There is strong Irish interest in tonight’s Brit Awards with two Irish nominees battling it out in two major categories.
Dublin singer-songwriter CMAT is up against Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Rey and Olivia Rodrigo for the hotly-contested international artist of the year award.
CMAT, who released her acclaimed second album, Crazymad, for Me, last year will also face tough competition in the category from Kylie Minogue, US singers SZA and Caroline Polachek, and Nigerian singers Asake and Burna Boy.
Meanwhile, Dublin artist Jazzy’s hit track Giving Me has been nominated for international song of the year alongside the likes of Billie Eilish, Noah Kahan and Olivia Rodrigo.
On receiving the nomination in January, the Crumlin-born singer posted to her Instagram: “Can’t explain how I’m feeling right now, from reaching number one on the Irish charts to hitting 100 million streams worldwide and witnessing the incredible love and support from all of yous makes me so proud.”
Some early Brit award winners were announced earlier this week. British electronic duo Chase & Status were named the 2024 producer of the year and Kylie Minogue received the Brits Global Icon accolade. She will also perform tonight.
On receiving the Global Icon honour, Minogue 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!”
Indie rock band The Last Dinner Party have been named as Brits rising star, while British artist Raye, real name Rachel Keen, has been named 2024’s songwriter of the year.
The singer-songwriter, 26, had already broken Brit records by receiving seven award nods this year – the most for an artist in one year.
The record of six Brit nominations in any single year was previously jointly held by animated band Gorillaz, singer Craig David and Robbie Williams.
Raye’s nominations include song of the year for her viral hit, Escapism, featuring US rapper 070 Shake, and dance track Prada with Casso and D-Block Europe. She has also gotten nods for best pop act, R&B act, best new artist and album of the year for My 21st Century Blues.
Other album of the year nominees include Little Simz for her fifth studio album No Thank You, Young Fathers for Heavy Heavy, J Hus for Beautiful and Brutal Yard and Blur for The Ballad of Darren.
The group of the year nominees are Blur, Chase & Status, Headie One & K-Trap, Jungle and Young Fathers.
Dua Lipa received three nominations – artist of the year, best pop act and song of the year.
Other nominees for Brit Awards include Arlo Parks, Blur, Calvin Harris, Central Cee, Dave, Fred again.., Jessie Ware, J Hus, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Mahalia, PinkPantheress, The Rolling Stones and Young Fathers.
Live performances on the night will come from artists including Dua Lipa, Raye, Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding, Tate McRae, and Becky Hill with Chase & Status.
The awards were hit with controversy last year when no female artists made the final shortlist for artist of the year – which was subsequently won by Harry Styles.
The British Phonograph Industry, who organise the annual event, have stated that gender balance has been readdressed following last year’s outrage, and they have increased the number of nominees from five to ten.
The awards will be hosted by presenting trio Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Roman Kemp, and will take place at the O2 arena in London.
They kick off tonight live on ITV1 from 8.30pm, with red carpet coverage starting at 7.30pm on ITV2.
