BRITs: Charli XCX picks up third award as she is named Artist of the Year
Charli XCX dedicated her Artist of the Year Award at the Brit Awards 2025 with Mastercard to those who feel like they "don't fit in". The 32-year-old pop star was up against Beabadoobee, Central Cee, Dua Lipa Fred again.., Jamie xx, Michael Kiwanuka, Nia Archives, Rachel Chinouriri and Sam Fender but came out on top as she collected her third prize of the evening. Speaking live on stage at London's O2 Arena on Saturday (02.03.25) night, she said: "This is really cool. Artist of the Year, thank you so much. I've always been an artist but it really rakes a whole team and they're all sat at that table so thank you so much to the people who helped me mak this record. "Thank you to all the artists out there who feel like they don't fit in but still try. I share this with you." Earlier in the evening, the '360' hitmaker had been named Best Dance Act. She said: "Look, I feel like dance music, electric music gets a really bad rep because I feel like everybody is like 'Oh, it's not really that deep, is it?' And I feel like it is. I feel like this genre of music for me is euphoric, and it allows me to feel on such a deep level. And maybe that's not the way for everyone but for me it is." Less than an hour beforehand, Charli had won Song of the Year for 'Guess', which was released as part of her album 'Brat and It's Completely Different but Also Still Brat' and featured Billie Eilish. She said: "Hi. Thank you, erm, yeah, this is cool. I'm really happy that a song about underwear now has a BRIT Award. Very important stuff. I'm sure that proves something about songwriting, I'm not sure what. "Thank you to Billie, I asked whether she wanted to be on the song about three days before we shot the music video, and five days before it came out so shout out to her for moving with pace. Not all artists are spontaneous despite them claiming that they are so, thank you Billie, for running and gunning it with me, that was really cool."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
a day ago
- Forbes
Celebrating Summer 2025: Highlights Of Arts And Music Festivals
Olivia Rodrigo. Image Courtesy BST Hyde Park/ Outside Organisation. Summer 2025 is set to be a vibrant season for arts and music enthusiasts across the UK and Europe. From groundbreaking new festivals in London to time-honoured cultural celebrations in Slovenia and France, the season promises a rich tapestry of performances, exhibitions, and experiences. Here's a curated guide to some highlights of the most anticipated events. Whether you're drawn to the innovative sounds of LIDO Festival in London, the legendary musical performances at BST Hyde Park, or the rich cultural experiences of Gala de Danza or Ljubljana Festival, there's something to captivate lovers of music, dance and the arts. These festivals not only showcase exceptional talent but also foster community engagement and celebrate the diverse tapestry of global culture. LIDO Festival – London (June 13th, 14th, 15th & 16th) Massive Attack at LIDO Festival © SOPHIA J CAREY London's newest addition to its festival scene, the inaugural LIDO Festival, takes over the Lido Field of Victoria Park. Spanning two weekends in June, the festival features a diverse lineup curated by some of the most innovative artists today including Charli XCX, Massive Attack, Jamie XX and London Grammar. Charli XCX headlines on Saturday June 14th and curates a 'Party Girl' day featuring pop/alt superstars and Brat collaborators Bladee, The Japanese House, The Dare, Kelly Lee Owens and A. G. Cook. London Grammar headline on 15th June with a lineup including Celeste, The Blessed Madonna and Roisin Murphy. British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park – London (June 27th - July 13th) Stevie Wonder. Image Courtesy of BST Hyde Park/ Outside Organisation. BST returns to Hyde Park with a stellar lineup across multiple weekends with a stellar lineup featuring young Pop stars Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter as well as the OG musicians Neil Young, Stevie Wonder and ELO. BST Hyde Park celebrates established and emerging talent and also features Open House–a free midweek programme of live music, food and family-friendly activities. Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning singer songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will headline the Great Oak Stage on June 27th, supported by Last Dinner Party and Girl in Read. Pop Powerhouse Sabrina Carpenter headlines on July 5th with support from Clairo and BEABADOOBEE. Musical legend Stevie Wonder tops the bill on July 12th as part of the LOVE, LIGHT & SONG UK performances, and iconic musician Neil Young performs with the Chrome Hearts, Yusuf (Cat Stevens) and Van Morrison on July 11th. Meltdown Festival – London (June 12th - 22nd) Little Simz © Thibaut Grevet Curated by acclaimed UK rapper Little Simz, Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre showcases a diverse range of artists across genres. Simz, known for her introspective lyrics and innovative sound, brings together a lineup that reflects her musical journey and influences. Little Simz follows in the footsteps of music icon Chaka Khan–who curated Meltdown in 2024–and takes the reins for the festival's 30th anniversary edition. Simz has curated eleven days of art, music and workshops with an eclectic line-up including The Streets, James Blake, Mahalia, Ghetts, Lola Young, Jon Batiste, Tiwa Savage, BADBADNOTGOOD and Nubya Garcia. A highlight promises to be a performance by Simz with the Chineke! Orchestra. Gala de Danza – UK Debut (June 25th and 26th) Francesca Hayward. Image Courtesy of Gala de Danza. Renowned international dance festival Gala de Danza makes its UK debut this summer at the Great Hall of Central Hall Westminster in London. The event promises a fusion of contemporary and traditional dance performances, workshops, and masterclasses, celebrating the art of movement and expression. Gala de Danza redefines the experience of dance and music through multidisciplinary performances, bringing together a talented cast of artists from around the world. A fusion of classical ballet, contemporary dance, opera, and Latin ballroom, Gala de Danza is the brainchild of performing artist Christina Lyon, who founded the dance festival in 2013. Among the world-renowned artists confirmed to perform at Gala de Danza in London are; Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, acclaimed choreographers Juliano Nunes and Sadeck Berrabah, Cuban-Canadian dancer Cesar Corrales, a Royal Ballet Principal Dancer; New York City Ballet artist Andres Zuniga, award-winning Latin dance duo Anton Sboev & Patrizia Ranis, Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Melissa Hamilton, and musical innovator William Close, creator of the Earth Harp. Anoushka Shankar Headlines Solstice at Wasing, June 20th. Solstice At Wasing 2025 - Artist - Anoushka Shankar. Fresh from her epic performance at Brighton Festival–which she expertly curated around the theme of 'New Dawn'–Grammy-nominated composer and musician Anoushka Shankar will headline Solstice at Wasing at Wasing Estate. The intimate one-day event takes place in the Sacred Glade within The Woodland at Wasing in celebration of the Rite of Summer Anoushka Shankar will be supported by artists including Salif Keita, Omer Gonen-Haela and pe Chimba. Solstice at Wasing offers a diverse programme of music, nature and wellness activities including breath-work and meditation. All Points East | August 15th, 16th & 22nd–24th Cleo Sol. Courtesy of All Points East. Acclaimed soul singer Cleo Sol will perform a headline set titled 'Provenance' at All Points East 2025 on 15th August, marking a major moment for the East London festival. Sol will be joined by the renowned Reggae artist Chronixx and the elusive collective SAULT for a world exclusive show. London born artist Cleo Sol's soulful voice and exquisite lyrics make her one of the UK's most exciting young artists, and the All Points East performance will be her biggest headline moment to date. The Maccabees headline on 24th August for their first show in eight years, joined by Bombay Bicycle Club, Dry Cleaning, The Cribs, Nilüfer Yanya, The Murder Capital, Divorce and Prima Queen. Barry Can't Swim tops the bill on 22nd August with Shygirl, Confidence Man, Leon Vynehall, Interplanetary Criminal, Marlon Hoffstadt (presents Daddycation) and DJ HEARTSTRING joining him. Girl Power rules on 23rd August when RAYE will headline with Tyla, Doechii and JADE, and on 16th August dance music takes over when Chase & Status headline with their RTRN II DANCE takeover. 73rd Ljubljana Festival – Slovenia (July–August 2025) Simfonični orkester Avditorija ADDA Alicante One of Europe's oldest cultural festivals, the Ljubljana Festival celebrates its 73rd edition with a diverse programme including MAMMA MIA! the musical, La Fura Dels Baus performing Haydn's 'The Creation' and ADDA Simfònica Alicante performing 'El Amor Brujo'. The festival features a blend of opera, ballet, jazz, and popular music, attracting world-class artists and audiences from around the globe. Ljubljana Festival in 2025 continues its legacy as Slovenia's premier cultural event, offering a rich tapestry of performances and exhibitions that span classical music, opera, ballet, jazz, and contemporary theatre. Held in the heart of Ljubljana, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting world-class artists and audiences alike. Festival d'Avignon – France (July 5th - 26th) Festival d'Avignon Festival Director Tiago Rodrigues Avignon's legendary Festival d'Avignon returns for its 79th edition–under the direction of Tiago Rodrigues, Festival director since 2022–with a packed of theatre, dance, music, and contemporary art performances throughout the city. Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Festival d'Avignon has grown into one of the world's most influential international theatre events, renowned for its celebration of contemporary live performance. Each summer for nearly eight decades, the historic city of Avignon transforms into a vibrant hub of theatrical innovation, drawing artists and audiences from around the globe. The festival's heart lies in the Cour d'honneur of the Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its original stage. Today, more than 30 venues across Avignon and the surrounding region—ranging from chapels and cloisters to gardens, quarries, and gymnasiums—host over 400 events, including performances, debates, readings, screenings, and public talks. Attracting more than 120,000 spectators annually, the Festival d'Avignon remains a dynamic meeting point for artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue—a celebration of memory, history, heritage, and the bold possibilities of the future. Les Étés du Louvre Festival, Louvre Museum, Paris (July 2nd - 25th). Encantado de Lia Rodrigues © 2021, Sammi Landweer Les Étés du Louvre festival is set to return to Paris for its second edition this summer, transforming the historic museum into a vibrant summer open-air stage for cinema, fashion, dance, and music. Spanning three major events, the festival promises a dynamic open-air program, with more than half of the offerings free to the public. Kicking off the season is Cinéma Paradiso Louvre, a four-night film series taking over the Louvre's grand Cour Carrée from July 2nd to 5thc. The mini-festival will conclude with a special homage to director David Lynch, featuring a screening of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. Fashion takes center stage on July 10th with La Nuit de la Mode, a museum-wide celebration blending concerts, artist talks, workshops, and live performances. Among the highlights is a much-anticipated performance by Jordan Roth, merging theatrical flair with high fashion. Throughout the month, visitors can also enjoy a series of performances in the Carré du Sanglier, transformed into a temporary open-air theater. Ten days of programming will showcase contemporary dance by Lia Rodrigues, MazelFreten, and Silvia Gribaudi, as well as musical performances from Chloé & Vassilena Serafimova, Matthieu Bardin and the ethereal duo Birds on a Wire.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Addison Rae's Pop Queen Dreams Are Massive, and Just Out of Reach
Listening to Addison Rae's self-titled debut feels like wearing your gaudiest dress and stepping into the Chateau Marmont on a hot summer day. There are glistening turquoise pools, loads of cigarettes, diamond jewelry, and everything is doused in the golden Los Angeles sun. At the center of the glamour stands Rae in stilettos. She's a self-assured, cheeky girl-next-door shedding her past and stepping into this new chapter with her unique ability to set a distinct vibe. For Rae, it's incredibly important to build this world. After all, unlike most musicians making a debut record, the former TikTok sensation is out to do more than just make a name for herself. Rae's public persona already exists: She's the fifth most-followed person on TikTok, known for her vivacious online personality. But the platform she built back in 2019 as a Louisiana teen who moved to L.A. and became all about content creators, online dance trends, beauty brand deals, and torrid love triangles doesn't apply to her self-titled debut. Instead, Addison is a reintroduction, a portrait of the young woman Rae has grown into, one who is free to take her artistry wherever she pleases. More from Rolling Stone Sabrina Carpenter, Lil Wayne, Addison Rae, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Lady Gaga Praises Queer Music Pioneer Carl Bean in Docu Clip: 'Anthems Unify People' Addison Rae's Long-Awaited Debut Album 'Addison' Is Here Rae first took a swing at music back in 2021 with her debut single, 'Obsessed.' After the ultra-packaged dance-pop track was panned by critics, the aspiring singer went back to the drawing board to rethink her craft. Her 2023 EP AR, which included the Charli XCX-assisted '2 Die 4,' showed more potential with alternative-pop leanings and a hazy center. Since then, Rae has been vocal about taking her music seriously and sharpening her instincts. For her debut LP, Rae notably kept the production team small with two female producers, Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjärd. On Addison, Rae's eclectic intentions are loud and clear: to create a distinctive, dreamy soundscape that brings her album moodboards to life — and, naturally, make fun music for people to dance to. The album opener, 'New York,' throws listeners into Rae's world with a club-ready nod to her most beloved collaborator and influence, Charli XCX. 'I'm a dance whore,' Rae proclaims before a pulsating Jersey club beat takes over the song. 'Money Is Everything' is just as fun with lively dance-pop energy punctuated by a slower trip-hop twist. The bubbly track celebrates Rae's inspirations: 'DJ play Madonna/Wanna roll one with Lana/Get high with Gaga,' she sings. It's quite a dream blunt rotation to conjure. Lush synths drive Addison as Rae continues to lean into the sparkling sonics of her singles 'Diet Pepsi' and 'Aquamarine.' Those early previews are the strongest examples of the sound Rae has shaped here. The Lana Del Rey-inspired 'Summer Forever' takes the same low-key melody as those singles and makes it moodier, with twinkling production that evokes a glinting afternoon car drive down Sunset Boulevard. Both the R&B-inflected 'Times Like These' and 'In the Rain' push the fantastical feel of the album incrementally further with bass lines that desperately want to boom even louder. The most exciting sonic turn occurs on album highlight 'Fame Is a Gun,' with a supercharged synth that moves in tantalizing directions and evoke Britney Spears' In the Zone and Lady Gaga's The Fame. She's not the second coming of Spears, Gaga, Del Rey, or Madonna. Instead, Rae translates pieces of these icons' music and filters them through the lens of the modern internet age. Lyrically, Rae writes about 'the glamorous life' you'd expect from an L.A.-based 24-year-old. 'Diamonds are my best friend like I'm Norma Jean,' she sings on 'Money Is Everything' before cackling, 'I'm the richest girl in the world.' Honestly, why shouldn't Rae brag about how much money she has? She became a self-made millionaire by the time she was 20. There's a whole lot of California ease as Rae conjures sex and cigarettes, and sometimes both. She's more believable telling us she's 'young, dumb, and cute' with 'nothing to lose' during 'In the Rain' than she is trying to trying to convince us, 'I'm not an easy fuck/But when it comes to shoes I'll be a slut' in 'High Fashion.' The album's most interesting moments are the ones that try to reveal a sliver of the star's more complex innermost thoughts, including some insecurities. On 'Times Like These,' the former TikToker turned pop sensation admits that attention can be overwhelming. 'My life moves faster than me,' she sings before asking: 'Do I eat what I want tonight?/Or will it make me feel less tight.' Rae's ever-present smile really falls away when she wonders if her parents' messy divorce will stop her from finding lasting love; it's a subject she explores in multiple songs, including 'Summer Forever,' 'Headphones On' and 'Times Like These.' There's only a line or two in each track, but these insightful moments are a welcome reprieve from the sparkly hedonism. 'Keeping a smile on my face for protection/Turning my tears into gold,' she sings on 'In the Rain.' Such flashes of vulnerability offer a welcome backdrop to her unshakable optimism. Addison isn't the work of a fully formed pop technician on the level of her heroes. For a dance-pop record, some of the album gets bogged down by a lack of dynamism, with too much of the music feeling circular and repetitive rather than propulsive, almost like you're floating along rather than being driven by a captivating rhythm. At worst, the LP's dream-like quality starts becoming literally sleepy. The 'Lost and Found' and 'Life's No Fun Through Clear Waters' interludes are vibey moments meant to pull us in with thoughtful-seeming lines like 'I lost myself and found myself again,' but these passages feel like gauzy, emotional window dressing rather than being genuinely revealing. It doesn't help that the singer's vocal abilities can sometimes get muddied in production that buries her feathery falsetto. There's a sense at times that she can't quite take the command that she wants. It's clear, even in this new version of herself, Rae hasn't quite nailed the right balance of pop-star decadence and pop-star introspection. Maybe she'll get it right on her next project. For now, as she sings on 'Times Like These,' the foundation is set for her next phase: 'Head out the window/Let's see how far I'll go.' Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Billie Eilish's Brother Makes Shocking Claim About L.A. Protests
Billie Eilish's Brother Makes Shocking Claim About L.A. Protests originally appeared on Parade. Finneas, the older brother and longtime collaborator of , says he was 'tear-gassed' while at the protests in Los Angeles over the weekend. Finneas (also known as Finneas O'Connell) has not shied away from controversial political messages since becoming famous alongside his sister. Finneas has written and produced music for his sister, including her breakthrough album, When We All Fall Alseep, Where Do We Go? and her Oscar-winning songs 'No Time To Die' and 'What Was I Made For.' He has also collaborated with a variety of other artists, in addition to his own music. And while Fineas would presumably prefer to use his platform to promote The Favors, his new duo with singer-songwriter Ashe, that wasn't the case on Sunday. Finneas was reportedly at the protests in his native Los Angeles. It's unclear whether Finneas participated in the demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detaining dozens across Southern California, or if he was an observer. 'Tear gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protests [in Downtown Los Angeles],' he posted on his Instagram Story, before claiming, 'They're inciting this.' Finneas also shared many messages in support of the protestors and messages denouncing President Donald Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard. Billie and Finneas have been politically active for years. In June 2020, the 'Bad Guy' singer attended a Black Lives Matter march in Los Angeles to protest the killing of George Floyd, per The Independent. Billie also spoke out during her 2022 Glastonbury performance following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade, per the BBC. In 2024, Billie shared a bold political message for her fans ahead of the U.S. Presidential election. Other stars, including Eva Longoria, Chrissy Teigen, Tim Heidecker, and Florence Pugh, have all posted in support of the protest and against the ICE raids. Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong also made a bold statement on the protests, using one of the band's recently released Eilish's Brother Makes Shocking Claim About L.A. Protests first appeared on Parade on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
