in the history of the Brits. Pop star Dua Lipa has two tracks in the running for best British single and two for best British video.

Her collaboration with Scots DJ Calvin Harris, One Kiss, features on both shortlists.

She won best female artist at last year’s awards and said: “Here’s to more women on these stages.”

Anne-marie, who shot to fame after featuring on Clean Bandit’s Rockabye alongside Sean Paul, is also handed four nods, including one for British female solo artist.

Jorja Smith is nominated for three gongs for the album, female solo artist and breakthrough act categories.

Singer Jess Glynne, who last year broke the record for most number one singles by a British female solo artist, received two nominations.

A strong international women’s category will see Ariana Grande, Cardi B and Camila Cabello compete for the prize.

Drake and Eminem are both nominated for international male, as is American jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, a surprise entry.

The Brit Awards will take place on February 20 at London’s O2 Arena.