BRIT Awards: Bree Runway, Holly Humberstone & Lola Young nominated for the Rising Star award

Lola Young, Bree Runway and Holly Humberstone have been announced as the Rising Star BRIT Award nominees on Tuesday. 

These hopefuls will follow the steps of Adele and Jorja Smith, Jorja Smith, Sam Fender, all who have previously won the coveted gong. 

Formerly called the Critics Choice award, this category was judged by a team of editors and critics. In February, the winner is announced at the BRIT ceremony. 

The three shortlisted female artists were announced on Tuesday. The winner will be announced later in the month, on December 10. 

This award is available to British artists, who as at 31 October 2021 have not achieved a Top 20 Official Album Charts placing, or more than one Top 20 chart placement in the Official Singles Chart. 

Lola recently attracted attention when her cover of Philip Oakey and Giorgia Moroder’s 1984 song Together in Electric Dreams was used on the John Lewis Christmas Advert.  

South London-based singer, “I cannot believe that I was nominated for this award.” This feels completely surreal, and totally unexpected. It is an honor to be nominated. 

Names big: These hopefuls are following in the steps of Adele and Ellie Goulding, JorjaSmith, Sam Fender, and Jorja Smith, all who received the award previously (Adele is pictured this month on an ITV special). 

Familiar: Lola recently attracted attention when her cover of Philip Oakey and Giorgia Moroder’s 1984 song Together in Electric Dreams was used on the John Lewis Christmas Advert (pictured at Parklife Festival) 

Bree is well-known for Hot Hot. She’s a singer and rapper, as well as a songwriter. Michelle Obama advised her when she was 14. 

Her nomination was described as “all so exciting”, especially considering the amazing accomplishments of previous nominees. I wish I could have that kind of luck.

“Attending Brits is something that I have wanted to do since childhood, and it was a goal of mine to be a rising star nominee. 

Hopeful: Bree was 14 years old when Michelle Obama encouraged her to keep going with her music career. 

Holly, 21 years old, has racked up over 200 million streams for her debut EP Falling Asleep at The Wheel. 

Her work has been compared with Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish, and she was the second-place winner of this year’s BBC Sound Of Award.  

Holly stated that she was honored to be nominated.It is difficult for me to understand the BRITs’ recognition at the moment. it’s truly an honour.’ 

In the running: 21-year-old Holly racked up 200 million streams with her first EP Falling Asleep At The Wheel and has been compared to Billie Eilish and Maggie Rogers 

The shortlist announcement comes after Brian May launched a scathing attack at The BRIT Awards’ controversial decision to abolish male and female categories for its ‘woke’ 2022 event earlier this week. 

The singer, who is now 74 years old, stated that the album was created ‘without a lot thought’. He believes Queen, which would have been a brand new group, wouldn’t be diverse enough. 

Brian, who won four BRITs along with the group’s members, lashed out at organizers for making decisions “out of fear” and believes the gender-neutral gongs have long-term implications. 

Queen might have asked Queen if Freddie Mercury would be the ‘right colour and sex if the rock group was formed today, according to the star.

Drama: After Brian May’s vehement attack on The BRIT Awards’ controversial decision to remove male and female sections for the ‘woken’ 2022 show earlier this week, dramatized that announcement.

Brian stated in an interview Tuesday with The Sun that some decisions made were making him uncomfortable. Many times, this is because they are afraid people will be called out. This is an awful atmosphere.  

“I’m sick of people trying change things without taking into consideration the long-term effects. While some things may be improvements, others are still not. Some are depriving people. 

Brian stated that Queen isn’t diverse enough to be successful in the current industry, regardless if they have talent individually.

Opinion by Brian: Brian said that Queen would have to start now if there were people of all colours, sexes, and trans. [person]” (pictured in 1986). 

The decision to change to gender-neutral gongs is causing some dismay among organizers.

Bosses stated that the change was intended to make it as accessible and pertinent as possible for all people.

Fans blasted this change and called for boycotts of next year’s event.

All change: The Brit Awards have scrapped male and female categories ahead of their ‘woke’ 2022 ceremony in order to ‘celebrate artists solely for their music and work’

Brit Awards 2022 will feature a battle between contenders for the title of artist of year, rather than male solo artist or female solo artist.

Best international artist of the year will be used in replace of best international female, or male solo artist.

In 2022, there will be four awards. All will be determined by public votes: alternative/rock act; hip-hop/grime/rap artist; dance act and pop/R&B act.

Additionally, the Song of the Year Prize will not only recognize lead artists or names collaborators but also the featured artists.

After Sam Smith (singer who identified as non-binary) put pressure on organizers to remove male and female categories earlier in this year, the changes were made.

According to the three-time winner, music has been about unification and not division.

“I’m looking forward to the day when awards shows will reflect our society.”

It was rejected by the event planners because it could be considered a ‘counterproductive to equality and diversity’.  

But in a huge volte-face today, Brit chair Tom March announced the dumping of the long-established category names.

He said: ‘It is important that The Brits continue to evolve and aim to be as inclusive as possible.

“It’s a great time to recognize the accomplishments of musicians for their music and work, regardless of gender.

Popstar Sam Smith (who won the critics choice prize for 2014) identifies himself as nonbinary and uses the pronouns them/them.

March added: ‘I’m really excited to launch four new genre awards, which create even more opportunities for artists to be acknowledged for the brilliant music they create and produce, and give music fans the chance to get involved and vote to support their artists and help them to win a Brit.

“The 2022 show looks great, Mo will be an outstanding host. I’m thankful that he and Clara were able to participate in this year’s Brits.

However, fans and commentators were furious at the new changes. They called it “woke drivel”

Malcolm Clark, a TV producer and trustee of LGB Alliance, a charity that advocates for lesbians, bisexuals and gay men to define themselves as same-sex attracted told MailOnline: ‘While we’ve always loved a bit of gender bending, it’s silly to deny that the different categories reflected the fact women and men often have experiences that are as distinct as their voices. 

“We see often that sex is being erased from organisations which claim it doesn’t harm the LGBT community.

“Of course! The best way to know is to ask us if we would like to eliminate separate sex groups. 

Dua Lipa is a songstress. She poses in front of the Media Room with The Mastercard album award for Future Nostalgia. The award was presented to her by the Female Solo Artist at The BRIT Awards 2021.

“Unfortunately there doesn’t appear to have been any consultation as to whether LGB and straight people want it.”  

Christina Jordan was a former MEP. It was nice to get to know you. Best of luck.

One person also posted this tweet: ‘Brit awards scrap male and female category …..more wakeful drivel.

Dale Hammond from Guernsey said that he would be watching the Brit Awards and scrapping.

A woman called the move ‘woken, bilgewater’ and claimed that the awards weren’t for her.

Online, another said: “I used to enjoy watching the Brits awards. But I won’t now.

On social media, a man said: “The Brit awards clearly want their lowest rating for this year.”

Will Young, a singer who has advocated for this change in August, stated that he believed it would be difficult to create one category as fewer people would win.

He told The Independent’s Millennial Love podcast: ‘I only know of a couple of artists who identify as non-binary in the UK who would be up for Brit awards. What is the average price of moving around?  

Brits’ voting academy includes around 1200 industry professionals from all media and music genres. This includes artists, labels as well as promoters, producers, managers, musicians, and retailers.

Mo Gilligan, a comedian from the same city as Jack Whitehall will host these awards.

Gilligan stated that it was an honor to host the 2022 Brit Award. It’s an honor to have been asked.

“We are in the advanced planning stages. All I can tell you is that I am confident we will make an amazing night for everyone. Let’s go!’

Clara Amfo, Maya Jama and Maya Jama host The Brits Are Coming. They will also host The Brits Are Coming on the red carpet.

Jama said: ‘I am so excited to be back on presenting duties for the BRITs 2022! Growing up, the show was a favorite of mine and I can’t believe it is my turn to present.

ITV’s ‘The BRITs Are Coming TV Special’ has been a favorite of mine for many reasons. It’s a huge celebration and everyone looks great. I also love watching so many people I admire in the music business come together to create such an amazing night.

Amfo said, “It’s such an honor and pleasure to be part The BRITs Presenting Team for 2022.”

“The spirit of celebration between the artists and the viewers is truly special, and I’m excited to see more memorable moments being made on stage and red carpet in February!”

ITV will broadcast the Brit Awards 2022 live at London’s 02 Arena on February 8, 2012.

Gilligan (pictured) stated that hosting the 2022 Brit Award ceremony was an honour. It’s an honor to have been asked.