Singer-songwriter Raye has set a new record by receiving seven Brit Award nominations in a single year, surpassing the previous record of six held by Craig David, Gorillaz, and Robbie Williams. Raye’s nominations include artist of the year, a category that features six female nominees out of ten, a significant change from last year’s all-male line-up.
In response to criticism, the Brits expanded the artist of the year category from five to ten nominees. This led to nominations for female artists like Jessie Ware, Olivia Dean, Little Simz, Arlo Parks, Dua Lipa, and Raye, along with male artists Dave, Central Cee, J Hus, and Fred Again.
The international artist of the year category is also dominated by female nominees, including Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. However, notable male artists like Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi were overlooked in the artist of the year and album of the year categories, despite their chart-topping albums.
Raye’s other nominations include best album, best new artist, best pop act, and two in the best song category for “Escapism” and “Prada”. This comes after Raye released her debut album independently in 2021 due to disputes with her major label.
Overall, women make up 55% of the nominations as solo acts or all-female groups. This figure increases to 57% when mixed-gender groups are included. YolanDa Brown, chair of music industry body the BPI, praised the representation in the nominees.
In other news, The Rolling Stones received their first nomination in a decade in the best rock act category. A new genre category, best R&B act, has also been introduced this year. The inaugural nominees include Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Mahalia, Sault and Raye.
The Brits’ voting body consists of around 1,300 members from across the music industry. The ceremony will take place in London on 2 March, with Dua Lipa confirmed as the first performer.
