hello, i'm nicky schiller, welcome to this bbc news special on the brit awards. i'm joined here in the home of some of the bbc�*s biggest podcasts like newscast by our culture correspondent noor nanju and music jounalist christine ochefu and by the deputy music editor of the guardian, laura snapes. so let's get straight into it. first a quick reminder of the categories — there are 16 in all. keep an eye on that r and b act. the first time there has been a category. producer of the year and songwriter of the year. what is key when there is never any nominations is who has got the most. they have been released and you have the list,

so has the most nominations? 7 been released and you have the list, so has the most nominations? ? it is so has the most nominations? ? it is a bi da so has the most nominations? ? it is a big day for— so has the most nominations? ? it 3 a big day for music lovers. we have just got that list this afternoon and i can tell you it is ray who is leading the way, she has seven nominations and that is the most any artist has received for a single year so, they include best album, best artist, best new act and she received two nominations for the sounds of the year. she said this was beyond what she ever could have expected, beyond her wildest dreams. let's take a listen. # sleazy and teasing # sleazy and teasing # all of my diamonds are dripping # all of my diamonds are dripping # i ordered two more wine... #. up upfora up for a record seven in the year. what is your reaction? it is up for a record seven in the year. what is your reaction?— what is your reaction? it is an amazin: what is your reaction? it is an amazing vindication. - what is your reaction? it is an amazing vindication. it - what is your reaction? it is an amazing vindication. it was i what is your reaction? it is an i amazing vindication. it was only what is your reaction? it is an -

amazing vindication. it was only a couple of years ago she was having to publicly protest on twitter to be allowed to release her debut album, she had a lot of the successful singles and a lot of successful collaborations that she said they were not allowing her to release a debut album and she was in a development hell label present at a protest was successful, she tucked away out of the contract and became an independent artist to make this album, which has been so acclaimed and has got a wide range of audiences. she speaks to young people, she is candid and conversational. she reminds of amy winehouse in that you can do candid and straight up, and unvarnished but is an incredible musician which we which performed at the royal albert hall last year and that speaks to older audience as well, she must be feeling great. i imagine her old label are not feeling so great your reaction, christine? i label are not feeling so great your reaction, christine?— label are not feeling so great your reaction, christine? i would echo a lot of laura's _ reaction, christine? i would echo a lot of laura's sentiments. - lot of laura's sentiments. conclusively it has been a really lon- conclusively it has been a really long time — conclusively it has been a really long time for raye to come to this apex _ long time for raye to come to this apex moment, she had a lot of

struggles — apex moment, she had a lot of struggles as an artist in the music industry. — struggles as an artist in the music industry, she has got into that nice p0p industry, she has got into that nice pop crossover space which is speaking _ pop crossover space which is speaking to young people, has a massive — speaking to young people, has a massive audience on tick—tock and social— massive audience on tick—tock and social media which is what every artist _ social media which is what every artist wants right now. the track we 'ust artist wants right now. the track we just played — artist wants right now. the track we just played has gone platinum on those _ just played has gone platinum on those platforms. and she is somebody who is— those platforms. and she is somebody who is strong in herself as someone booking _ who is strong in herself as someone booking in _ who is strong in herself as someone booking in the public sphere and has taken _ booking in the public sphere and has taken on _ booking in the public sphere and has taken on a _ booking in the public sphere and has taken on a massive label and had this really— taken on a massive label and had this really nice, massive success for herself, _ this really nice, massive success for herself, very happy for her. i for herself, very happy for her. found it for herself, very happy for her. i found it interesting best new artist but her first single was in 2016. i think that is an interesting because it is her second act. it is one of those quirks in the brit awards and the grammys are just coming those quirks in the brit awards and the grammys arejust coming up those quirks in the brit awards and the grammys are just coming up that someone who has been around for a long time can be seen as a new artist but it seems quite symbolic for her. ~ ,,., ,

artist but it seems quite symbolic forher. , , , artist but it seems quite symbolic forher. , , , for her. absolutely, she is in the cate . o for her. absolutely, she is in the category artist — for her. absolutely, she is in the category artist of _ for her. absolutely, she is in the category artist of the _ for her. absolutely, she is in the category artist of the year. - for her. absolutely, she is in the category artist of the year. this | for her. absolutely, she is in the | category artist of the year. this is how the best of the nominations were announced. let's see who is in the line—up for artist of the year. fiur line-up for artist of the year. our low #uk # uk rapper... #— # uk rapper... # man couldn't sell it to show #.

# maybe it is the magic in the wild #. #. #iama #. # i am a brave strong women and i will be _ # i am a brave strong women and i will be damned if i let a man within #. the #. — the interesting #. the interestin- thin- is the number the interesting thing is the number of women in the category because it has been some controversy and this year we have got ten in artist of the year and that is a change from last year. the year and that is a change from last ear. ., , , the year and that is a change from last ear. . , , ,., last year. there has been some controversy _ last year. there has been some controversy over _ last year. there has been some

controversy over the _ last year. there has been some controversy over the whole - last year. there has been some l controversy over the whole issue last year. there has been some - controversy over the whole issue of representation and gender at the brit awards, if we go back to 2022 eu might remember at that time the brit award got rid of the male and female categories and instead introduced this joint category for best artist. the intentions were good, they wanted to make it more inclusive and cater to more non—binary musicians, but ended up causing a bit of a backlash and that is because last year no women were shortlisted for best artist. they have taken that on board, this year they have tried to fix that by increasing the number of nominations for best artist and best international artist as well, so from five to ten. it does seem to have worked. we take a look at the nominations we can see that more than half, 55% of them feature women and six out of ten of the artists of the year nominations were this year, clearly that is a big improvement on last year when none of them were, overall it is looking like a better year this time for female artists and much more evenly balanced. there is one woman in particular who is

leading the way which is raye. $1150 leading the way which is raye. also doinu well leading the way which is raye. also doing well is _ leading the way which is raye. also doing well is dua _ leading the way which is raye. also doing well is dua lipa. # i come and i go #— # i come and i go # teti— # i come and i go # tell me all the ways you need to meet _ meet # i am not meet— # i am not here meet — # i am not here for meet— # i am not here fora meet — # i am not here for a long # i am not here for a long # catoh— # i am not here for a long # catch me and i'm gone, houdini... #. #. - # time is #. — # time is passing #. # time is passin- like a solar # time is passing like a solar eclipse — eclipse # semi watching and eeupse — # semi watching and he blow me a kiss # coming kiss— # coming closer, are you kiss # comin- closer, are you readin- my # coming closer, are you reading my tips? _ lips? # they say i

ups? — # they say i come and go #. due _ # they say i come and go #. due lipa _ # they say i come and go #. dua lipa nominated for three awards, the first confirmed artist that is going to perform at the ceremony, what you make of how many women have made it into the categories this year, now that we know the brits were trying to get more female artists? i were trying to get more female artists? ~ , were trying to get more female artists? ~' , ., were trying to get more female artists? ~' , . ., , artists? i think they have realised the had artists? i think they have realised they had to _ artists? i think they have realised they had to make _ artists? i think they have realised they had to make a _ artists? i think they have realised they had to make a massive - they had to make a massive correction after last year because it was a disaster to have an all—male best artist category. they have done a good job, more than 50% of the nominees are women's, especially if you look at the mixed gender collaborations which are in some of the year. when you look artist of the year, perhaps it speaks to somebody like emily who called it a pipeline problem. this is my personal taste, but dua lipa, little simz, raye, they are excited but we see a lot of these names year—on—year and it speaks to the british music industry's ability to create lasting female pop stars. i

always say the problem of representation, especially when thinking — representation, especially when thinking about gender, race, starts well before we even look at the ceremonies, before we entered the room _ ceremonies, before we entered the room it— ceremonies, before we entered the room it is— ceremonies, before we entered the room. it is the problem of thinking ahout— room. it is the problem of thinking about who — room. it is the problem of thinking about who has been nominated from the labels. _ about who has been nominated from the labels, even so much to the audiences— the labels, even so much to the audiences are listening to. i was think— audiences are listening to. i was think as — audiences are listening to. i was think as music listeners and fans, we should — think as music listeners and fans, we should be quite critical of who we should be quite critical of who we are _ we should be quite critical of who we are pushing to mainstream stages are making _ we are pushing to mainstream stages are making sure there is a wider representation across all boards. and representation across all boards. ahd i_ representation across all boards. and i definitely agree with what has been said _ and i definitely agree with what has been said before in terms of there ism _ been said before in terms of there is... somebody like little simz, an amazing _ is... somebody like little simz, an amazing artist very talented, she has won— amazing artist very talented, she has won the likes of best new artist one or— has won the likes of best new artist one or two — has won the likes of best new artist one or two years ago already, obviously— one or two years ago already, obviously very talented, but at the same _ obviously very talented, but at the same time — obviously very talented, but at the same time it would be so empowering to see _ same time it would be so empowering to see a _ same time it would be so empowering to see a wider range of some of these _ to see a wider range of some of these bigger names in these categories as well.— these bigger names in these categories as well. what you think needs to be _ categories as well. what you think needs to be done _ categories as well. what you think needs to be done to _ categories as well. what you think needs to be done to make - categories as well. what you think needs to be done to make that. needs to be done to make that happen? i needs to be done to make that ha en? ., ., , needs to be done to make that hauen? ., ., , happen? i would always say, it that's what _ happen? i would always say, it that's what i've _ happen? i would always say, it that's what i've said _

happen? i would always say, it that's what i've said before, i happen? i would always say, it that's what i've said before, a | happen? i would always say, it i that's what i've said before, a lot of it does— that's what i've said before, a lot of it does start from record labels, who are _ of it does start from record labels, who are they pushing in terms of reaching — who are they pushing in terms of reaching the echelons of mainstream success, _ reaching the echelons of mainstream success, who are they putting their money— success, who are they putting their money behind, their marketing campaigns behind, that is a big fight _ campaigns behind, that is a big fight of— campaigns behind, that is a big fight of it _ campaigns behind, that is a big fight of it. i would only say as well— fight of it. i would only say as well as— fight of it. i would only say as well as we _ fight of it. i would only say as well as we are in a age where music iistenership— well as we are in a age where music listenership are so democratised to a certairr— listenership are so democratised to a certain extent, maybe we should be doing _ a certain extent, maybe we should be doing a _ a certain extent, maybe we should be doing a irit— a certain extent, maybe we should be doing a bit more social listening in terms _ doing a bit more social listening in terms of. — doing a bit more social listening in terms of, you always see people doing _ terms of, you always see people doing well like pink pantheress who have come — doing well like pink pantheress who have come up on so many different platforms, — have come up on so many different platforms, who can make it too is different? — platforms, who can make it too is different? �* , ., ,, ., platforms, who can make it too is different? �*, .~ ., , platforms, who can make it too is different? �*, w ., , ., different? let's take a listen to pink pantheress. _ pink pantheress. # i will not have to hold my breath until you get down on one knee # ineed want to hold me # ineed want to hold me # did you everfool me... # did you everfool me... # what is the point of crying?

# what is the point of crying? # did you ever want to meet? was i good enough? # the boy's a player # the boy's a player # the boy's a player... # the boy's a player... # the boy's a player... pink # the boy's a player... #. pink pantheress _ # the boy's a player... #. pink pantheress in - # the boy's a player... #. pink pantheress in the song of the year. how important is to talk to the music industry? it is enormously successful but _ the music industry? it is enormously successful but it _ the music industry? it is enormously successful but it speaks _ the music industry? it is enormously successful but it speaks of _ the music industry? it is enormously successful but it speaks of a - successful but it speaks of a catch—22, you can be a new artist has come up independently through its like pink pantheress, she is the most successful example, she broke through there and she was signed by a label and they have done even a good job of translating what she had on a tiktok to a wider audience and making her into a proper mainstream p0p making her into a proper mainstream pop star. a lot of people who have viral success on tiktok will get plucked by a label and then the label doesn't know how to develop them in a way which still seems organic, which is what what young fans were paying attention to tiktok want. and at the other end of this

skill you can be an established artist and year labour will try to push you onto it to reach those fans, but it is not organic or a relationship that can be contrived. it is really important but elusive, not something that can be manufactured. iterate not something that can be manufactured.— not something that can be manufactured. ~ . ~ ., manufactured. we talked about the woman, manufactured. we talked about the woman. there _ manufactured. we talked about the woman, there are _ manufactured. we talked about the woman, there are always _ manufactured. we talked about the woman, there are always and - woman, there are always and surprises, so anything you noticed? i would say the bigger shock for me was the _ i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact— i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact that _ i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact that the _ i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact that the risk _ i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact that the risk of - i would say the bigger shock for me was the fact that the risk of ed - was the fact that the risk of ed sheeran, — was the fact that the risk of ed sheeran, nine— was the fact that the risk of ed sheeran, nine neither- was the fact that the risk of ed sheeran, nine neither of- was the fact that the risk of ed sheeran, nine neither of them| was the fact that the risk of ed . sheeran, nine neither of them are nominated — sheeran, nine neither of them are nominated for _ sheeran, nine neither of them are nominated for the _ sheeran, nine neither of them are nominated for the best _ sheeran, nine neither of them are nominated for the best album - sheeran, nine neither of them are i nominated for the best album award, the apple _ nominated for the best album award, the apple such— nominated for the best album award, the apple such massive _ nominated for the best album award, the apple such massive names- nominated for the best album award, the apple such massive names and l the apple such massive names and they had _ the apple such massive names and they had irig — the apple such massive names and they had big years. _ the apple such massive names and they had big years, lewis - the apple such massive names and they had big years, lewis capaldi l they had big years, lewis capaldi had the _ they had big years, lewis capaldi had the biggest _ they had big years, lewis capaldi had the biggest selling _ they had big years, lewis capaldi had the biggest selling british i had the biggest selling british aibum — had the biggest selling british aibum iast— had the biggest selling british album last year. _ had the biggest selling british album last year. hot - had the biggest selling british album last year. hot on - had the biggest selling british album last year. hot on his i had the biggest selling british i album last year. hot on his heels was ed _ album last year. hot on his heels was ed sheeran— album last year. hot on his heels was ed sheeran and _ album last year. hot on his heels was ed sheeran and then - album last year. hot on his heels was ed sheeran and then the i album last year. hot on his heels i was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones _ was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones that— was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones. that will— was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones. that will raise _ was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones. that will raise eyebrows i was ed sheeran and then the rolling stones. that will raise eyebrows forl stones. that will raise eyebrows for some _ stones. that will raise eyebrows for some people — stones. that will raise eyebrows for some people-— some people. let's have a listen to some people. let's have a listen to some equity- _ some people. let's have a listen to some equity- -- — some people. let's have a listen to some equity. -- that _ some people. let's have a listen to some equity. -- that have - some people. let's have a listen to some equity. -- that have a i some people. let's have a listen to some equity. -- that have a listen| some equity. —— that have a listen to some lewis capaldi.

# two years and still you are gone # two years and still you are gone # guess i am still holding on # guess i am still holding on # drag money through object # drag money through object # somehow it doesn't hurt though # somehow it doesn't hurt though # because you are still holding on # because you are still holding on # you told your friends you want me dead # and said i did everything wrong # and said i did everything wrong # and said i did everything wrong # and you know i'm wrong

# and you know i'm wrong # well, i will take all of it at the thought of you moving on # i am already... 33. it # i am already... #. it is # i am already... #. it is in _ some of the year category, as in achieving but not in some of the year. why do you think two of the biggest artist of the biggest albums have not made it into that list? i was surprised, he had the biggest selling _ was surprised, he had the biggest selling british album released last year and _ selling british album released last year and he has had a very hard year. _ year and he has had a very hard year, perhaps it was thought he wouldn't — year, perhaps it was thought he wouldn't turn up because he is out of the _ wouldn't turn up because he is out of the public eye at the moment recovering and looking after his mental— recovering and looking after his mental health. he had that spectacular glastonbury performance. he was— spectacular glastonbury performance. he was wavering and losing his voice but the _ he was wavering and losing his voice but the force of feeling from the crowd _ but the force of feeling from the crowd and — but the force of feeling from the crowd and support for him was really bowerfui _ crowd and support for him was really bowerfui i_ crowd and support for him was really powerful. i was there and it was amazing — powerful. i was there and it was amazing i— powerful. i was there and it was amazing. i am surprised he powerful. i was there and it was amazing. lam surprised he has powerful. i was there and it was amazing. i am surprised he has not been _ amazing. i am surprised he has not been recognised. we do not know who has been _ been recognised. we do not know who has been put forward, may be the labet— has been put forward, may be the label chose not to because they didn't— label chose not to because they didn't want to put that pressure on

him, _ didn't want to put that pressure on him. i_ didn't want to put that pressure on him. i am — didn't want to put that pressure on him, lam not didn't want to put that pressure on him, i am not sure. didn't want to put that pressure on him, lam not sure. ed sheeran, i him, iam not sure. ed sheeran, i think— him, lam not sure. ed sheeran, i thinkthe— him, lam not sure. ed sheeran, i think the two _ him, lam not sure. ed sheeran, i think the two albums he put out last year. _ think the two albums he put out last year. they— think the two albums he put out last year, they are very personal albums and downbeat, he made them with the natiorrai— and downbeat, he made them with the national who taylor swift made foikiore — national who taylor swift made folklore with. the public didn't respond — folklore with. the public didn't respond to him in the same way they did with _ respond to him in the same way they did with his— respond to him in the same way they did with his poppy stuff. there were projects— did with his poppy stuff. there were projects he — did with his poppy stuff. there were projects he needed to make and a very personal to him but we can say conclusively — very personal to him but we can say conclusively from their chart performance and these nominations, that is— performance and these nominations, that is perhaps not what the public want from — that is perhaps not what the public want from ed shearing which must be difficult _ want from ed shearing which must be difficult to _ want from ed shearing which must be difficult to weather. gn want from ed shearing which must be difficult to weather.— difficult to weather. on shocks and surrises, difficult to weather. on shocks and surprises, anything _ difficult to weather. on shocks and surprises, anything you _ difficult to weather. on shocks and surprises, anything you noticed? i surprises, anything you noticed? something like pj harvey, maybe the return— something like pj harvey, maybe the return of— something like pj harvey, maybe the return of something like everything but the _ return of something like everything but the girl. jim legacy in the rap category — but the girl. jim legacy in the rap category i— but the girl. jim legacy in the rap category. i think the brits are realty— category. i think the brits are really clearly there is focused so i am not _ really clearly there is focused so i am not surprised to see pj harvey or everything _ am not surprised to see pj harvey or everything but the girl in there. --

outh everything but the girl in there. —— youth focused. we were talking about diversity— youth focused. we were talking about diversity and — youth focused. we were talking about diversity and inclusion _ youth focused. we were talking about diversity and inclusion and _ youth focused. we were talking about diversity and inclusion and he - youth focused. we were talking about diversity and inclusion and he was i diversity and inclusion and he was making _ diversity and inclusion and he was making these _ diversity and inclusion and he was making these decisions _ diversity and inclusion and he was making these decisions behind i diversity and inclusion and he was| making these decisions behind the scenes. _ making these decisions behind the scenes. from — making these decisions behind the scenes, from most— making these decisions behind the scenes, from most of— making these decisions behind the scenes, from most of the - making these decisions behind the scenes, from most of the the i scenes, from most of the the shortlist— scenes, from most of the the shortlist and _ scenes, from most of the the shortlist and also _ scenes, from most of the the shortlist and also the - scenes, from most of the the shortlist and also the overalll shortlist and also the overall winners _ shortlist and also the overall winners are _ shortlist and also the overall winners are decided - shortlist and also the overall winners are decided by- shortlist and also the overall winners are decided by the l shortlist and also the overall i winners are decided by the brits voting _ winners are decided by the brits voting academy _ winners are decided by the brits voting academy. that _ winners are decided by the brits voting academy. that has - winners are decided by the britsl voting academy. that has around winners are decided by the brits - voting academy. that has around 1300 members _ voting academy. that has around 1300 members who— voting academy. that has around 1300 members who are _ voting academy. that has around 1300 members who are drawn _ voting academy. that has around 1300 members who are drawn from - voting academy. that has around 1300 members who are drawn from across i members who are drawn from across the music— members who are drawn from across the music industry— members who are drawn from across the music industry on _ members who are drawn from across the music industry on that _ members who are drawn from across the music industry on that list - members who are drawn from across the music industry on that list is i the music industry on that list is reviewed — the music industry on that list is reviewed and _ the music industry on that list is reviewed and refreshed - the music industry on that list isj reviewed and refreshed annually the music industry on that list is i reviewed and refreshed annually to make _ reviewed and refreshed annually to make sure — reviewed and refreshed annually to make sure it — reviewed and refreshed annually to make sure it is— reviewed and refreshed annually to make sure it is staying _ reviewed and refreshed annually to make sure it is staying and - reviewed and refreshed annually to| make sure it is staying and current. for the _ make sure it is staying and current. for the five — make sure it is staying and current. for the five genre _ make sure it is staying and current. for the five genre categories, i make sure it is staying and current. for the five genre categories, the l for the five genre categories, the likes— for the five genre categories, the likes of— for the five genre categories, the likes of r&b. _ for the five genre categories, the likes of r&b, hip—hop, _ for the five genre categories, the likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop - for the five genre categories, the likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and l for the five genre categories, thei likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on, likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on. though— likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on. though you _ likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on, though you might— likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on, though you might be - likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on, though you might be able i likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so on, though you might be able to l likes of r&b, hip—hop, pop and so i on, though you might be able to have your say— on, though you might be able to have your say because _ on, though you might be able to have your say because the _ on, though you might be able to have your say because the winner- on, though you might be able to have your say because the winner is - your say because the winner is determined _ your say because the winner is determined by— your say because the winner is determined by a _ your say because the winner is determined by a public- your say because the winner is determined by a public vote, i your say because the winner is i determined by a public vote, which is done _ determined by a public vote, which is done through _ determined by a public vote, which is done through instagram - determined by a public vote, which is done through instagram so i determined by a public vote, which is done through instagram so you i determined by a public vote, which i is done through instagram so you can have your— is done through instagram so you can have your say — is done through instagram so you can have your say on _ is done through instagram so you can have your say on those _ is done through instagram so you can have your say on those once - is done through instagram so you can have your say on those once and i is done through instagram so you canj have your say on those once and then there _ have your say on those once and then there is— have your say on those once and then there is the _ have your say on those once and then there is the brits _ have your say on those once and then there is the brits rising _ have your say on those once and then there is the brits rising star— there is the brits rising star award _ there is the brits rising star award that _ there is the brits rising star award. that is _ there is the brits rising star award. that is something i there is the brits rising star- award. that is something separately ehtireiy _ award. that is something separately ehtireiy that— award. that is something separately ehtireiy that is— award. that is something separately entirely. that is decided _ award. that is something separately entirely. that is decided by- award. that is something separately entirely. that is decided by a - award. that is something separately entirely. that is decided by a panel. entirely. that is decided by a panel of music— entirely. that is decided by a panel of music editors, _ entirely. that is decided by a panel of music editors, critics _ entirely. that is decided by a panel of music editors, critics and - of music editors, critics and others _ of music editors, critics and others. that _ of music editors, critics and others. that has _ of music editors, critics and others. that has already- of music editors, critics and . others. that has already been announced. _ others. that has already been announced, we _ others. that has already been announced, we had _ others. that has already been announced, we had at- others. that has already been announced, we had at the i others. that has already been| announced, we had at the end others. that has already been i announced, we had at the end of others. that has already been - announced, we had at the end of last year at _ announced, we had at the end of last year at the _ announced, we had at the end of last yearat the indie— announced, we had at the end of last year at the indie band _ announced, we had at the end of last year at the indie band the _ announced, we had at the end of last year at the indie band the last- year at the indie band the last dinner— year at the indie band the last dinner party— year at the indie band the last dinner party has— year at the indie band the last dinner party has won - year at the indie band the last dinner party has won that i year at the indie band the last- dinner party has won that category. that gives — dinner party has won that category. that gives me — dinner party has won that category. that gives me the _ dinner party has won that category. that gives me the ideal— dinner party has won that category. that gives me the ideal opportunity to bring christine back in because christine, this year we had the very

first time, and ifound this hard to believe, this is the first time we have actually had an r&b category. yes, it is pretty shocking, last year, as i'm sure a lot of viewers will know the pop and r&b category were lumped in together which did a massive disservice for r&b artists, especially for people trying to get their music out to more mainstream audiences. , , ., �* audiences. they brought the r&b cateeo audiences. they brought the r&b category back _ audiences. they brought the r&b category back this _ audiences. they brought the r&b category back this year _ audiences. they brought the r&b category back this year which i audiences. they brought the r&b category back this year which is i category back this year which is very positive to see. you category back this year which is very positive to see.— category back this year which is very positive to see. you have got the list, very positive to see. you have got the list. who _ very positive to see. you have got the list, who is _ very positive to see. you have got the list, who is on _ very positive to see. you have got the list, who is on it? _ very positive to see. you have got the list, who is on it? on - very positive to see. you have got the list, who is on it? on the i very positive to see. you have got the list, who is on it? on the list. the list, who is on it? on the list we have cleo _ the list, who is on it? on the list we have cleo saul, _ the list, who is on it? on the list we have cleo saul, who - the list, who is on it? on the list we have cleo saul, who was i we have cleo saul, who was nominated, george smith, raye and assault. i nominated, george smith, raye and assault. ., �* ~' nominated, george smith, raye and assault. ., �* ,, ., , ., ., assault. i don't think any of that recorded- _ assault. i don't think any of that recorded. what _ assault. i don't think any of that recorded. what you _ assault. i don't think any of that recorded. what you find - assault. i don't think any of that i recorded. what you find attractive in other— recorded. what you find attractive in other people?— in other people? their sense of humour. their _ in other people? their sense of humour. their style. _ in other people? their sense of humour. their style. i - in other people? their sense of humour. their style. i am i in other people? their sense of humour. their style. i am a i in other people? their sense of i humour. their style. i am a teeth erson. humour. their style. i am a teeth person- i —

humour. their style. i am a teeth person- i like _ humour. their style. i am a teeth person. i like your— humour. their style. i am a teeth person. i like your smile. - humour. their style. i am a teeth person. i like your smile. if i humour. their style. i am a teeth person. i like your smile. if you i person. i like your smile. if you can connect- — person. i like your smile. if you can connect. if— person. i like your smile. if you can connect. if you _ person. i like your smile. if you can connect. if you have i person. i like your smile. if you can connect. if you have a i person. i like your smile. if you - can connect. if you have a snatched waste. i can connect. if you have a snatched waste- i want _ can connect. if you have a snatched waste. i want someone _ can connect. if you have a snatched waste. i want someone that - can connect. if you have a snatched waste. i want someone that is - can connect. if you have a snatched waste. i want someone that is my l waste. i want someone that is my best friend- _ best friend. # i didn't know that you would be here tonight # _ here tonight # so... #so... #- # so... # nothing you # so... — # nothing you said, it was all in your— # nothing you said, it was all in your eyes— your eyes # - your eyes # can i get close, even your eyes— # can i get close, even forjust one time? _ time? #- time? # what you time? — # what you come with me and time? # what you come with me and spend the night _ the night # - # - # just #- #justa # _ # just a little # just a little bit # just a little bit for # just a little bit for you # just a little bit for you and # just a little bit for you and i... # just a little bit for you and i... just a little bit fo #. are you surprised jorja smith was on that list or happy? was there anyone you think should have been in that list who isn't? mat you think should have been in that list who isn't?—

you think should have been in that list who isn't? not surprised to see jor'a smith list who isn't? not surprised to see joria smith in _ list who isn't? not surprised to see jorja smith in there. _ list who isn't? not surprised to see jorja smith in there. she _ list who isn't? not surprised to see jorja smith in there. she has - list who isn't? not surprised to see jorja smith in there. she has won l jorja smith in there. she has won some major awards at the brit awards, she is probably one of the most prominent artists we have in the country at this time, she had an album that came out, it's not really surprised to see her name here, very happy to see the likes of pemex salt and cleo saul here. salt have had an amazing year, so widely critically acclaimed. cleo saul was part of that group, ape supergroup. the producerfor that group, ape supergroup. the producer for adele that group, ape supergroup. the producerfor adele was that group, ape supergroup. the producer for adele was involved. that group, ape supergroup. the producerfor adele was involved. a very prominent reggae artist. great names on here. i think the list is to some extent playing it safe and not playing it safe. with the likes of salt in there, you have got to the underground represented and major mainstream artists but uk r&b is a wide and diverse category right now, sometimes they don't always break in the way they need to at the stages. i would have liked to see

the likes of bela orjack james stages. i would have liked to see the likes of bela orjackjames in there, some very talented artists who are linked to that genre in the country here. who are linked to that genre in the country here-— who are linked to that genre in the country here. what you make of the list in the r&b — country here. what you make of the list in the r&b category? _ country here. what you make of the list in the r&b category? like - list in the r&b category? like christina. _ list in the r&b category? like christina. i _ list in the r&b category? like christina, i think _ list in the r&b category? like christina, i think it _ list in the r&b category? like christina, i think it is - list in the r&b category? like christina, i think it is exciting salt_ christina, i think it is exciting salt are — christina, i think it is exciting salt are in _ christina, i think it is exciting salt are in there, they only gave the first— salt are in there, they only gave the first live show in december and people _ the first live show in december and pecule are — the first live show in december and people are sceptical about them charging — people are sceptical about them charging £100 for it but an effect on this— charging £100 for it but an effect on this exact same extravaganza multirooni — on this exact same extravaganza multiroom dozens and dozens of instrumentalists, in london. they are one _ instrumentalists, in london. they are one of— instrumentalists, in london. they are one of the drivers of this list and i_ are one of the drivers of this list and i feel— are one of the drivers of this list and i feel like they are genuinely innovative — and i feel like they are genuinely innovative british force and i although— innovative british force and i although they have put out loads of records _ although they have put out loads of records already, there was or is anyone — records already, there was or is anyone dropping by surprise. i don't anyone dropping by surprise. idon't think— anyone dropping by surprise. i don't think we _ anyone dropping by surprise. i don't think we have seen the making of theni _ think we have seen the making of theni yet~ — think we have seen the making of theni yet i— think we have seen the making of them et. .. , , them yet. i think it is interesting them yet. i think it is interesting the last year— them yet. i think it is interesting the last year mahalia _ them yet. i think it is interesting the last year mahalia protested l the last year mahalia protested against — the last year mahalia protested against the _ the last year mahalia protested against the joint _ the last year mahalia protested against the joint pop _ the last year mahalia protested against the joint pop and - the last year mahalia protested against the joint pop and r&b i against the joint pop and r&b category _ against the joint pop and r&b category she _ against the joint pop and r&b category. she went _ against the joint pop and r&b category. she went to - against the joint pop and r&b category. she went to the - against the joint pop and r&bi category. she went to the brits wearing — category. she went to the brits wearing a — category. she went to the brits wearing a jacket _ category. she went to the brits wearing a jacket which - category. she went to the brits wearing a jacket which said -

category. she went to the brits. wearing a jacket which said long live r&b. — wearing a jacket which said long live r&b, which _ wearing a jacket which said long live r&b, which i _ wearing a jacket which said long live r&b, which i think- wearing a jacket which said long live r&b, which i think is- wearing a jacket which said long live r&b, which i think is really. live r&b, which i think is really interesting _ live r&b, which i think is really interesting that— live r&b, which i think is really interesting that now _ live r&b, which i think is really interesting that now she - live r&b, which i think is really interesting that now she is - live r&b, which i think is reallyj interesting that now she is part live r&b, which i think is really. interesting that now she is part of the nominations. _ interesting that now she is part of the nominations. horat— interesting that now she is part of the nominations.— interesting that now she is part of the nominations. how important is it for the mb — the nominations. how important is it for the r&b genre _ the nominations. how important is it for the r&b genre to _ the nominations. how important is it for the r&b genre to have _ the nominations. how important is it for the r&b genre to have this - for the r&b genre to have this category at the brits? i for the r&b genre to have this category at the brits?- for the r&b genre to have this category at the brits? i think it is massively important. _ category at the brits? i think it is massively important. there - category at the brits? i think it is massively important. there has i category at the brits? i think it is - massively important. there has been a discussion in and around the music industry for a long time that british r&b is maybe not supported in the way it is international, you have, for example, big uk r&b artists who felt they had to move over to other countries to make their career. i think there is arguably more of a legacy of institutional r&b support in the likes of the us like motown labels upon labels whereas here, people are still fighting to have that push, like in the mainstream way and not have anomalies in that manner. i think it's really important because we see r&b represented in other categories like rising star. we had flu last year, we have won this

year. what does that say to the artist if there is no vehicle for them to get to the superstar stage and congratulation once they have made their start? i think that is so problematic and very important as to why this category has been brought back. iii why this category has been brought back. , ., . �* why this category has been brought back. , ., ., �* ., why this category has been brought back. ., �* ., ., , back. if you haven't gone and seen him, ou back. if you haven't gone and seen him. you must— back. if you haven't gone and seen him, you must because _ back. if you haven't gone and seen him, you must because he - back. if you haven't gone and seen him, you must because he is - him, you must because he is brilliant. i'm also interested generally in the categories. rappers have done very well. central cee was nominated for four. your reaction to the fact wrappers have done well in the fact wrappers have done well in the main stream categories? it is the main stream categories? it is news. we the main stream categories? it is news we had — the main stream categories? it is news. we had only _ the main stream categories? it 3 news. we had only two winners last year who went white so it was not representative of the state of british pop music, so it feels right to see them represented in those categories. to see them represented in those catetories. �* , to see them represented in those categories— categories. let's have a little taste of central _ categories. let's have a little taste of central cee. -

taste of central cee. # mixing code and #— # mixing code and # sure fit but she wants to get finnigan — finnigan # - finnigan # drinking apple cider timigem — # drinking apple cider vinegar # drinking apple cider vinegar # stop— # drinking apple cider vinegar # stop acting innocent # stop acting innocent # we _ # stop acting innocent # we haven't got generational wealthm — now one of the other categories as international artists and no surprise, that taylor swift is in it. let's take a listen. # you brushed past me in the hallway and you don't think i can see it...

#. no surprise that taylor swift, one of the biggest artists in the planet, is in the international category. fin planet, is in the international cateto . ., ., ., �* category. on one hand we haven't heard of anything _ category. on one hand we haven't heard of anything apart _ category. on one hand we haven't heard of anything apart from - category. on one hand we haven't. heard of anything apart from taylor swift in the past year but she also hasn't put out any original music in the eligibility period. it has just been a recording of her album so she can regain eligibility. the brits are a representation of popularity, but she is not a very currently active artist at the moment. perhaps that spot could have better gone to someone like abbott ray or mitski, who had a massive hit. not a surprise perhaps not the best use of that spot. irate surprise perhaps not the best use of that s-ot. ~ ., , that spot. we have very little time left. when that spot. we have very little time left- when is _ that spot. we have very little time left. when is the _ that spot. we have very little time left. when is the ceremony - that spot. we have very little time left. when is the ceremony itself? we do not have a host yet. we do

not, the ceremony _ we do not have a host yet. we do not, the ceremony is _ we do not have a host yet. we do not, the ceremony is to _ we do not have a host yet. we do not, the ceremony is to be - we do not have a host yet. we do not, the ceremony is to be mid i we do not have a host yet. we do - not, the ceremony is to be mid week, that is— not, the ceremony is to be mid week, that is always — not, the ceremony is to be mid week, that is always how it had been. last year it— that is always how it had been. last year it went — that is always how it had been. last year it went to a saturday for the first time — year it went to a saturday for the first time and it brought in a pretty— first time and it brought in a pretty big audiences so they have obviously— pretty big audiences so they have obviously looked at it and said this is a format — obviously looked at it and said this is a format that works, so it will be on _ is a format that works, so it will be on saturday at much the second. it is be on saturday at much the second. it is at _ be on saturday at much the second. it is at the _ be on saturday at much the second. it is at the 02 arena in london. it is going _ it is at the 02 arena in london. it is going to — it is at the 02 arena in london. it is going to be broadcast on itv but we will— is going to be broadcast on itv but we will also — is going to be broadcast on itv but we will also be there on the night for all— we will also be there on the night for all the — we will also be there on the night for all the news and reaction. tiers; for all the news and reaction. very tuickl , for all the news and reaction. very quickly. who _ for all the news and reaction. very quickly, who would _ for all the news and reaction. very quickly, who would you _ for all the news and reaction. , quickly, who would you like to host? i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken _ i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken shop _ i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken shop date _ i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken shop date would - i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken shop date would be - i was thinking maybe amelia from chicken shop date would be good. j i was thinking maybe amelia from - chicken shop date would be good. she has previous— chicken shop date would be good. she has previous award _ chicken shop date would be good. she has previous award ceremonies. - chicken shop date would be good. she has previous award ceremonies. we . has previous award ceremonies. we need _ has previous award ceremonies. we need to— has previous award ceremonies. we need to go— has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back— has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back to— has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back to the _ has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back to the days - has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back to the days of - has previous award ceremonies. we need to go back to the days ofjacki need to go back to the days ofjack whitehall— need to go back to the days ofjack whitehall who _ need to go back to the days ofjack whitehall who was _ need to go back to the days ofjack whitehall who was quick, - need to go back to the days ofjack whitehall who was quick, funny - need to go back to the days ofjacki whitehall who was quick, funny and -ood whitehall who was quick, funny and good at _ whitehall who was quick, funny and good at niocking _ whitehall who was quick, funny and good at mocking people _ whitehall who was quick, funny and good at mocking people are - whitehall who was quick, funny and good at mocking people are making viral moments _ good at mocking people are making viral moments which _ good at mocking people are making viral moments which is _ good at mocking people are making viral moments which is what - good at mocking people are making viral moments which is what the - viral moments which is what the brits— viral moments which is what the brits need — viral moments which is what the brits need to _ viral moments which is what the brits need to survive. _ viral moments which is what the brits need to survive.— viral moments which is what the brits need to survive. quickly, who do ou brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? _ brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? munya _ brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? munya is _ brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? munya is who - brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? munya is who i - brits need to survive. quickly, who do you want? munya is who i want | do you want? munya is who i want personally- _ do you want? munya is who i want personally- we — do you want? munya is who i want personally. we will— do you want? munya is who i want personally. we will have _ coverage of the actual results when they are out in march, thank you

very much forjoining us on this bbc news specialfor the brit very much forjoining us on this bbc news special for the brit award nominations. hello there, as strom jocelyn cleared as sure shmancy has been a day for assessing the damage that was left. it was a slightly quieter story with winds gradually easing down and we did see some brief glimpses of sunshine, not a did see some brief glimpses of sunshine, nota bad did see some brief glimpses of sunshine, not a bad afternoon in northumberland. as you go through this evening and overnight the winds will continue to ease. we have got the weather fronts drift in from the west, they will bring out days of rain but introduces south—westerly flow which is driving milder air across the country. there will be a lot of cloud to start the day on thursday. outbreaks of drizzle, mystic editions along west coasts and some rain moving out of northern ireland into northern scotland, but by the end of the afternoon most of

the persistent rain will have eased away. it will stay damp and drizzly with some showers out to be blessed, but an incredibly mad story for all of us, 13 degrees in london at this time of year. we should be seen to produce about seven or eight. there are some showery outbreaks of rain into northern england, hopefully a brighter story into the afternoon for northern ireland, mild here and still very mild, especially in comparison to where we were just over a week ago in scotland. highs of 10-12 . over a week ago in scotland. highs of 10—12 . through thursday night into the early hours of friday morning there will be a spell of heavier more persistent rain as the cold front starts to push its way steadily eastwards, hopefully that will clear away from to push its way steadily eastwards, hopefully that will clear away from east anglia. here it will be a mild start on best of the sunshine, and on the whole image of high pressure will build on a friday keeping things largely fine and quiet, some scattered showers around northern and west facing coasts of scotland and northern

ireland. a little bit fresher here but generally those temperatures above where they should be for a time of year style. at around 6—12 . into the start of the weekend england and wales, clear skies, fresh conditions, for a 5 degrees in the far north and west but that is where we will have the best of the sunshine, and on the whole image of high pressure will build on friday keeping things largely fine and quiet, some scattered showers around northern and western coasts of scotland and northern ireland. a little bit fresher here but generally does temperatures above where they should be for a time of year still. at around 6—12 . enter the start of the weekend england and wales under this influence of toppling across the hype we will see weather fronts, toppling across the hype we will see weatherfronts, looking toppling across the hype we will see weather fronts, looking further ahead there is the risk of some wet or windy weather into the far north and west. nowhere near as severe as it has been, and on the whole that mild trend is going to stay with us. the best of any sunshine certainly across central and southern, quiet and dry. toppling across the height we will see weather fronts, looking further ahead there is the risk of some wet or windy weather into

live from london, this is bbc news. tanks shells hit a un facility sheltering tens of thousands of people in khan younis in gaza, leaving at least nine dead. a russian military plane

crashes, with no survivors. moscow says ukrainian prisoners of war were on board and accuses kyiv of shooting it down. in the us, donald trump defeats nikki haley in the republican a shake—up of the uk royal mail could see deliveries as few as three days a week. and the nominations for the 2024 the brit awards have just been released — it is the uk's biggest music award ceremony. hello, i'm ben thompson, welcome to the programme. we begin with developments in the war between israel and gaza — and the un refugee agency unrwa says a training centre sheltering tens of thousands of displaced people has been hit reports sat at least nine

people have been killed and 75 injured.