Organisers of the Brit Awards have announced that they will expand the number of Best Artist nominees after a gender row.
In January 2023 it emerged that there were no females in the new gender neutral category for Best Artist which replaced best male and female categories two years ago.
It had been brought in amid concerns they failed to represent non-binary artists.
But all the artists shortlisted for the category in 2023 were men including Stormzy, George Ezra, Fred Again and Central Cee, with Harry Styles going on to win the prize.
In his acceptance speech Styles acknowledged his “privilege” and dedicated his award to several artists including Charli XCX and Becky Hill.
Event organisers BPI have announced that in 2024 the number of nominees for both Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year will double from five to 10 in an aim to improve “representation and inclusion”.
Dr Jo Twist, chief executive of BPI, said: “The Brits is committed to making the show as inclusive and representative as possible. The changes to this year’s categories are part of a process of evolution, and we will continue to review, listen and learn.”
She told BBC News that “obviously we were disappointed that no women were nominated for artist of the year in 2023” and added that they had contacted industry experts to “understand how we can improve”.
Male and female solo artist awards had been Brit Awards categories since they began in 1977, but were changed for the 2022 event.
Non-binary pop artist Sam Smith was not included on either shortlist in 2021, prompting them to issue a statement on social media.
Smith said that they “look forward to a time where awards shows can be reflective of the society we live in. Let’s celebrate everybody, regardless of gender, race, age, ability, sexuality and class.”
Following their statement, the awards’ organisers said that they were “committed to evolving the show and the gendered categories are very much under review” before abolishing them for 2022.
Adele became the first winner of the new artist of the year prize, but in her acceptance speech said that while she understood why the change had been made, “I really love being a woman and being a female artist.”
Among the women eligible for the 2023 prize were Florence & The Machine, Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama, Mabel, Ella Henderson, Becky Hill, Beth Orton and Emeli Sande. Non-binary artist Kae Tempest was also eligible for the award.
The Brit Awards 2024 will also see R&B given its own individual prize category alongside pop, alternative/rock and hip hop.
Dr Twist said 2024 was “looking very positive” for female artists and R&B performers, with musicians such as Dua Lipa, Raye and Mahalia able to be nominated in several categories.
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November 24, 2023 at 07:25PM
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Brit Awards makes changes after female artists missed out in its new gender neutral category - The Telegraph
"artist" - Google News
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