Looking ahead to the BRIT Awards 2024

The 44^th annual BRIT Awards are coming to ITV1 on Saturday 2 March. I’ve had a look at the runners and riders for the three biggest categories. Which artists have had the strongest year and, most importantly, which artists are most likely to win big?

Album of the Year

Who should win? In a strong field, RAYE’s My 21^st Century Blues stands out as being both accessible and universally liked, and it’s hard to envisage her going home empty handed after a BRIT's record of seven nominations. Perennial favourite Little Simz would be another worthy winner although NO THANK YOU is second-best to her debut.

Who will win? RAYE must be a favourite with a brilliant album that has sent her career to the stratosphere, but Little Simz’ record and J Hus’s Beautiful and Brutal Yard are also contenders that had huge commercial success last year. And don’t rule out old favourites and five-time BRIT winners Blur.

Artist of the Year

Who should win? J Hus and Jessie Ware stand out as having made some of the biggest contributions to popular music this year, producing thoughtful and compelling hip hop and soul albums respectively. Arlo Parks also gets a deserved nod after her career culminated with the poetic My Soft Machine, whilst Central Cee, Dave and Dua Lipa get nods largely on the back of hugely successful singles.

Who will win? With so many big names, this might be an award too far for RAYE, even if she deserves it. BRIT's favourite Dua Lipa is likely to win partly in anticipation of a hot new album this year, whilst a Central Cee win could be justified by the fact the controversial rapper has been the centre of discussion more than ever this year.

Song of the Year

Who should win? On musical merit alone, PinkPantheress’ Boy’s a liar and RAYE’s Escapism are clear leaders in a large, patchy field. Elsewhere, Dua Lipa’s mediocre Barbie track and Kenya Grace’s derivative TikTok hit are more dubious picks, whilst Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi seem to gain nominations on fame alone.

Who will win? It simply must be Dave & Central Cee’s inescapable hit Sprinter, arguably the most successful track of the year and pure BRIT's catnip. J Hus’s hit with Drake Who Told You has an outside chance, and there’s reasonable pop options from RAYE and PinkPantheress.