The BRIT Awards 2024, held on Saturday night at the O2 Arena in London, was a night to remember. With a live audience buzzing with anticipation, the ceremony celebrated the best of British and international music from the past year. But one name stole the show: RAYE.
RAYE Makes History: Six Wins and a Record-Breaking Night
This 26-year-old South Londoner, a graduate of the prestigious BRIT School, had already broken a record by receiving the most nominations in a single year (seven) back in January. But at the BRITs, she truly cemented her place in music history. She walked away with a staggering six awards, including the coveted Mastercard Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Artist of the Year, Song of the Year with Mastercard, R&B Act, and Songwriter of the Year. This surpasses the previous record of four wins held by Harry Styles, Adele, and Blur. Her electrifying medley performance during the ceremony was the cherry on top of an unforgettable night.
A Celebration of Women and Diversity
The 2024 BRITs made a conscious effort to celebrate diversity and women in music. Category changes saw the Artist of the Year category expand to ten nominees and the introduction of a dedicated R&B genre award. This translated to the winners’ list as well, with a whopping three-quarters of awards going to women and non-binary artists.
Memorable Performances from Across the Genre Spectrum
The night wasn’t just about awards. The stage also came alive with electrifying performances from across the musical spectrum. Dua Lipa kicked things off with the UK debut of “Training Season,” complete with black-clad dancers and aerial performers. Jungle, showcasing the power of the BRITs to platform diverse British music, took home the Group of the Year award. International artists like SZA (International Song of the Year for “Kill Bill”), boygenius (International Group of the Year), and Miley Cyrus (International Song of the Year for “Flowers”) all delivered show-stopping sets.
Other Award Winners and Highlights
The night saw victories for established names like Bring Me The Horizon (Alternative/Rock Act), Calvin Harris (Dance Act) featuring Ellie Goulding in a stunning performance of “Miracle,” and CASISDEAD (Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act) who arrived on the red carpet in a futuristic military vehicle. Chase & Status, who performed a high-energy drum & bass rendition of their hit “Disconnect” with Becky Hill, scooped the Producer of the Year award.
And of course, the legendary Kylie Minogue received the well-deserved BRITs Global Icon award, presented by Dua Lipa. Minogue closed the show with a spectacular medley showcasing her incredible music career.
A Night to Remember
The 2024 BRITs was a night of triumph for RAYE, with her record-breaking win a testament to her undeniable talent. But it was also a night that celebrated diversity, phenomenal live performances, and the enduring legacy of music icons. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, hip-hop, or anything in between, there was something for everyone at this unforgettable ceremony.
