By Bethan Boast
Posted on Monday 4th March 2024 at 17:02
The 2024 BRIT Awards marked a significant shift towards diversity and gender inclusivity in the music industry. With women taking centre stage, the event showcased remarkable achievements and breakthroughs. Let's delve into the highlights of this groundbreaking ceremony.
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It was Raye’s night, achieving unprecedented success with a record-breaking six wins. From frustration with a major label to monumental triumph, Raye's journey embodies resilience and talent in the face of challenges.
Just a few years ago, Raye was hitting roadblocks with a major label. Fast forward to the 2024 BRIT Awards, and she's owning the stage with a spellbinding medley ("Ice Cream Man", "Prada", and "Escapism") smashing records left, right and centre.
Surpassing legends like Harry Styles and Adele, Raye's meteoric rise is a testament to perseverance and pure talent. Her remarkable feat sets a new standard for aspiring artists.
The dominance of women at the 2024 BRIT Awards was undeniable, with 70% of winning acts identifying as female or non-binary. This trend reflects a positive shift towards greater gender inclusivity in the music industry.
From pop icons to indie supergroups, the line-up was a vibrant tapestry of sounds and styles that celebrated the power of female voices.
Notable winners like Jungle, SZA, boygenius, and Miley Cyrus showcased excellence across diverse genres. Jungle clinched the Group of the Year award with their fourth album, Volcano, featuring the hit "Back on 74." This marks their first BRIT win, showcasing their falsetto-driven, sunlit soul and funk sound.
On the international front, SZA claimed the Artist of the Year title for her acclaimed album SOS, a compelling exploration of love and self-discovery.
Meanwhile, indie supergroup boygenius, comprising Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, earned the Group of the Year accolade, captivating audiences with their emotive and empowering music.
Miley Cyrus secured the Song of the Year award with chart-topping hit "Flowers", which dominated the UK charts for ten weeks straight.
Winners in genre-specific categories such as Alternative/Rock, Dance, and Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap showcased the diversity and talent within each genre.
From Bring Me the Horizon's alternative rock triumph to Calvin Harris's dance act win, the BRIT Awards celebrated the rich tapestry of contemporary genres. Notably, Casisdead emerged victorious, showcasing his unique and influential presence in the British underground scene.
These awards recognise the behind-the-scenes contributors and emerging artists shaping the future of music. In solidarity with those talented people behind the scenes, Raye rallied - in one of her many acceptance speeches - for songwriters to be paid more.
Additional accolades were bestowed upon Chase & Status as Producers of the Year, and "Nothing Matters" songwriters The Last Dinner Party as the Rising Star. Finally, pop queen Kylie Minogue closed out the ceremony as the Global Icon, with a dazzling mega mix of everyone's favourite hits, a testament to her enduring influence and contributions to the music industry.
The 2024 BRIT Awards is one for the history books. It was a huge celebration of the diverse range of talent and genres that inhabit the dynamic landscape of contemporary music. The spotlight is finally being shone on the immensely talented women and non-binary artists who have been smashing records and topping charts over the past years.
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