Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Charli XCX has celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Brit Awards, securing five prestigious trophies, including Album of the Year for her vibrant and hedonistic project, Brat.
During the event held at London’s O2 Arena, she took home additional accolades, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish, and a victory for Dance Act in one of the genre categories. Earlier in the week, she was honored as Songwriter of the Year.
This series of wins caps off a culturally significant year for Charli, whose audacious style and sound resonated widely, coining the term “Brat Summer.” This phenomenon, which explored themes of carefree living and unfiltered joy, even controversially included figures like Kamala Harris in its definition. The essence of “Brat” was characterized by uninhibited raves and an unapologetic attitude.
The album Brat topped the UK charts and remained in the Top 20 for an impressive 38 weeks. Critics praised its eclectic mix, which combined energetic dance tracks with introspective, emotionally charged songs that reveal Charli’s struggles with fame and thoughts of motherhood. The album also found success internationally, hitting number three in the US and earning three Grammy Awards.
In her acceptance speech, Charli expressed her deep respect for her dance music inspirations, marking a notable reference to Autechre at the awards. She acknowledged Billie Eilish’s rapid turnaround for “Guess,” stating, “Not all artists are [as] spontaneous, despite claiming that they are.” Reflecting on her recognition for Album of the Year, she shared her feelings of being an outsider in the British music scene and encouraged other artists, “You don’t need to compromise your vision.”
AG Cook, the mastermind behind the album’s distinct dance-pop sound, was awarded Producer of the Year, also releasing his solo album titled Britpop during the eligibility window for this year’s awards.
Charli, whose real name is Charlotte Aitchison, has been making music since 2008, but these wins represent her first triumphs at the Brit Awards, following four prior nominations. Only Raye has matched this level of success in a single year, winning six awards last year and adding to her tally by claiming the R&B Act award for the second consecutive year.
The Last Dinner Party, another standout act of the night, doubled their accolades with a win for Best New Artist. The vibrant five-member group, which blends elements of classic rock and alt-pop, has garnered acclaim for their energetic performances, culminating in their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, reaching number one in February 2024.
Bassist Georgia Davies attributed their success to the supportive landscape of the UK’s independent venues, rallying for financial backing to ensure their survival, and urging emerging artists to persist, stating, “that’s the best kind of art there is.”
While the Last Dinner Party claimed Best New Artist, the Best British Group award went to the jazz ensemble Ezra Collective, who made a surprising victory over established acts like Coldplay, the Cure, and Bring Me the Horizon. Their fusion of various musical influences has positioned them as key figures in London’s jazz revival.
After receiving the award, Femi Koleoso, the bandleader, emphasized the importance of music education and youth programs, highlighting, “the solution lies with giving a young person a trumpet, a saxophone – it gives them an aspiration, a goal.”
In the public-voted categories, Sam Fender won Rock/Alternative Act for the second time, celebrating a milestone with his latest album, People Watching, which achieved record-breaking sales for a British artist’s vinyl release.
Celebrated as a comedic host, Jack Whitehall humorously introduced the artists while also engaging in some controversial jokes that nudged the boundaries of decorum, enhancing the lively atmosphere of the evening.
The ceremony also featured performances from various artists, including Jade, who won Best Pop Act, alongside the groovy set from the Last Dinner Party and others, all showcasing the diversity and eclectic nature of contemporary British music.
Among the nominees, Jade made a notable impression by winning Best Pop Act, building on her legacy with Little Mix, while Stormzy received recognition in the hip-hop category, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the rap genre in the UK.
Brit Awards 2025: Full List of Winners
Album of the year: Charli XCX – Brat
Artist of the year: Charli XCX
British group: Ezra Collective
Best new artist: The Last Dinner Party
Song of the year: Charli XCX – Guess (ft Billie Eilish)
International artist: Chappell Roan
International group: Fontaines DC
International song: Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!
Alternative/rock act: Sam Fender
Hip-hop/grime/rap act: Stormzy
Dance act: Charli XCX
Pop act: Jade
R&B act: Raye
Producer of the year: AG Cook
Songwriter of the year: Charli XCX
Global success: Sabrina Carpenter
Rising star: Myles Smith
Source
www.theguardian.com