brit awards
Charli XCX will collect the songwriter of the year award at the upcoming BRIT Awards. The Brat star is the recipient of the honorary prize, which has previously been won by British acts Ed Sheeran (2022), Kid Harpoon (2023) and most recently, Raye (2024).
The BRIT Awards ceremony will take place Saturday (March 1) at London’s O2 Arena, and will be hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall. Performances on the night will come from Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey and more.
Charli is also competing in five additional categories on the night, including album of the year and British artist of the year. The songwriter of the year prize gives Charli her first-ever BRIT Award win, having been nominated four times previously in 2015, 2020, 2023 and 2024.
Brat was named Billboard staff’s album of the year, with Kristin Robinson writing that the LP had “most exciting and culturally significant album launches in modern memory,” and catapulted “the longtime music maker into a new stratosphere of stardom.” The record peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and at No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.
On Monday (Feb. 24), it was announced that A.G. Cook, Charli’s close collaborator and an executive producer on Brat, would collect the producer of the year prize. The trophy was first awarded in 1977 to Beatles producer George Martin, and in recent years has been won by Fred again.. (2020), Inflo (2022), David Guetta (2023) and Chase & Status (2024).
Speaking to Variety in 2020, Charli described her working relationship with Cook. “We really trust each other, and challenge and push each other in the right ways. And we’re also very smart and equally dumb, and I think that’s really important in pop music,” she shared. “A.G. will make a beat in a few minutes and I’ll yell over it, and even if it sounds crazy, we’re not afraid of sounding stupid because we know we can get there eventually.”
She continued, “We enjoy twisting formats and breaking rules but we also kind of like some rules; we’re a bit winky but we’re also very serious; we’re both fans of pop music but equally fans of wanting to disrupt things; and we like to dance around what people think we should be doing. So there’s enough tension and push and pull to make really interesting music.”
The BRIT Awards will be broadcast live on ITV and on streaming service ITV X from 8:15 p.m. GMT.
Sam Fender might only be days removed from the release of his third album, People Watching, but already the English musician is thinking of shaking things up for his next record.
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On Friday (Feb. 21), Fender put an end to the multi-year wait for another studio album by releasing People Watching as the follow-up to 2021’s critically-acclaimed Seventeen Going Under. Having teased the album since the release of its title track in November, the record is on its way to becoming a watershed moment for the singer-songwriter.
However, while Fender has managed to harness his heartland rock style with great success, a new interview indicates that he’s looking for a bit of a sonic shift when it comes to album number four.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Fender revealed that he has piles of new material at the ready, going so far as to show his phone to the interviewer and previewing “dozens of demos.” According to the article, these include songs such as “Drugs” and “Hornsby,” the latter of which is named for its sonic similarities to U.S. musician Bruce Hornsby.
Most notably, Fender adds that he’s “desperate” to record a punk album. “I’m buzzing! I’m just singing at you!” he tells the interviewer, going so far as to belt out a Tom Petty-esque track as a preview.
“People are going to hate you, whether you’re a saint, sinner, giver or a taker,” Fender sings on one of his as-yet-unreleased tracks. “But a big old heart is all that it’s worth. And he said, ‘You’ve got a big old heart, kid! Don’t let them own it.’”
Currently, it remains to be seen when Fender will actually get some time to hit the studio and work on his desired punk album, given his hectic live schedule.
In December, he cut short a run of U.K. tour dates following a diagnosis of a hemorrhaged vocal cord, and he’s currently set to return to the global stage for a series of European dates in early March. He’ll hit the U.S. and Canada the following month, with a series of summer dates scheduled for the U.K. and Europe throughout June, July, and August.
Before he returns to the touring circuit, Fender will also perform at the Brit Awards on Saturday (March 1). He’s also up for two awards at the ceremony, including British artist of the year, and best alternative/rock act, the latter of which he previously won in 2022.
The BRIT Awards has announced that A.G. Cook is the recipient of this year’s producer of the year award.
The British musician was an executive producer for Charli XCX’s Brat LP, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.
Cook has had co-writing and co-producer credits on a number of albums, including Beyoncé’s Renaissance in 2020, but he is best known for his working relationship with Charli XCX. Cook has played executive producer on several of Charli’s projects: 2017 mixtapes Number 1 Angel and Pop 2; 2019 LP Charli; and 2020’s How I’m Feeling Now.
Speaking on the news, Cook said, “As someone who’s always felt like a bit of an outsider, I’m very flattered to be recognized by The BRITs. From the early PC Music days to the Charli mixtapes and beyond, I’ve been lucky to work on so much music that I truly believe in. In particular, I’d like to dedicate this moment to Sophie, whose vision and artistry is still a driving force for producers everywhere.”
The honorary producer of the year prize was first awarded in 1977 to The Beatles producer George Martin, and in recent years has been won by Fred Again.. (2020), Inflo (2022), David Guetta (2023) and Chase & Status (2024). Cook was selected for the prize by a panel of expert judges.
Cook has been a key player in the British and international pop scene for the past decade. In 2013, he established the influential PC Music record label, which is credited with spearheading the hyperpop sound. In 2024, he released his third studio album, Britpop, which appeared on Billboard U.K.’s albums of the year list, with Sophie Williams writing that the LP “felt like a safe, uplifting, candy-striped wonderland where one could hide from growing global anxiety.”
The BRIT Awards ceremony will take place Saturday (March 1) at London’s O2 Arena, and will be hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall. Performances on the night will come from Sabrina Carpenter, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims, Shaboozey and more, and the ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV and on streaming service ITV X from 8:15 p.m. GMT.
Brat Summer has extended deep into awards season. Charli XCX’s Brat is competing for a Brit Award for British album of the year on Saturday (March 1), just weeks after it competed in the Grammy race for album of the year. Brat is the first album to be nominated for the top album honor on […]
The BRIT Awards has finalized its performer lineup for the 2025 ceremony with two new additions. Sam Fender and Lola Young will both play live during the broadcast on March 1 at The O2 Arena in London. They join a stacked bill of performers including Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, JADE, The Last Dinner Party […]
Sabrina Carpenter is the latest act to join the list of performers at the upcoming BRIT Awards (March 1), and will collect the global success award on the night. The “Espresso” singer will head to The O2 Arena in London to perform during the ceremony. She joins JADE, Myles Smith, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and The […]
The Brit Awards has announced its host for the upcoming 2025 ceremony. Comedian Jack Whitehall will return to the role, having hosted the awards four times previously. The Brits will be held on March 1 at London’s O2 arena. Nominations are due to be announced in the coming weeks, alongside performers at the event. The […]
Kasabian, Clean Bandit, Rag’n’Bone Man and more have been announced for Brits Week 2025, which will see a host of acts play intimate venues throughout London, Glasgow and Bexhill in February and March.
The concert series is organized in conjunction with the upcoming Brit Awards, which will will take place on March 1 at The O2 Arena in London. Nominees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks alongside news of this ceremony’s performers and host.
Brits Week will kick off on Feb. 17 with Cat Burns performing at east London’s Moth Club and continues with shows from Joy Crookes, Rachel Chinouriri, Frank Turner, Nova Twins, Blossoms, Tom Walker, Soft Play and more. See the full run of shows below.
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The Brits Week concert series was first held in 2009 with all proceeds of the shows benefitting War Child, a charity that supports young people caught up in conflicts across the globe. Since 2009, the Brits Week concert series has raised £7.4 ($9.02) million for the organization, according to a press statement.
Tickets for the events go on sale later this week, with a War Child presale taking place this Thursday (Jan. 16) before a general sale on Friday (Jan. 17) at 10 a.m. GMT.
Several huge acts have performed at Brits Week over recent years, including Ed Sheeran (2022), The 1975 (2023) and Coldplay (2016).
In December, Luton-born musician Myles Smith was announced as the recipient of The Brits’ Rising Star award for 2025, which tips rising stars for future success. Smith beat out competition from Elmiene and Good Neighbours to scoop the prize. Previous winners include Adele (2008), Sam Smith (2014) and most recently The Last Dinner Party (2024).
Brits Week 2025 lineup:
February 17 – Cat Burns – London, England @ Moth ClubFebruary 18 – Joy Crookes – London, England @ Islington Assembly HallFebruary 20 – Rachel Chinouriri – London, England @ OmearaFebruary 21 – Frank Turner – London, England @ 93 Feet EastFebruary 24 – Nova Twins – London, England @ OmearaFebruary 25 – Kasabian with Blossoms – London, England @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush EmpireFebruary 28 – Clean Bandit and Friends – London, England @ The PalladiumMarch 3 – Tom Walker – Glasgow, Scotland @ King Tut’s Wah Wah HutMarch 4 – Soft Play – London, England @ Village UndergroundMarch 5 – Rag‘n’Bone Man – Bexhill, England @ De La Warr Pavilion
Myles Smith has been announced as the winner of the BRITs Rising Star Award for 2025.
The award caps off a banner year for the Luton-born singer-songwriter, who saw off competition from soul vocalist Elmiene and indie-pop duo Good Neighbours to claim the accolade. The winner was announced Thursday (Dec. 5) on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show With Jack Saunders.
“Winning the BRIT award for Rising Star is such a surreal moment,” he said in a statement. “Music has always been about connecting with people, and to see it resonate on this level is incredible. I’m so grateful to my team, my family, and especially the fans who’ve supported me every step of the way. Your belief in me means everything. This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited for what’s to come — thank you for being part of this journey.”
Smith is the first male artist to win in the category since Sam Fender in 2019. In the last five years, the award – formerly known as Critics’ Choice – has gone to three female solo artists (Celeste, Griff and Holly Humberstone) and two groups consisting of all female and non-binary performers (FLO and The Last Dinner Party).
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The award was first presented at the BRIT Awards in 2008, and is annually handed out to the British act that the voting academy believes will make the biggest impact on music in the coming year. Other previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith and Florence + the Machine.
The shortlist is selected by a panel of music industry experts, including editors, critics, songwriters, producers and live bookers. Eligibility criteria deems that nominees cannot have had a top 20 placing on the Official Albums Chart or more than one top 20 single on Official Singles Chart in the U.K. as of Oct. 31, 2024.
Smith was also recently included in the longlist for another new music prize, BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2025, with the winner set to be revealed in January. The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough moment in the summer with his global hit “Stargazing,” which reached No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Speaking to Billboard in July, he explained that his main ambition is to be “seen as an album artist,” adding that “there’s only so much you can say in an EP or single.” Smith also discussed the years he spent covering chart hits on TikTok before landing a deal with RCA Records and in turn started penning his own original music. “Covers [were] an opportunity to find an audience that I thought would match with the music I would eventually create,” he added.
The 2025 BRIT Awards will take place on March 1, and will be broadcast live on ITV 1 from London’s O2 Arena.
The BRIT Awards has announced the three shortlisted artists for its Rising Star Award. Elmiene (Polydor/Def Jam US), Good Neighbours (Polydor) and Myles Smith (RCA) comprise the all-male field of contenders. The winner will be announced on Dec. 5 on BBC Radio 1’s New Music Show With Jack Saunders.
This is only the second time that the field of contenders has consisted entirely of male artists or groups. James Bay, George the Poet and Years & Years were the 2015 finalists.
The award is voted on by a panel of music journalists, heads of music at radio and music TV stations, songwriters, producers and live bookers. The award is open to British artists who have not yet achieved a top 20 placement on the Official Albums Chart, or achieved more than one top 20 single on the Official Singles Chart before Oct. 31 of this year.
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The Rising Star Award (previously called Critics’ Choice) originated in 2008 and was most recently collected by baroque-pop group The Last Dinner Party. Previous winners include Adele, Sam Smith, Sam Fender, Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine, Griff and FLO, while Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Cat Burns, Michael Kiwanuka, Mabel and Years & Years have also all been finalists.
Elmiene released his most recent EP, Anyway I Can, in October, fusing his love of R&B, jazz and pop. He has performed at Glastonbury and collaborated with Stormzy, Syd, Sampha, BADBADNOTGOOD, A$AP Ferg and more, and recently headlined a 3,000-capacity show at London’s Troxy.
Speaking on his nomination, Elmiene said, “If I could put the feeling of being nominated into words, I would say it’s like being completely satisfied with a meal you bought and then finding out it comes with dessert and a drink. Didn’t know it could get any better.”
Myles Smith’s single “Stargazing” has had considerable success in the U.K. and abroad this year. The pop song, first released in May, peaked at No. 4 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart and reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith recently released his second EP, A Minute…, and had a debut U.S. TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In a press release, Smith said, “Growing up in Luton, I started playing pubs and open mic nights when I was just 12 and music quickly became my way of understanding the world and connecting with others. This recognition feels like a reflection of that journey – the highs, the challenges and the incredible people who’ve supported me along the way.”
Indie-pop duo Good Neighbours have had a triumphant year following their TikTok hit “Home,” which has topped 322 million streams on Spotify alone. The song peaked at No. 26 in the U.K., and rode the Hot 100 for 11 weeks, reaching No. 77.
The pair said of the nomination: “The BRITs have always been a huge dream for both of us growing up. We started Good Neighbours purely for the fun of it, so to be up for an actual BRIT award at this stage in our career is the biggest honour. Thank you.”
The winner will be recognised at the BRITs ceremony on March 1 at London’s O2 Arena. The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV and ITV X.