Brit Awards 2024

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      Superstar DJ set to perform at 2024 Brits for the first time in five years

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      CALVIN Harris is returning to perform at The Brit Awards for the first time in five years.The DJ will take to the stage with Ellie Goulding to play their hit song Miracle.
      Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding will perform at The Brit AwardsCredit: CONOR MCDONNELL
      After they released Miracle last summer, the song spent eight weeks at the No1 spot.
      And insiders said Calvin and Ellie were planning a huge performance to celebrate the track’s success.
      A source said: “Calvin and Ellie could not be more excited about playing the Brits.
      “Miracle was a huge hit for them and the set is going to be incredible.”
      Read More on Showbiz
      Calvin confirmed the news to The Sun and said: “I can’t wait for a very special performance with Ellie.”
      The pair will also be hoping to score a win on the night, with Miracle up for Song of the Year.
      Calvin and Ellie face stiff competition though as they go up against singers including Dua Lipa, Raye, Lewis Capaldi and Ed Sheeran.
      Despite being nominated 20 times, ridiculously Calvin has only ever won two Brits.
      Most read in Bizarre
      He picked up both his gongs in 2019 for Producer of the Year and British Single of the Year thanks to his collaboration with Dua, One Kiss.
      Like Calvin, 13-time nominee Ellie has also struggled when it comes to coming up trumps at the show.
      Calvin Harris Super Bowl
      The Love Me Like You Do singer has been handed three Brits – the most recent being last year as part of the new Brits Billion awards.
      The new gong is awarded to acts who have surpassed one billion streams in the UK.
      Also taking to the stage alongside Calvin and Ellie will be pop legend Kylie Minogue.
      She is in for a huge night at the ceremony on 2 March, as she will also be honoured with the coveted Icon award.
      A power Serge is coming
      KASABIAN have made what they believe is their most exciting album and reckon the first single will cause “total carnage” at gigs.
      After hearing Call, which is out today, I couldn’t agree more.
      Kasabian have made what they believe is their most exciting album
      It’s an absolute banger.
      The lads, from my home town of Leicester, release new record Happenings on July 5, the day before playing the city’s Victoria Park.
      Lead singer Sergio Pizzorno said of Call: “It is going to cause total carnage in a show.
      “It’s about that person that gives you a call and the night changes. Everything changes.”
      Kasabian have a mad video for Call, which sees a phone chucked from a plane.
      They shot it in Albania after our health and safety bores said it was too dangerous.
      Speaking about the album, Serge added: “You can feel the excitement coming off the record.”
      I last saw the lads play at Leicester’s King Power Stadium and it was one of the best gigs of my life.
      If you’re a fan, you’ll love Call.

      POOR Madonna had this painful-looking tumble on stage.
      She was being dragged along on a chair by a dancer in Seattle, in the US, when they slipped and Madge went for a burton.
      Madonna fell off a chair while on stage in SeattleCredit: The Mega Agency
      She had this painful-looking tumble on stageCredit: The Mega Agency
      Ever the trooper, she laughed it off and carried on singingCredit: The Mega Agency
      But ever the trooper, she laughed it off and carried on singing.
      Not quite the heart-stopping moment she plummeted backwards at the Brit Awards in 2015, but scary never the less.

      SUPER Bowl star Usher is to play three shows at London’s O2 Arena in April 2025.
      Tickets go on sale at noon tomorrow.
      Meanwhile, rocker Alice Cooper will head out on an arena tour in October and Masked Singer winner Danny Jones and his McFly mates will play a one-off concert at The O2 in London on October 10 to celebrate the band’s 21st birthday.

      IF like me you are a massive fan of TV show The Cube you can now give it a go yourself.
      And you can do it – without having to make a prat of yourself on TV.
      The game is coming to London’s Canary Wharf later this year and will allow four players to take on seven of the physical and mental games which have made an appearance in the popular ITV series.
      To make it even better, there is also a special bar on hand so you can drown your sorrows if you make a hash of everything.
      Check out bookthecube.com to sign up.
      I tried out the one that was in Manchester, and it’s well worth a go.

      KATE MOSS and Liam Gallagher’s days of non-stop partying are over.
      But it seems the supermodel’s half-sister and Oasis rocker Liam’s eldest son are more than happy to take on their top caner titles.
      Lennon Gallagher and Isobel Richmond headed to Burberry’s London Fashion Week bashCredit: Splash
      Lottie Moss and Kit Butler spent the night partying together after the BaftasCredit: Goff
      The pair were seen leaving Chiltern Firehouse at 5amCredit: Goff
      They talked and smoked outside the venue before heading offCredit: Goff
      Lottie left Chiltern Firehouse at 5am after spending the night partying with model Kit Butler after the Baftas.
      And Lennon, fag in hand, is also making a name for himself on the circuit, after heading to Burberry’s fancy London Fashion Week bash.
      He was in good company as the rest of the Primrose Hill 2.0 set were all there too, with Kate’s daughter Lila, Iris Law and Elizabeth and Georgia May Jagger also invited to the celebrations.
      A cup of Kate’s £25 herbal brew which promises to “soothe the soul for a better night’s sleep” ought to bring them out of their hangovers.
      Or they could follow my lead with a double sausage and egg McMuffin and a cheeky hair of the dog.
      It works every time.

      LOCAL lad Peter Kay has been confirmed as the act to open the UK’s largest indoor arena next month.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The Bolton-born comedian will take to the stage at Manchester’s 23,500-capacity Co-op Live venue for the big night on April 23.
      He will be the curtain-raiser for other huge acts later in the year including Nicki Minaj, Liam Gallagher, Take That and Olivia Rodrigo. More

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      Pop superstar will receive Global Icon prize at Brit Awards & perform at glittering ceremony 37 years after first single

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      KYLIE Minogue will be honoured with the Global Icon Award at next month’s Brits — 35 years after landing her first nomination.The Aussie superstar, who is also nominated for International Artist of the Year, will also perform at the event at London’s O2 Arena on March 2.
      Kylie Minogue will be honoured with the Global Icon Award at next month’s Brit AwardsCredit: Getty
      Kylie, 55, said: “I am beyond thrilled to be honoured with the Global Icon Award and to be joining a roll call of such incredible artists.
      “The UK has always been a home from home so the Brits have a very special place in my heart.
      “I have some amazing memories from the awards over the years and I can’t wait to be back on the Brits stage. See you at the O2!”
      The award is Britain’s highest musical accolade and was last won by Taylor Swift, 34, in 2021.
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      Other artists to have received it include David Bowie, Elton John and The Beatles.
      During her extensive career spanning more than 30 years, she has sold 80million records and scored seven No1 singles
      She is also the only female artist to score a No1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK.
      ‘Loved by all ages’
      A source said: “Kylie’s performance will be huge — work has been underway on it for weeks to make it a real spectacle.
      Most read in Celebrity
      “She is loved by people of all ages and reached a whole new generation with her last album.
      “She is pulling out all the stops as the superstar signing for the ceremony.”
      Kylie Minogue looks incredible as she poses in see-through dress ahead of Las Vegas residency
      The Spinning Around singer scored her ninth No1 album last September when she released her latest record Tension.
      Kylie has previously won three Brit Awards and hosted the ceremony in 2009 with James Corden and Mathew Horne.
      The news comes a week after she won her second Grammy Award in the Best Pop Dance Recording category for her 2023 hit Padam Padam.
      Raye and Dua Lipa will also perform at the Brit Awards, which will air live on ITV and will be hosted by Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp. More

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      Legendary nineties band set to join Dua Lipa on Brit Awards stage as they’re up for three gongs

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      NEXT month’s Brit Awards are shaping up to be pretty spectacular.After I exclusively revealed performances by Raye and Dua Lipa, I can now confirm that the line-up is about to get a whole lot rockier, with nominees Blur also poised to take to the stage.
      Blur will be among the performers at this year’s Brit AwardsCredit: AFP
      Dua Lipa has already been announced for the ceremonyCredit: Getty
      The Parklife hitmakers are up for three gongs following the ­success of their No1 album The Ballad Of Darren last year.
      It comes ahead of their headline performance at US music festival Coachella in April.
      An insider tells me: “No one does Britpop as well as Blur, so welcoming them to the stage at the Brits will be a homecoming of sorts and add a certain gravitas.”
      The band, fronted by Damon Albarn last performed at the event in 2012, when they picked up a gong for outstanding contribution to music.
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      Meanwhile, Raye has become the most nominated artist at the Brit Awards in a single year in the event’s 46-year history.
      The singer-songwriter from London has landed seven nominations following the success of her No1 single Escapism with 070 Shake and critically-acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues.
      Reacting to the news, Raye said: “I am completely floored to be recognised seven times this year.
      “I was a Brit school student and I remember how deeply I dreamed of one day being recognised at the Brits.
      Most read in Bizarre
      “I am currently a mess of overwhelming emotions and confusion as to how this even happened to be honest.” More

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      Brit Awards reveal TWO huge TV stars as presenters alongside Love Island’s Maya Jama

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      THREE is the magic number for next month’s Brit Awards, as Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo are now booked to host alongside the already confirmed Maya Jama.Show insiders told me the pair had signed contracts to front the show on ITV on March 2.
      Maya Jama was previously confirmed as a hostCredit: Rex Features
      It is a huge gig for Roman and Clara, who will be joining Maya front and centre on stage at London’s O2 Arena on the biggest night in British music.
      A source said: “Getting three people hosting the Brits is really retro but bosses think it’ll go down a storm.
      “The last time there was a trio on stage was in 2009, when Kylie Minogue presented the show with James Corden and Mathew Horne.
      “Maya, Roman and Clara are all very good broadcasters and the Brits are in good hands with them at the helm.
      READ MORE ON THE BRIT AWARDS
      “Each of them will have different roles on the night and it’ll keep the ceremony really fresh and upbeat.
      “All three are also well known to the audience at home, so the Brits and ITV think it’s going to work perfectly.”
      I love all three of them and knowing how well each gets on with some of the nominees on the night, I think this move could go down a storm.
      The Brits has lacked fun over the past couple of years, with Jack Whitehall the last host I can remember who actually made me laugh out loud.
      Most read in Bizarre
      But I’ve got high hopes for these three.
      Fans can now start voting on Instagram for the winners in the five public categories, Alternative/Rock, Dance, Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap, Pop and R&B.
      And it seems the Rolling Stones are desperate to get their fans counting as they go up against Blur.
      An email sent out by their team today called on them to vote twice a day, every day, for the next six weeks.
      Given how old Stones fans are, they might need to send a letter explaining what Instagram is . . .
      Maya will be joined by Roman KempCredit: Getty
      And Clara Amfo will complete the trioCredit: Getty
      Piano Man Billy is back on track
      BILLY Joel has returned with his first pop single in three decades after dropping Turn The Lights Back On today.
      The track, which fits in with his back catalogue as a classic Billy tune, is four minutes long and sees him back at the piano.
      Billy Joel has returned with his first pop single in three decadesCredit: Rex Features
      Tom Walker is also set to drop new single Head UnderwaterCredit: PR Supplied
      And fans will be chuffed to hear his voice is still as strong as it was on his last album in 1993.
      There will be plenty of new releases tomorrow, with Tom Walker dropping his single Head Underwater.
      He said: “This is about keeping my inner demons at bay and the constant battle I’m having with myself – sometimes feeling suffocated and overwhelmed.”
      For something a bit different, check out Wes Nelson and Craig David’s garage collaboration Abracadabra.
      Wes said: “Craig has been a big inspiration to me since I was a kid, so when the opportunity arose to jump into the studio together it was a no brainer.
      “There have been some comparisons between the two of us as singers, we’re on a similar sort of wave.
      “It’s a collaboration that people wanted.”
      SJP’S BECKS IN THE CITY
      SHE professed her love for the Underground today – kudos to my least favourite London mayor Sadiq Khan – now Sarah Jessica Parker has gone all OTT about another British institution.
      Punters who drink at The Gate House in Highgate, north London, told me the Sex And The City actress, has made the boozer her local after setting up home in London for her new play Plaza Suite.
      Sarah Jessica Parker just can’t seem to get enough of Highgate pub The Gate HouseCredit: getty
      And it seems she just can’t get enough of it.
      One said: “Sarah and her husband Matthew Broderick are becoming regulars now they are staying in town.
      “She seems to like how ‘quaint’ it is and has said she likes how British the pub feels.
      “They stop off together for a pint after the shows and sit quietly in a corner.
      “People have tended to leave them alone, too, which is probably why they’re using it as their local.”
      The Gate House used to be a Wetherspoons before it changed hands, which is a shame, really, as I’m sure Sarah would have gone nuts over the curry club.
      Telling of her love for the Tube this week, SJP said: “I want to know Jubilee, Piccadilly, Northern.
      “I want to know Edgware. I want to know all of it.”
      Trust us, Sarah, the excitement soon wears off.
      JUSTIN’S JIBE SO SELFISH
      JUSTIN Timberlake has sunk even lower in my estimation by appearing to mock his ex Britney Spears.
      He was performing new single Selfish at a gig in New York on Wednesday, just hours after Britney apologised to anyone she’d hurt with the revelations in her book, The Woman In Me – notably Justin.
      Justin Timberlake appeared to mock ex Britney Spears after she apologised for any hurt she had caused with her tell-all bookCredit: BackGrid
      Before his performance he appeared to mock her statement, saying on stage: “I’m going to take time to apologise – to absolutely f***ing nobody.”
      And absolutely f***ing nobody has bought your new single, Justin, which didn’t even make today’s Top Ten. That’s karma.

      MORE than 50 acts have been added to the line-up for Reading and Leeds including Two Door Cinema Club, Pendulum and The Wombats.
      Mean Girls actress and singer Renee Rapp, Fontaines DC, Kenya Grace, Nia Archives and Beabadoobee are among others on the bill from August 21 to 25.
      BIG ACTS OUT OF TIKTOK
      UNIVERSAL Records has pulled all of the music by its acts – including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande – from TikTok, causing a huge online row.
      Both sides have thrown a strop over how much should be paid for plays of songs on the video app and they have come to a stalemate – much to the annoyance of the artists themselves.
      New acts are often told to become popular on TikTok to make it big, so it is a real slap in the face for artists like that.
      Rising star Caity Baser said of TikTok: “Why hurt and punish the people that are smaller and up and coming? Why don’t you just pay artists what we work and spend so much time on making?”
      Ed and Amy celebrate free love
      WEDDINGS cost an arm and a leg, and that’s after you’ve had to put on an engagement bash for all your mates.
      But Ed Westwick and his new fiancée Amy Jackson have solved that issue, as they celebrated their big news at EE Bafta’s Rising Star party in the Pavyllon restaurant in West London.
      Ed Westwick and new fiancée Amy Jackson celebrated their big news at EE Bafta’s Rising Star partyCredit: Getty
      Vernon Kay was also in attendance with gorgeous daughter PhoebeCredit: Getty
      The pair, who got engaged this week, toasted their romance with free-flowing Taittinger Champagne and posh canapes including spicy crab cakes and moutabal tartlets.
      I’ve noted this down in case any poor sod ever pops the question to me again.
      Ed and Amy were in good company at the bash, with stars including Brits host Clara Amfo, Frankie Bridge and Paloma Faith all partying.
      I caught up with Vernon Kay on the night, who took along his gorgeous daughter Phoebe as his date because his wife Tess Daly was busy working.
      Vern is in the middle of hosting Radio 2’s epic Piano Room series and told me he is most excited about seeing Johnny Marr perform live in the Maida Vale studios next Wednesday.
      Bring it on.

      DANNII Minogue is hoping her back catalogue can help make her latest song a hit.
      Insiders told me Kylie’s big sister has recreated scenes from some of her previous releases in the video for new track Thinking About Us.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Dannii even goes old school with her dance moves, pulling out choreography she learned for Love And Kisses in 1990.
      I can’t see Dannii’s song matching the success of Kylie’s comeback juggernaut Padam Padam but she’s certainly giving it a go. More

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      Huge TV star to host Brit Awards for first time amid romance with rap icon

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      MAYA JAMA is now so in demand she’s fast becoming the queen of showbiz.The unstoppable star rejuvenated the Love Island franchise by taking the reins and slayed the uber-snobby fashion world by landing her own Vogue cover and presenting the British Fashion Awards.
      Maya Jama is hosting the Brit AwardsCredit: Getty
      Now I can reveal she will host her first-ever Brit awards, alongside two other mystery presenters.
      The charismatic presenter will be the first female host since 2017 — when Emma Willis and Dermot O’Leary had the honours.
      Bravo.
      It comes after Maya, who is dating rapper Stormzy, stole the show with a red-carpet reporting role when main host Mo Gilligan was in charge in 2022.
      READ MORE ON MAYA JAMA
      A well-placed insider said: “Maya is the perfect host for the Brit awards this year and has the energy for the all-star show.
      “She is the hottest presenter in the UK right now and is ideal for the new ensemble presenting cast.
      “There has been six years of solo male hosts, so it’s time to mix up the formula and there is a lot of buzz about the new line-up.”
      Brit Award organisers carried out a shake-up for the event, which takes place on Saturday, March 2, at London’s O2 Arena, following a diversity row last year.
      Most read in Bizarre
      Then, it came to light that no female artist had been nominated for the Best Artist category.
      Last week, organisers admitted gender balance had been re-addressed following last year’s controversial decision.
      Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI CEO, and YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI chair, said in a joint statement: “We shared in last year’s disappointment that women were not represented in the British Artist of the Year nominations, and it’s heartening to see such a strong showing in the BRITs 2024 nominations.
      “With such an exciting new generation of diverse talent coming through, we hope and will continue to work towards more balanced representation increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception.”
      I’m glad to see Maya leading the charge — and I bet she will be serving LEWKS on the night.
      She’ll Rayes the roof
      I CAN reveal the Brits will be an even bigger deal for seven-times nominated Raye.
      As well as getting the huge number of nods, she will also be singing on the night itself and has been putting tog- ether a special performance.
      Raye will perform at the Brit AwardsCredit: Getty
      A source said: “This year’s Brit Awards will include a celebration of everything Raye has achieved.
      “Her performance will be extra- special and something different on the night. It means a lot to her as she has worked so hard to get to this point in her career.”
      It comes after I revealed last weekend that Dua Lipa will be performing at the ceremony and Kylie Minogue will be performing for the first time in 16 years.
      A strip teaser by Neil
      NEIL Morrissey joked he could give Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan a run for his money – by dancing naked to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit Murder On The Dancefloor just like the movie scene.
      Sophie performed her 2001 hit at the Hard Rock Cafe in London and afterwards Men Behaving Badly actor Neil said: “I was tempted to emulate the movie but I kept it in my pants.”
      Neil Morrissey danced naked to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit Murder On The DancefloorCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sophie even made a cheeky reference to it, adding: ‘Dance with your clothes on, or clothes off.’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Even Sophie made a cheeky reference to it, adding: “Dance with your clothes on, or clothes off.”
      Barry’s naked dance to the song at the end of Saltburn became the most talked-about scene of 2023.
      Barry, who played scheming Oliver Quick alongside Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike, said: “Dancing around in the nude . . .  I mean, we all do it, don’t we?
      “We all do it at home, we all do it in the shower. We all act silly when we’re on our own. We sing out loud. We dance. So that I could relate with.”
      Each to their own, Barry.
      Prue in Vegas
      GREAT British Bake Off judge Prue Leith is heading for a Las Vegas residency.
      She said of plans to go to Sin City with her one-woman show: “I do want to take my tour to Vegas. I could be the new Adele.
      “I thought Las Vegas was all about showgirls and I can’t believe some English cook is going to interest them, but they do love Bake Off.”
      At a gala night of the Back To The Future musical in London, she added: “Plans are under way.”

      Mini-Elvis
      KING COOPER, one of the UK’s youngest Elvis Presley tribute acts, has vowed to perform in the legend’s home town of Memphis.
      The ten-year-old from Paignton,
      King Cooper is one of the UK’s youngest Elvis impersonatorsCredit: supplied
      Devon, said: “It’s my dream to sing in America and make it big. My favourite Elvis song is Jailhouse Rock and I’ve loved singing like him since I discovered him on YouTube.”
      In March, he performs at If I Can Dream – The Great British Elvis Tribute Contest.
      Liz’s drop-bread looks
      LIZ HURLEY has revealed the secret to her age-defying figure is not green juices and fasting . . .  but baking a loaf of bread every day.
      Sharing her tips on Instagram, she said: “My best investment was a bread maker and I make a loaf a day. I also make cakes every weekend.
      “Other than diet, my other advice is to move more. I don’t go to the gym or do any set exercise but I’m extremely active. There endeth the sermon.”
      But the actress and model said she was strict when it came to buying food.
      She added: “I count junk food as anything that contains any ingredient that I don’t have in my own kitchen.
      “That includes ‘diet’ and ‘low-fat’ everything, all ready meals, all bought sandwiches, cakes and biscuits and all sodas.”
      I will happily swap low-fat yoghurts for homemade bread if it means I look like Liz when I am 58.
      Here Klums the bride
      HEIDI KLUM looks ready to walk down the aisle in this veiled outfit, which she wore on a wedding shoot for Germany’s Next Top Model in LA.
      It came as the model shared a clip on Instagram of the video to her new single, Sunglasses At Night.
      Heidi Klum was spotted dressed in all white and wearing a veil in LACredit: TheImageDirect.com
      She was snapped in a wedding shoot for Germany’s Next Top ModelCredit: TheImageDirect.com
      She wrote: “Keep dreaming kids and don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.”
      Words to live by, Heidi . . . 
      Jason’s hooked on show
      JASON Manford loved playing Captain Hook so much in panto, he’s writing a musical about the pirate villain’s early life.
      He’s even roped in Take That’s Gary Barlow to help with the songs.
      In December Jason Manford made his Panto debut on ‘The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan’ in the role of Captain Hook at the Manchester Opera House
      The comedian, who starred in Peter Pan at Manchester Opera House in 2022, is also working with West End singer Joe Stilgoe on the project, which is due to launch next year.
      A source tells me: “Jason loved playing Captain Hook so much that he started researching the idea of writing a musical about his early life.
      “He reached out to Gary, who was delighted to offer his guidance, and it’s now in the development stages.
      “The production will be family friendly and Jason is keen to star in it himself, as he is an accomplished singer.”
      Kate: My gym fun with Rio
      KATE FERDINAND has revealed she tries to give husband Rio a run for his money in the gym – but without much luck.
      The former Towie star, who gave birth to daughter Shae in July, said: “Rio and I always have a blast exercising together.
      Kate Ferdinand has revealed she tries to give hubby Rio a run for his money in the gymCredit: F&F
      “It’s great to have a bit of that friendly competition while working out – though I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to catch up with him in the gym.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Kate, who has launched a women’s activewear collection with Tesco’s F&F, said: “You are going to have days where you don’t feel like working out, and that’s OK.
      “With that being said, I do think it’s important for new mums to take the time to prioritise themselves and get their bodies moving.” More

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      Inside Raye’s incredible rise from shock label row to Brit Awards record breaker

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      IN one of the biggest career U-turns in music history, singer Raye is celebrating a record seven Brit Awards nominations in a single year – three years after being told she wasn’t good enough to release an album.Her huge haul, which beats the previous record of six held by Robbie Williams, Craig David and Gorillaz, comes since she parted from her record label after publicly shaming them.
      Singer Raye is celebrating a record seven Brit Award nominations in a single yearCredit: Getty
      Three years ago, she was told her songs were not good enough to release on an albumCredit: Getty
      Her release from the shackles of her lengthy contract proved to be a phenomenal turning point and she has transformed into one of the nation’s most in-demand starsCredit: H&M
      In the summer of 2021, Raye had reached breaking point with Polydor Records, who she signed with at 17.
      She took to social media to write: “I have been signed to a major label since 2014 and I have had albums on albums of music sat in folders collecting dust, songs I am now giving away to A-list artists because I am still awaiting confirm- ation that I am good enough to release an album.”
      Back then, the South London-born singer, now 26, was told by Polydor that the songs she had painstakingly created just were not good enough.
      At that point she had already scored nine Top 40 successes with a series of dance collaborations.
      READ MORE ABOUT RAYE
      She wrote at the time: “I have been on a FOUR ALBUM RECORD DEAL since 2014! And haven’t been allowed to put out one album. ALL I CARE ABOUT is the music.
      ‘It was killing me’
      “I’m sick of being slept on and I’m sick of being in pain about it. This is not business to me, this is so personal.”
      Three weeks later she revealed she had split with Polydor. In a statement, the label said that their decision to “part ways” had been “amicable and mutual”.
      Her release from the shackles of her lengthy contract proved to be a phenomenal turning point and she has since transformed into one of the nation’s most in-demand stars.
      Most read in Music
      She gave a triumphant performance on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June last year, which aired on the BBC and was also included in Louis Theroux’s acclaimed documentary about her.
      That followed her first No1 single with the dark and edgy Escapism in January 2023.
      And in February that year, she received critical acclaim for her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, released on an independent label.
      The record saw her turn her back on the mainstream dance pop she was known for, which, she says, her old record label pushed her into.
      The change in direction has seen her speeding towards super-stardom, marked by her domination of the Brits nominations announced on Wednesday.
      As well as being in the running for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Pop Act, R&B Act and Best New Artist at the ceremony at London’s O2 Arena in March, she also got two nods in the Song of the Year category.
      Not bad for a singer who was told her tracks weren’t cutting the mustard.
      With her soulful voice now being shown off in a completely different way, Raye is garnering comparisons to the late Amy Winehouse, who in her short life created music that has sold more than 23million records and won six Grammy awards.
      Reflecting last year on her decision to speak out against her label, Raye acknowledged: “It was risky. They had my life in their contract.
      “But I had spent too long hiding my feelings, turning up and doing my job. And it was killing me.”
      That is no exaggeration, as her debut album lays bare.
      The warts-and-all record details how bad things got for her on a personal and emotional level, with an eating disorder, spiralling drug use and a sexual assault.
      She explained: “It got bad. When people are in pain they will turn to self-medicating because then you don’t have to process things real-time, in vivid HD.”
      On one track, Ice Cream Man, she recalls in dark detail an assault by an unnamed producer in a music studio.
      On another, Body Dysmorphia, she sings: “I’m so hungry I can’t sleep, but I know if I eat then I’ll be in the bathroom on my knees.”
       She said: “The whole album is about things I’ve been keeping buried.
      “It’s not necessarily considered attractive as a woman to talk about substance abuse, rape, body dysmorphia, but these uncomfortable subjects are the battles people are navigating through.”
      The gritty subject matter, which has struck a chord with fans and critics alike, is something she claims she was forbidden from exploring in her mainstream record deal.
      But the straw that broke the camel’s back regarding her wish to leave Polydor was the release of her No3 single Bed, with DJs David Guetta and Joel Corry, in 2021.
      She explained: “Joel is a lovely guy, David is passionate about dance music, but it was a silly little pitch I made as a songwriter.
      “I never wanted to put my name on it. It rejuvenated my career, and I’m thinking, ‘If people heard only this song from me, I’d be ashamed’.
      “Making music that says nothing, means nothing, that’s not why I got into this.
      “Music is medicine to me, but it was making me ill.”
      Prior to that, Raye had written songs for a slew of stars including Beyonce, Little Mix and Ellie Goulding.
      Credit: TWITTER/RAYE
      Credit: TWITTER/RAYE
      Raye shows her frustration on Twitter – after being told her work was not good enoughCredit: TWITTER/RAYE
      But she was still not considered enough of a commercial prospect to release an album of her own.
      It is hard to fathom how different things could have been if Amy Winehouse had been forced down a similar path of chasing streaming figures and TikTok hits.
      But now Raye, who yesterday announced a one-off show at London’s O2 Arena for March in celebration of her Brits success, is inspiring a generation of artists to stick to their guns and release their music independently.
      And she is also proving an inspiration for female artists, following last year’s Brit Awards controversy when the Artist of the Year category contained male acts only.
      In 2021, Becky Hill, who has won Best Dance Act at the Brits for the past two years, opened up about how it took ten years before Polydor allowed her to release her debut album.
      At the time of Raye’s comments, she diplomatically told one newspaper: “Polydor just wanted to make sure that she was at the peak of where she could be to release a debut album.
      “(It has) done the same with me. I couldn’t have released this album any sooner because I hadn’t gotten to the point where I was getting into the Top Ten.”
      And Jess Glynne, who split from Atlantic Records in 2022, has been a staunch supporter of Raye behind the scenes.
      Raye is now a key part of a backlash within the industry, with artists standing up for themselves and fighting for their rights.
      Taylor Swift has re-recorded her back catalogue after the masters of her music were sold against her wishes.
      Several other female stars, including Zara Larsson and Rita Ora, have also bought their masters from their record labels for huge sums, determined that they should be in control of the music they have made.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      With the advent of streaming and social media, the industry has struggled to get to grips with what will sell in the modern age.
      But with seven Brit nominations, a sold-out tour and a raft of die-hard fans, Raye is proving that sometimes it is not the experts who know best after all.
      In December 2022, she scored her first No1 single, the dark and edgy EscapismCredit: WENN
      Raye is garnering comparisons to the late Amy WinehouseCredit: Rex Features
      Raye is inspiring a generation of artists to release their music independently and stick to their gunsCredit: Rex More

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      Blur set for Brits showdown with The Rolling Stones after Damon Albarn criticised new album

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      FORGET the battles of old between Brit pop old guard Blur and Oasis.At this year’s ceremony, Damon Albarn’s Blur are going toe to toe with the Rolling Stones for Alternative/Rock Act.
      Damon Albarn’s Blur are going toe to toe with the Rolling Stones for Alternative/Rock Act
      Damon mouthed off about Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in DecemberCredit: Getty
      And it could get hairy.
      Damon mouthed off about Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood in December, claiming their new album Hackney Diamonds was “exactly the same music but not that good”.
      But he might regret that if he runs into them at the bash.
      The Stones’ Brits nod is their first since 2013, when they lost out to Coldplay in the Best Live Act category.
      Read More on Bizarre
      Mick and co will have a point to prove against Blur, who are also nominated in the Group and Album categories, following huge comeback record The Ballad Of Darren.
      Damon – who will be at the bash with his bandmates, cheese-connoisseur bassist Alex James, guitarist Graham Coxon and drummer Dave Rowntree – badmouthed the Stones last month.
      He said of their lead single Angry, which starred Us actress Sydney Sweeney: “I listened to their new song and watched this horrible music video showing them at different stages of their lives on billboards. And this young woman objectified.
      “The truth is, they’ve become worse.
      Most read in Bizarre
      “Worse at persisting to stay themselves.
      “That’s something I don’t understand.
      “Making exactly the same music but not that good.”
      Fisticuffs between the Stones and Blur would be hilarious, given they are men of a certain age.
      But my money is on yoga-obsessed fitness freak Mick – even if he is 80.

      SHE is up against singers including Kylie Minogue, Sza, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Ray in the International Artist category at The Brits – and Taylor Swift has been getting into the party spirit early.
      The Shake It Off singer got together with her best pals Cara Delevingne and Brittany Mahomes for a night out in New York.
      Taylor Swift has been getting into the party spirit earlyCredit: Splash
      Taylor got together with her best pals Cara Delevingne, pictured, and Brittany Mahomes for a night out in New YorkCredit: Splash
      After finally sticking her Christmas party wear in the back of her wardrobe, Taylor pulled out a cool black dress which she wore with biker boots.
      The last time I was with Taylor at the Brit Awards, she hooked up with Calvin Harris – who is up for three awards at the ceremony – and they went on to date for 15 months.
      Taylor is well known for writing songs about her exes, and Calvin seemed to give her a taste of her own medicine with his 2016 song My Way, which was all about moving on from someone who wasn’t good for you.
      Taylor and Calvin are both happily coupled up now but if they run into each other at the O2, I think it could be pretty awkward.
      No one ever wants to run into their ex at a party.
      But then again, Calvin is up for Song of the Year for Miracle with his ex Ellie Goulding – so he might end up collecting an award with one…

      IT’S good news for feminists everywhere but terrible news for B&Q, which will see its sale of pitchforks nosedive after the Brits tweaked their genderless categories.
      After upping the number of nominations to ten rather than five, this year’s categories are packed to the brim with women.
      There was outcry during the 2023 ceremony when not a single woman got a nod in Artist of the Year.
      But this time around – six of the artists are female.
      And in International Artist of the Year, nine of the nominees are women.
      Quite simply: we now have females coming out of our ears and, hopefully, everyone who got in a right huff about it last year will now just get over it.
      Bringing in genderless categories has made the Brits a far more inclusive place and really, that is what music is meant to be about.
      It’s for creatives – regardless of their race, gender identity and everything in between.
      The Brits made a change for the better. And, after a couple of minor tweaks, they’ve made another tweak…again for the better.
      Who gives a f*** what gender nominees are?
      It’s the music they make that matters.

      YOU will soon be able to vote for your favourite in the genre categories: R&B, Alternative/Rock, Dance, Pop and Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act.
      The winners will be picked by a public vote run through Instagram, which will open at noon next Thursday and run until 6pm on February 15.
      To have your say, you will have to head to the Brits page on Instagram and comment on the category Reel using an artist specific hashtag.
      For all the info, go to brits.co.uk/vote. I’m relying on you to choose wisely.
      Bit of an Ed ache
      THEY’VE landed three No1 albums between them in the past 12 months but the Brits is going to be a low key affair for two of my favourites, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, as they’ve only picked up one nod each.
      Ed’s personal track Eyes Closed has been nominated for song of the year, which will go head to head against Lewis’ own tear-jerker Wish You The Best.
      Both Ed and Lewis have enjoyed their fair share of gongs over the years – with Ed winning seven and Lewis having two – but it’s a shame they didn’t get more recognition.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      In fact, none of the records nominated for album of the year are in the top 40 list of 2023’s best sellers.
      Mind you, if I had my way, Simply Red would have got a nod or two as well. You can’t win them all. More

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      Brit Awards 2024 nominations revealed as Raye breaks records set by Robbie Williams, Craig David and Gorillaz

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      RAYE has become the most nominated artist at the Brit Awards in a single year in the event’s 46-year history.The singer-songwriter from London has landed seven nominations for the music ceremony in March, following the success of her No1 single Escapism with 070 Shake and critically-acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues.
      Raye has become the most nominated artist at the Brit Awards in a single yearCredit: Getty
      J Hus follow her with four nominationsCredit: PA:Press Association
      It means she has beaten records set by Robbie Williams, Craig David and Gorillaz, who had previously scored six nods in a single year.
      She is nominated for artist and album of the year, best new artist, R&B act and pop act, as well as twice in the song of the year category for Escapism and Prada with Cassö and D-Block Europe.
      Reacting to the news, Raye said: “I am completely floored to be recognised seven times this year.
      “I was a Brit school student and I remember how deeply I dreamed of one day being recognised at the Brits.
      READ MORE ON BRIT AWARDS
      “I am currently a mess of overwhelming emotions and confusion as to how this even happened to be honest.”
      Raye, who broke away from her major label record deal to release her debut album, is out in front ahead of the other nominees.
      J Hus and Central Cee follow her with four nominations each, competing in the artist and song of the year categories, as well as for hip hop/grime/rap act.
      Dua Lipa – who is the first act confirmed to perform at the ceremony – Calvin Harris, Dave, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Blur and Young Fathers have each received three nods.
      Most read in Celebrity
      But it is a disappointing year for Ed Sheeran, who, despite releasing two albums in 2023, only received one nomination in the song of the year category for Eyes Closed.
      Likewise, Lewis Capaldi’s only recognition was in the same category for Wish You The Best, even though he had one of the year’s biggest albums.with Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent.
      In total, 55 per cent of acts nominated for the ceremony are female, following outrage last year when the artist of the year category was exclusively male acts.
      The full shortlist was announced in a live-streamed show on Instagram and Facebook this afternoon.
      The ceremony, held at London’s O2 Arena, will be broadcast live at 8pm on Saturday March 2.
      Dua Lipa is the first act confirmed to perform at the ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Ed Sheeran only received one nominationCredit: The Mega Agency More