The 2025 Brit Awards nominations have been announced, setting the stage for a star-studded ceremony on March 1st. Leading the pack is pop innovator Charli XCX, who garners five nominations, including coveted nods for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (for her collaboration with Billie Eilish, “Guess”), and Album of the Year for “Brat.” This marks a significant moment for Charli, who received her first Brit Award nomination a decade ago but has yet to secure a win. She’ll be vying for the top spot alongside fellow pop titan Dua Lipa, who also boasts four nominations, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for “Radical Optimism.”
The nominations highlight a diverse range of musical talent, extending beyond the pop realm. Indie darlings The Last Dinner Party and Mercury Prize-winning jazz ensemble Ezra Collective also secured four nominations each, demonstrating the Brits’ recognition of emerging and established artists across genres. The Last Dinner Party are nominated for Best New Artist, Group of the Year, and Album of the Year for their debut album “Prelude to Ecstasy”, while Ezra Collective are up for Group of the Year, Best New Artist, and Album of the Year for “Dance, No One’s Watching”. The drummer for Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso, humorously revealed their red-carpet strategy, suggesting an “all-black” ensemble unless a more deliberate choice emerges.
Adding to the excitement is Rising Star Award winner Myles Smith, who enters the main competition with three additional nominations, including Song of the Year for “Stargazing.” Smith expressed his anticipation for the ceremony, reflecting on his journey from watching the event on TV last year to being a nominee this year. Former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall celebrates her first solo nominations for Song of the Year (“Angel of My Dreams”) and Pop Act, marking a personal milestone after achieving success as part of the girl group. Thirlwall emphasized the distinct significance of individual recognition, contrasting it with the band’s previous Brit Award wins.
Sam Fender, despite releasing only one song in 2024 (“People Watching”), secures nominations for Artist of the Year and Alternative/Rock Act, reaffirming his standing in the British music scene. Veteran rock band The Cure make a triumphant return to the Brits with three nominations, their first in over 30 years, including Album of the Year for “Songs of a Lost World.” In a remarkable turn, music legends Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr of The Beatles receive a Song of the Year nomination for “Now and Then,” a track born from a rediscovered and restored demo. This marks their first Brit Award nomination since the inaugural ceremony in 1977.
While the nominations celebrate a wide range of artists, there were also some notable snubs. Despite Oscar nominations for their acting work, both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were overlooked in the music categories. Erivo’s contributions to the “Wicked” soundtrack and Grande’s chart-topping album “Eternal Sunshine” failed to make the shortlist.
The Brits have revealed early performance plans, with Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan lined up to take the stage. The ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall at The O2 Arena, will also feature fan voting in the genre categories. Voting will open on January 31st via a dedicated WhatsApp channel and will continue until February 14th, allowing fans to have their say in determining the winners. The full list of nominations spans a multitude of categories, from Album of the Year to International Artist and Song of the Year, highlighting the breadth and depth of musical talent celebrated at the Brit Awards. The stage is set for a night of celebration, recognizing both established stars and breakthrough artists who have shaped the musical landscape.
