The 2025 BRIT Awards nominations spotlight a dynamic blend of established artists and emerging talents, celebrating a year of diverse musical achievements. Leading the pack is the avant-garde pop icon Charli XCX, garnering five nominations, including prestigious nods for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed “Brat,” and Song of the Year for the collaborative hit “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish. Charli XCX’s influence permeated popular culture, with “Brat” becoming a defining album of the year, capturing the zeitgeist and resonating far beyond the dancefloor. Her nominations affirm her position as a leading force in contemporary music, pushing boundaries and shaping the soundscape of the 21st century.
Trailing closely behind Charli XCX with four nominations is seven-time BRIT Award winner Dua Lipa, solidifying her status as a consistent powerhouse in the music industry. Sharing the spotlight with four nominations each are The Last Dinner Party, the recipients of the 2024 Rising Star award, and Ezra Collective, fresh off their 2023 Mercury Prize win. Their nominations underscore the BRITs’ commitment to recognizing both established success and burgeoning talent, showcasing the vibrancy and depth of the British music scene. The nominations mark a momentous return for veteran artists, signaling a resurgence of iconic acts.
The 2025 BRIT Awards witness the return of musical legends, with The Cure earning three nominations after a three-decade hiatus. Their resurgence, marked by the release of their 14th studio album, “Songs Of A Lost World,” demonstrates their enduring influence and relevance in the music landscape. Even more remarkable is the nomination of The Beatles for Song of the Year with “Now And Then,” their first recognition since 1977. This poignant track, billed as their “final song,” completed posthumously with the aid of AI, adds a layer of historical significance to the awards, bridging generations and highlighting the timeless appeal of their music.
The diverse range of categories reflects the breadth of musical talent celebrated at the BRITs. The coveted Mastercard Album of the Year category features a diverse array of artists, including Charli XCX, The Cure, Dua Lipa, Ezra Collective, and The Last Dinner Party. The Artist of the Year category presents a competitive field, with nominees including Beabadoobee, Central Cee, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Fred Again.., Jamie xx, Michael Kiwanuka, Nia Archives, Rachel Chinouriri, and Sam Fender. The nominations highlight a vibrant mix of established stars and rising artists, showcasing the dynamism and diversity of the music scene.
Beyond individual artists, the BRITs acknowledge the collective power of musical groups. The Group of the Year category features Bring Me The Horizon, Coldplay, The Cure, Ezra Collective, and The Last Dinner Party. The Best New Artist category shines a spotlight on emerging talents, with nominations for English Teacher, Ezra Collective, The Last Dinner Party, Myles Smith, and Rachel Chinouriri. These categories underscore the importance of collaboration and the continuous influx of fresh talent shaping the future of music.
The Song of the Year with Mastercard category boasts a wide range of contenders, including established names like The Beatles, Charli XCX featuring Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa, alongside rising stars like Artemas and Myles Smith. This diverse field reflects the eclectic tastes of contemporary music listeners and the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences from all walks of life. The international categories further broaden the scope of the awards, recognizing global talent and the interconnectedness of the music world. Nominees for International Artist of the Year include Adrianne Lenker, Asake, Benson Boone, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator. The International Group of the Year category features Amyl And The Sniffers, Confidence Man, Fontaines D.C., Future and Metro Boomin, and Linkin Park. The International Song of the Year category celebrates global hits, showcasing the worldwide impact of music.
The genre-specific categories provide further recognition for artists excelling in their respective fields. The Alt/Rock Act category features Beabadoobee, The Cure, Ezra Collective, The Last Dinner Party, and Sam Fender. The Hip-hop/Grime/Rap Act category highlights Central Cee, DAVE, Ghetts, Little Simz, and Stormzy. The Dance Act category showcases Becky Hill, Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Fred Again.., and Nia Archives. The Pop Act category features Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, JADE, Lola Young, and Myles Smith. Finally, the R&B Act category recognizes Cleo Sol, FLO, Jorja Smith, Michael Kiwanuka, and RAYE. These genre-specific categories provide a platform for celebrating diverse musical styles and acknowledging the contributions of artists pushing boundaries within their respective genres. The 2025 BRIT Awards are set to be a celebration of musical excellence, recognizing both established icons and emerging stars. The awards will take place on Saturday, March 1st at the O2 Arena.