The BRIT Awards will be returning in 2019 and ahead of the annual awards ceremony, the BRITs Critics’ Choice nominees have been revealed.
Since 2008, the BRITs have been awarding music’s brightest rising stars who they believe will make the biggest impact in the coming year. Past winners include the likes of Adele, Florence and The Machine, Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, and last year’s winner Jorja Smith, all of whom have gone on to achieve incredible success in the UK and around the world.
For 2019, three new names have brought to the table, and it’s safe to say that it’s going to be tough to pick just one as the new Critics’ Choice winner. Sam Fender, Mahalia and Lewis Capaldi are this year’s nominees, and what a year they’ve had already.
Newcastle based artist Sam Fender is known for his honest and candid music, with his powerful debut EP Dead Boys causing huge waves in the music industry. He has also been busy touring the UK and Europe, winning over a loyal army of fans along the way.
Speaking about his nomination, Sam said: “I’ve been watching The BRITs since I was a child, and my brother would let me stay up and watch them live; so to be nominated for the Critics’ Choice award is crazy. What an honour! A big thank you to anyone who has put their faith in my music.”
RnB star Mahalia has toured with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé and Jorja Smith and has enjoyed great success with her breakthrough track ‘Sober’, notching up over 20 million streams worldwide. Additionally, she released her Seasons EP earlier this year.
Sharing her excitement, Mahalia said: “I can’t believe it. I’m truly honoured to be nominated for the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award. The last year has been surreal to say the least but this really is the cherry on top. Thank you so much to all those who voted for me.”
Finally we have Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, who has grown from strength to strength since the release of his debut single ‘Bruises’ last year. From selling over 50,000 headline show tickets to opening for Sam Smith, Lewis has gained huge support for his music by touring relentlessly. He recently released his Breach EP, which includes the Radio 1 A-Listed single ‘Grace’.
Sharing his delight, Lewis said: “Absolutely honoured to have been shortlisted for this year’s BRITs Critics’ Choice award alongside two unreal artists. Genuinely cannot believe I’m being included in something like this and do not think I’ve done enough to be deserving of it!” He jokingly added, “That being said, from here on in I will insist that those around me, including my mother and father, refer to me only as ‘BRITs Critics’ Choice Award Nominee, Lewis Capaldi.”
The BRITs Critics’ Choice winner will be revealed on December 7, with the winner receiving an award specially designed by Sir David Adjaye. The winner is chosen by “an invited panel of music editors and critics of national press and online music editors, plus heads of music at major radio and music TV stations.”
The BRIT Awards 2019 with Mastercard, hosted once again by Jack Whitehall, will return on February 20, 2019.
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