Brit Awards 2024 - live: RAYE wins Album of the Year in triumphant night

RAYE was undoubtedly the star of this year’s Brit Awards, which were held on Saturday night (2 March) at the O2 Arena in London.

The British pop star, 26, received a record-breaking seven nominations in 2024 and had already been awarded the prize for Songwriter of the Year prior to the ceremony.

She triumphed in six of her seven nominated categories, taking home awards for Best R&B, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year.

RAYE’s success comes after the musician parted ways with her former label, Polydor, in 2021. She released her critically acclaimed debut My 21st Century Blues as an independent artist last year.

You can find a full list of winners, including Boygenius and Dua Lipa, here.

The ceremony, which was hosted by first-timers Maya Jama, Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo, featured live performances by RAYE, Dua Lipa, Tate McRae, Jungle and Kylie Minogue.

Brit Awards 2024 key points

  • Brit Awards 2024 winners in full

  • How to watch the Brit Awards 2024 live

  • See the Brit Awards 2024 nominations in full

  • Dua Lipa dazzles in Brits performance of latest single 'Training Season'

The 2024 nominations in brief

Friday 1 March 2024 12:01 , Roisin O'Connor

With seven nominations, RAYE beat a record that was previously jointly held by Gorillaz, Craig David and Robbie Williams, who had each been nominated for six awards in a single year.

In a video message, RAYE alluded to the drama of the past few years as she thanked her fans for their support.

“This time a year ago, as far as the industry was concerned I was down and out,” she said, adding that it was “incredible” to be up for seven Brit Awards.

Across the board, representation from women in most categories has significantly improved. More than half of the Song of the Year and Artist of the Year nominees featured female artists, while four out of five nominees for Best New Artist were women.

The Group of the Year and International Group of the Year categories had zero female acts. However, it was a triumph for Mercury Prize 2023 nominees (and 2014 winners) Young Fathers, who received three nominations, including for Album of the Year, for their fourth record, Heavy Heavy.

There was also a showing for R&B singers after the genre was split away from its previous category, where it was joined with Pop. The five nominees are Cleo Sol, Jorja Smith, Mahalia, RAYE, and British music collective SAULT.

At a press screening to reveal the nominations, musician Yolanda Brown, the chair of the UK Record Labels Association, said the organisation was “so proud” of this year’s nominations, while remarking that further change could still be needed.

“It’s important that we listen, that we consult, and that we learn,” she said, acknowledging last year’s row over the all-male category nominations.

Calling the Brits a “work in progress”, she said she was “so pleased” to say that this year’s nominations showed the awards body was making “good strides forward”.

The biggest moments from the 2023 Brit Awards

Friday 1 March 2024 12:44 , Roisin O'Connor

RAYE scoops early Brit Award as she goes into ceremony with record-breaking seven nominations

Friday 1 March 2024 13:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Pop singer RAYE has been announced as the winner of this year’s Brit Award for Songwriter of the Year.

The Tooting, London-born artist is going into this year’s ceremony with seven Brit nominations, the most received by any artist in a single year, including Best New Artist, Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. She also has two entries in the Song of the Year category.

Songwriter of the Year, which was announced ahead of the live ceremony at the O2 Arena in London, celebrates exceptional songwriting talent. RAYE was chosen as the winner by a panel of expert judges.

RAYE ‘blown away’ after scooping early Brit Award

Harry Styles wins Artist of the Year at 2023 Brit Awards

Friday 1 March 2024 13:31 , Roisin O'Connor

RAYE’s extraordinary career so far

Friday 1 March 2024 16:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The Songwriter of the Year win marks the latest chapter in an extraordinary success story for RAYE, real name Rachel Keen, who parted ways with her former label Polydor in July 2021 after accusing them of refusing to let her release her own music.

Less than two years later, she returned with her critically adored debut album, My 21st Century Blues, which charted at No 2 and has produced several hit singles, including “Escapism” ft 070 Shake.

RAYE ‘blown away’ after scooping early Brit Award

Friday 1 March 2024 19:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The 2024 Brit Awards are taking place at the O2 Arena in London this weekend (Saturday 2 March), where some of the biggest names in pop will be honoured for their achievements over the past year.

This year’s nominations for the annual music awards show were unveiled during a broadcast on Wednesday (24 January).

There was some tension surrounding how diverse the awards categories would be, following a row in 2023 when it emerged that both the Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year nominees were all male – two years after the Brits introduced genderless categories.

RAYE, who split with her former label Polydor after claiming she was being blocked from releasing new music, received critical acclaim for her independently released debut, My 21st Century Blues, which hit No 2 on the UK albums chart and was later shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.

The 26-year-old was nominated for the Brit Awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and both the R&B and pop categories.

See the full list:

See the full list of Brit Award nominations 2024

Who’s performing at the Brits this year?

Friday 1 March 2024 20:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Who’s performing and presenting at the Brit Awards this year?

Read our Q&A with Brit Award nominee Charlotte Plank

Friday 1 March 2024 21:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Do you think 2024 looks set to be a particularly major year for women achieving success in music?100%! The music industry feels like it’s finally waking up and recognising women more. Uncovering so much talent that’s always been there, but now giving it the opportunity to come to the forefront. Even just in the dance world, ie drum & bass which has been such a male dominated genre for decades!! The tide is now finally turning and there’s now so many amazing female artists, producers, writers leading the charge. Plus also women’s artistry is being taken more seriously and we’re not just being seen as ‘features’ or in some cases ‘just an uncredited vocal on a dance track’. Look at Raye for example and how the world has finally woken up to her as an individual artist, incredibly talented writer, musician…outside her dance features.

Has much changed, or is it that awards ceremonies and industry bodies are starting to recognise what’s already out there?As said above, I think the industry as a whole is waking up to the insane amount of female talent that is out there but has been overlooked/overshadowed for many years. This is in turn giving younger female artists/producers/writers more women to look up to/be inspired by -as well as giving more opportunities in music to women so more of us than ever are able to cut through.

Who of the nominees at this year’s Brit Awards do you find particularly inspiring? There’s so many amazingly talented females nominated this year.. but I think personally I speak for many when I say that Raye has been particularly inspiring. I think especially from the angle in which she came up through dance features with people knowing her vocal but not necessarily her voice as an artist in her own right, releasing music that’s completely true to her. Whilst also having the courage to share and write about things she has been through in this industry- that many women can relate to, further empowering us and raising our voices!

Biggest moments from the 2023 Brit Awards

Friday 1 March 2024 21:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Harry Styles thanks One Direction bandmates in Brits awards speech: ‘I wouldn’t be here without you’

Friday 1 March 2024 22:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Brit Awards 2023: The boldest red carpet looks, from Sam Smith to Rina Sawayama

Friday 1 March 2024 23:01 , Roisin O'Connor

The boldest red carpet looks at the 2023 Brit Awards

RAYE scoops early Brit Award as she goes into ceremony with record-breaking seven nominations

Saturday 2 March 2024 05:01 , Roisin O'Connor

RAYE ‘blown away’ after scooping early Brit Award

Who’s performing at the Brit Awards 2024?

Saturday 2 March 2024 06:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Who’s performing and presenting at the Brit Awards this year?

Read our Q&A with Brit Awards 2024 nominee Charlotte Plank

Saturday 2 March 2024 07:00 , Roisin O'Connor

Do you think 2024 looks set to be a particularly major year for women achieving success in music? 100%! The music industry feels like it’s finally waking up and recognising women more. Uncovering so much talent that’s always been there, but now giving it the opportunity to come to the forefront. Even just in the dance world, ie drum & bass which has been such a male dominated genre for decades!! The tide is now finally turning and there’s now so many amazing female artists, producers, writers leading the charge. Plus also women’s artistry is being taken more seriously and we’re not just being seen as ‘features’ or in some cases ‘just an uncredited vocal on a dance track’. Look at Raye for example and how the world has finally woken up to her as an individual artist, incredibly talented writer, musician…outside her dance features.

Has much changed, or is it that awards ceremonies and industry bodies are starting to recognise what’s already out there? As said above, I think the industry as a whole is waking up to the insane amount of female talent that is out there but has been overlooked/overshadowed for many years. This is in turn giving younger female artists/producers/writers more women to look up to/be inspired by -as well as giving more opportunities in music to women so more of us than ever are able to cut through.

Who of the nominees at this year’s Brit Awards do you find particularly inspiring? There’s so many amazingly talented females nominated this year.. but I think personally I speak for many when I say that Raye has been particularly inspiring. I think especially from the angle in which she came up through dance features with people knowing her vocal but not necessarily her voice as an artist in her own right, releasing music that’s completely true to her. Whilst also having the courage to share and write about things she has been through in this industry- that many women can relate to, further empowering us and raising our voices!

Charlotte Plank (Press)
Charlotte Plank (Press)

Welcome to our Brit Awards 2024 liveblog

Saturday 2 March 2024 09:36 , Roisin O'Connor

Good morning, and welcome to The Independent’s Brit Awards 2024 liveblog!

As is tradition, I’ll be bringing you all the latest news, updates and goss direct from the O2 Arena in London, where the ceremony is taking place, alongside my colleague, the wonderful Annabel Nugent.

A reminder that tonight is looking a lot like RAYE’s night. The “Escapism” singer is going into the awards show with a record-breaking seven nominations, including for top prizes such as Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

Check out the nominations in full:

See the full list of Brit Award nominations 2024

Flashback: The biggest moments from the 2023 Brit Awards

Saturday 2 March 2024 10:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Who’s presenting the Brit Awards and how to watch

Saturday 2 March 2024 10:11 , Roisin O'Connor

This year’s awards show will be hosted by Love Island: All Stars presenter Maya Jama, and radio presenters Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp.

“The great thing about The Brits is that you never know what could happen, live TV is an opportunity for beautiful chaos!” Amfo said.

Clara Amfo presenting a Brit Award with pop star Niall Horan (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Kemp added: “When they told me, I cried. The Brits has always been on this pedestal for me, because in terms of excitement in the UK, there is nothing like it.”

“Everyone’s been coming up with ideas, jotting down what we want from it,” Jama said. “In my brain, I’m telling myself, “This will be something to show my grandkids, so don’t mess it up!”

The Brit Awards 2024 take place on Saturday 2 March and will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player from 8.30pm.

Read our Q&A with Rising Star nominee Caity Baser

Saturday 2 March 2024 10:21 , Roisin O'Connor

Hi Caity! Do you think 2024 looks set to be a particularly major year for women achieving success in music?

I do! Seeing my friends like Venbee and Charlotte Plank all get nominated for a Brit along with me too - as well others like Olivia Dean and Raye - it’s just so nice to see women getting the recognition they deserve. Hopefully lots of wins this year for all the queens! I’ve got all my fingers and little piggies crossed.

Has much changed, or is it that awards ceremonies and industry bodies are starting to recognise what’s already out there?

As a pop girly it’s definitely harder to get recognition. In a way it always has been. I fucking bust my ass off! As do others - and I just think when people are hard working, that’s where it pays off in the end.

Who of the nominees at this year’s Brit Awards do you find particularly inspiring?

I find Raye really inspiring because she literally had the shittest time with her label with her managers and thought that was the end. But to just completely turn it all around and do her own thing now is very inspiring, and a great message for everybody: if at first do not succeed then you try until you do! That’s literally what she’s done and she’s been nominated for, what - seven BRITs? And she’s probably gonna win all of them! TBH I’m obsessed with her.

Caity Baser (Press image)
Caity Baser (Press image)

Saturday 2 March 2024 10:31 , Roisin O'Connor

The Tooting, London-born artist RAYE is going into this year’s ceremony with seven Brit nominations, the most received by any artist in a single year, including Best New Artist, Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. She also has two entries in the Song of the Year category.

Songwriter of the Year, which was announced ahead of the live ceremony at the O2 Arena in London, celebrates exceptional songwriting talent. RAYE was chosen as the winner by a panel of expert judges.

“I am so so honoured and blown away, honestly to be given this prestigious award for Songwriter of the Year, it is my very first Brit award and I will treasure this trophy very much,” she said in a statement.

“I am so grateful to be recognised as a songwriter as this is a craft I am so passionate about and have been since I started my journey as a musician, and I’m very grateful to those who voted for me to have this award.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

TikTok sensation Caity Baser performs hit singles in Music Box Session #77

Saturday 2 March 2024 11:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Saturday 2 March 2024 11:31 , Roisin O'Connor

RAYE also has two songs up for Song of the Year: “Prada” with producer Cassö and hip hop collective D-Block Europe, and “Escapism” with rapper 070 Shake.

With seven nominations, she beat a record that was previously jointly held by Gorillaz, Craig David and Robbie Williams, who had each been nominated for six awards in a single year.

In a video message, RAYE alluded to the drama of the past few years as she thanked her fans for their support.

“This time a year ago, as far as the industry was concerned I was down and out,” she said, adding that it was “incredible” to be up for seven Brit Awards.

See the full list of Brit Award nominations 2024

Flashback: Wet Leg win Best New Artist at Brit Awards 2023

Saturday 2 March 2024 12:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Who’s performing and presenting at the Brit Awards this year?

Saturday 2 March 2024 12:31 , Roisin O'Connor

The Brit Awards look set to follow the Grammys in acknowledging the achievements of female artists over the past 12 months.

The British music ceremony takes place this Saturday (2 March) at the O2 Arena in London, where stars including Dua Lipa, RAYE, Mahalia, Little Simz and Arlo Parks are all up for top awards.

Representation is significantly improved this year after controversy surrounding categories with all-male nominees last year. More than half of the Song of the Year and Artist of the Year nominees featured female artists, while four out of five nominees for Best New Artist were women.

As usual, the ceremony will also involve a number of live performances from many of the nominated artists. Here are the ones confirmed so far.

Who’s performing and presenting at the Brit Awards this year?

The biggest moments from the 2023 Brit Awards

Saturday 2 March 2024 13:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Women dominated UK pop charts in 2023 as festivals and awards shows plagued by diversity rows

Saturday 2 March 2024 13:31 , Roisin O'Connor

A reminder of the music industry landscape going into 2024

Women dominated UK pop charts in 2023 as music industry plagued by diversity rows

BRIT Awards 2018: Ed Sheeran wins Global Success Award award

Saturday 2 March 2024 14:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Kylie Minogue is performing tonight!

Saturday 2 March 2024 14:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Kylie Minogue has been announced as one of this year’s Brit performances and will also be presented with the Global Icon award, following the success of her summer hit, “Padam Padam”.

“I am beyond thrilled to be honoured with the Global Icon Award and to be joining a roll call of such incredible artists,” Minogue said in a statement.

“The UK has always been a home from home, so the Brits have a very special place in my heart.”

She added: “I have some amazing memories from the awards of the years and I can’t wait to be back on the Brits stage. See you at The O2!”

 (PA)
(PA)

Brit Awards nominee Dua Lipa shares making of ‘Dance The Night’ from Barbie

Saturday 2 March 2024 15:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Who’s presenting tonight?

Saturday 2 March 2024 15:31 , Roisin O'Connor

This year’s awards show will be hosted by Love Island: All Stars presenter Maya Jama, and radio presenters Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp.

“The great thing about The Brits is that you never know what could happen, live TV is an opportunity for beautiful chaos!” Amfo said.

Clara Amfo presenting a Brit Award with pop star Niall Horan (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Kemp added: “When they told me, I cried. The Brits has always been on this pedestal for me, because in terms of excitement in the UK, there is nothing like it.”

“Everyone’s been coming up with ideas, jotting down what we want from it,” Jama said. “In my brain, I’m telling myself, “This will be something to show my grandkids, so don’t mess it up!”

The Brit Awards 2024 take place on Saturday 2 March and will be broadcast live on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player from 8.30pm.

Jack Whitehall struggles in oversized puffer jacket at BRIT awards

Saturday 2 March 2024 16:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Brit Awards 2024: The full list of nominations, from Song of the Year to Album of the Year

Saturday 2 March 2024 16:31 , Roisin O'Connor

See the full list of Brit Award nominations 2024

Taylor Swift dives into stage during Eras concert

Saturday 2 March 2024 17:01 , Roisin O'Connor

What time are the Brits tonight and where can I watch it?

Saturday 2 March 2024 17:11 , Ellie Muir

This year’s ceremony is being aired on ITV1/ITVX, with the red carpet kicking off at 6pm and the main show at the O2 arena being aired at 8.30pm.

Find out everything you need to know about this year’s hosts, below:

Who’s performing and presenting at the Brit Awards this year?

Read our Q&A with Caity Baser

Saturday 2 March 2024 17:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Hi Caity! Do you think 2024 looks set to be a particularly major year for women achieving success in music?

I do! Seeing my friends like Venbee and Charlotte Plank all get nominated for a Brit along with me too - as well others like Olivia Dean and Raye - it’s just so nice to see women getting the recognition they deserve. Hopefully lots of wins this year for all the queens! I’ve got all my fingers and little piggies crossed.

Has much changed, or is it that awards ceremonies and industry bodies are starting to recognise what’s already out there?

As a pop girly it’s definitely harder to get recognition. In a way it always has been. I fucking bust my ass off! As do others - and I just think when people are hard working, that’s where it pays off in the end.

Who of the nominees at this year’s Brit Awards do you find particularly inspiring?

I find Raye really inspiring because she literally had the shittest time with her label with her managers and thought that was the end. But to just completely turn it all around and do her own thing now is very inspiring, and a great message for everybody: if at first do not succeed then you try until you do! That’s literally what she’s done and she’s been nominated for, what - seven BRITs? And she’s probably gonna win all of them! TBH I’m obsessed with her.

The biggest moments from the 2023 Brit Awards

Saturday 2 March 2024 18:01 , Roisin O'Connor

Read our Q&A with Brit Award nominee Charlotte Plank

Saturday 2 March 2024 18:31 , Roisin O'Connor

Hi Charlotte! Do you think 2024 looks set to be a particularly major year for women achieving success in music?

100%! The music industry feels like it’s finally waking up and recognising women more. Uncovering so much talent that’s always been there, but now giving it the opportunity to come to the forefront. Even just in the dance world, ie drum & bass which has been such a male dominated genre for decades!! The tide is now finally turning and there’s now so many amazing female artists, producers, writers leading the charge. Plus also women’s artistry is being taken more seriously and we’re not just being seen as ‘features’ or in some cases ‘just an uncredited vocal on a dance track’. Look at Raye for example and how the world has finally woken up to her as an individual artist, incredibly talented writer, musician…outside her dance features.

Has much changed, or is it that awards ceremonies and industry bodies are starting to recognise what’s already out there?

As said above, I think the industry as a whole is waking up to the insane amount of female talent that is out there but has been overlooked/overshadowed for many years. This is in turn giving younger female artists/producers/writers more women to look up to/be inspired by -as well as giving more opportunities in music to women so more of us than ever are able to cut through.

Who of the nominees at this year’s Brit Awards do you find particularly inspiring?

There’s so many amazingly talented females nominated this year.. but I think personally I speak for many when I say that Raye has been particularly inspiring. I think especially from the angle in which she came up through dance features with people knowing her vocal but not necessarily her voice as an artist in her own right, releasing music that’s completely true to her. Whilst also having the courage to share and write about things she has been through in this industry- that many women can relate to, further empowering us and raising our voices!

Charlotte Plank (Press)
Charlotte Plank (Press)

Hello from the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena!

Saturday 2 March 2024 18:44 , Roisin O'Connor

Hi gang, how’s it going? I’m all set up in a box (ooh fancy) and ready for proceedings to kick off. If you’re watching along from home, you can tune into the ceremony on ITV1 or ITVX from 8.30pm.

Kylie Minogue is in the house!

Saturday 2 March 2024 19:11 , Roisin O'Connor

Kylie is officially here, ready to collect her Brits Icon award (she’s also closing the show tonight).

The Last Dinner Party are here after that brief controversy

Saturday 2 March 2024 19:16 , Roisin O'Connor

Brit Award Critics’ Choice winners The Last Dinner Party are here, not long after a minor fuss broke out over a feature in The Times that quoted an interview last year, where they commented on singing about the cost of living crisis.

The Last Dinner Party address viral controversy over ‘cost of living crisis’ comment

The Last Dinner Party at the Brit Awards 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)
The Last Dinner Party at the Brit Awards 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)

Everyone’s sitting down to dinner...

Saturday 2 March 2024 19:37 , Roisin O'Connor

And so am I. Always some decent food in the box, probably good to eat something before the drinks start flowing...

We’ve seen Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Graham Coxon and a load more rocking up on the red carpet so far, sadly no mega standout outfits that I’ve seen (but what would I know).

 (PA)
(PA)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s Charli...

Saturday 2 March 2024 19:38 , Roisin O'Connor

The best-dressed stars on the red carpet

Saturday 2 March 2024 19:44 , Roisin O'Connor

My colleague Kaleigh has a better idea about this year’s red carpet fashion, have a look at the outfits she rates at the Brits

Brit Awards 2024: Best dressed stars on the red carpet

We truly are in the middle of a Kylie renaissance

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:02 , Roisin O'Connor

A Brit Global Icon award is just the latest in a string of wins for pop queen Kylie.

She won a Grammy earlier this year for her 2023 summer smash, “Padam Padam”, and was just announced as a headliner for this year’s British Summer Time festival.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

The Kylie renaissance continues with a British Summer Time headline slot

The stage is being set for Dua Lipa...

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:06 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m wondering what Dua Lipa is opening the ceremony with but I’m assuming it’s a medley, maybe her latest singles “Houdini” and “Training Season”, plus her Barbie hit “Dance the Night Away”?

Dua Lipa attending the Brit Awards 2024 at the O2 Arena, London. Picture date: Saturday March 2, 2024. (PA Wire)
Dua Lipa attending the Brit Awards 2024 at the O2 Arena, London. Picture date: Saturday March 2, 2024. (PA Wire)

A cute piece of backstage goss for you

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:17 , Roisin O'Connor

A very reliable source tells me that Cassisdead turned up with an insane entourage of dudes, spotted Spice Girls star Mel C, and promptly rushed over to bow at her feet. I mean, who wouldn’t?! Woman’s a legend.

Rob Beckett arrives at Brit Awards in giraffe costume

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:23 , Roisin O'Connor

Everyone hates the announcer

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:29 , Roisin O'Connor

I’m not sure who it is that got lumped with the unenviable task of getting everyone ‘pumped up’ for the ceremony, but I do wish he wouldn’t bellow like the guy working the dodgems at a funfair.

‘It’s all gone a bit Mission Impossible'

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:37 , Roisin O'Connor

Dua Lipa absolutely dominated her opening performance of the night, a dazzling, Mission Impossible-style working of her latest single “Training Season”. If the Glastonbury rumours are true, you are in for a treat.

RAYE wins first award of the night!

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:43 , Roisin O'Connor

We’re off to an amazing start as RAYE takes home the award for Song of the Year, with “Escapism”. So utterly well-deserved.

You can read our interview with her from June last year:

Raye: ‘I’m a woman of colour who is fed up with being controlled and manipulated’

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:48 , Roisin O'Connor

The winner of Best Group/Duo goes to... Jungle? I mean, it was slim pickings this year and there was a bit of a fuss over the category, with Chase & Status among the nominees. But their last album was a good’un, according to our critic Helen Brown.

Jungle’s playful, super-cool Volcano is the hippest album of 2023 – review

RAYE’s acceptance speech for Song of the Year

Saturday 2 March 2024 20:58 , Roisin O'Connor

“Ahhh! What! Thank you God, like wow! I’m shaking. I didn’t … I don’t really know what to say right now but thank you, thank you to my team. Wow, I’ve always dreamed of saying that, ‘thank you to my team’.

“Thank you to my distribution company who are called Human Resources, a small little imprint in America, no one else would take my songs but J [Erving], thank you for believing in this music. Thank you to Mike Sabbath, who collaborated on my entire album on this song. He made the beat, I heard it in the car. I can’t believe this is happening, aaah!”

Lovely speech from RAYE who was giddy and couldn’t stop twirling around on stage.

WHY IS EVERYONE WEARING BLACK LEATHER

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:13 , Roisin O'Connor

There is definitely a funeral vibe here this year, and only a few stars are pulling it off. I was a fan of Olly from Bring Me the Horizon’s jacket (and Luke Evans’), and Maya Jama and Dua Lipa looked good on the red carpet. But I think everyone forgot the memo that we’re doing maximalist colour this year, so jazz it up a please, folks.

Tate McRae out here giving us nothing

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:16 , Roisin O'Connor

I quite like some of Tate McRae’s songs, and I saw her play a tiny show in Camden just before she blew up and was sufficiently impressed. But I just struggle to see any kind of personality behind what are ultimately just well-polished pop songs -- this performance is only drumming it home, particularly as she’s struggling to deliver much beyond a few breathy notes.

Brit Awards winners 2024: The full list of victorious artists and albums

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:20 , Roisin O'Connor

The complete list of winners at the 2024 Brit Awards

Wronged postmistress Jo Hamilton tells Brit Awards audience that government still hasn’t paid her yet

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:28 , Roisin O'Connor

The 2024 Brit Awards ceremony kicked off with a surprise as a former postmistress impacted by the Horizon scandal took the stage.

The biggest night in British music took place on Saturday night (2 March)at the O2 Arena in London, where artists were honoured for their achievements this past year.

Dua Lipa, Rob Beckett, and Ellie Goulding were among the celebrities who made their way across the red carpet ahead of the star-studded ceremony. You can find a full list of winners here, and follow along with all the latest updates from the event at The Independent’s live-blog here.

The honour of presenting the first award of the night, for Best Song, was given to former postmistress Jo Hamilton and actor Monica Dolan, who played Hamilton in ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

Full report by my colleague Annabel:

Wronged postmistress in Post Office scandal takes the stage at the Brits

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:44 , Roisin O'Connor

Dua Lipa wins Best Pop

Saturday 2 March 2024 21:48 , Roisin O'Connor

Beating competition from fellow Barbie soundtrack contributor Charli XCX, Dua Lipa scooped her first win of the night for Best Pop Act, off the strength of her single “Dance the Night Away”.

An absolutely spine-tingling performance from RAYE

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:03 , Roisin O'Connor

I was hoping we’d get a RAYE medley and we did, that was absolutely extraordinary. I can’t think of many others who deserve their flowers as much as the London artist, who managed to survive a messy split from her label, Polydor, and is now the most-decorated artist of the night at the Brits. And what a spell-binding performance that was, “Ice Cream Man” flowing into “Prada” and “Escapism”?!! Ooft. Second-to-none.

RAYE wins Artist of the Year!

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:17 , Roisin O'Connor

I said to everyone last week that this would be RAYE’s year and I’m so thrilled to see this.

There was a moment after the stunned look on her face wore up, as she gestured directly to the camera and mouthed: “Are you seeing this?!” And I can’t help thinking that it was aimed at the suits at her old label, Polydor.

Here comes the announcement for Album of the Year...

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:32 , Roisin O'Connor

Is Raye going to get a full house?

Here it comes...

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:34 , Annabel Nugent

It’s the head of the Brit school presenting Album of the Year, if that’s any hint as to who has won!

Album of the Year goes to...

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:35 , Annabel Nugent

RAYE! For her 2023 album My 21st Century Blues...

It’s RAYE’s night!

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:36 , Annabel Nugent

RAYE with her Brit Award for Song of the Year (AFP via Getty Images)
RAYE with her Brit Award for Song of the Year (AFP via Getty Images)

Emotions are running high

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:37 , Annabel Nugent

RAYE is completely overwhelmed with emotion as she collects her sixth award of the night!

It’s a family affair!

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:37 , Annabel Nugent

RAYE is accompanied by her grandma who, she says, was awake until 3am praying for RAYE and her sisters!

The Brits Global Icon award goes to...

Saturday 2 March 2024 22:46 , Annabel Nugent

Queen of disco: Kylie Minogue!

And that’s a wrap!

Saturday 2 March 2024 23:00 , Annabel Nugent

What better way to end the night than with a glorious performance of “Padam Padam” by Global Icon winner Kylie Minogue?

Thanks for following along with The Independent’s live coverage of the 2024 Brit awards – it’s been a pleasure! And congratulations to RAYE who is taking no fewer than six (that’s right – six!) awards home.

 (ITV)
(ITV)