The BRIT Awards 2025 are shaping up to be a historic night for British music, with Charli XCX leading the pack with five nominations. Following her critically acclaimed run over the past year, the pop innovator has firmly established herself as a global force. Dua Lipa isn’t far behind, landing four nominations after her album Radical Optimism missed out at the Grammys, much to the disappointment of fans.
Last year’s record-breaking winner, Raye, scooped six awards in a single night, setting a new benchmark for the BRITs. This year, however, the stage is set for a diverse mix of veterans and newcomers to shine. Coldplay and The Cure received multiple nominations, showcasing their lasting impact on the rock genre. Meanwhile, emerging artists like English Teacher and Lola Young have earned nods in key categories, signaling a bright future for U.K. music.
Snubs and Surprises
The 2025 nominations, however, weren’t without controversy. Ariana Grande, whose 2024 album Eternal Sunshine topped the charts, was completely shut out despite its commercial and critical success. Her singles “Yes, And?” and “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” both peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart, making her absence even more puzzling.
Similarly, Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us—widely considered one of the year’s best tracks—didn’t secure a nomination for international song of the year. The song topped charts globally and earned widespread acclaim, yet it failed to impress the BRITs Voting Academy.
In a surprising turn, Ezra Collective, who headlined Wembley Arena and released their third album Dance, No One’s Watching, landed in four categories, including best new artist. While their year was undeniably impressive, the “new artist” nod raised eyebrows, given their previous accolades, including the 2023 Mercury Prize.
On the international stage, Aussie punks Amyl and The Sniffers received a well-deserved nomination for international group of the year. Their 2024 album Cartoon Darkness broke into the Billboard 200 and gained a loyal following in the U.K., making their recognition a pleasant surprise.
Gracie Abrams and Glass Animals Snubbed
Gracie Abrams, currently dominating the U.K. Singles Chart with her breakout hit “That’s So True,” was overlooked in the international categories despite her massive commercial success. Similarly, Glass Animals, who broke records with their hit “Heat Waves,” were completely shut out, even as they tried to capitalize on their momentum with their follow-up album I Love You So F**ing Much*.
Dave’s Curious Nomination
In the hip-hop/rap/grime act category, Dave’s inclusion has left fans scratching their heads. The rapper had a relatively quiet year, with no solo releases or live performances. His inclusion seems to rest solely on the continued success of “Sprinter,” his 2023 collaboration with Central Cee.
A Historic Moment for The Beatles
In one of the night’s most talked-about moments, The Beatles earned a nomination for song of the year with their “final” track, “Now and Then.” This marks the Fab Four’s first BRITs nomination in nearly 50 years, following their 1983 outstanding contribution to music award.
As the BRITs ceremony approaches on March 1, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will take home the night’s biggest prizes. With a mix of snubs, surprises, and history-making nominations, it’s certain to be a night to remember for British music.
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