'Brat' icon Charli XCX picks up Brit award for best songwriter / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
-
Iran missile barrage sparks explosions over Tel Aviv
-
US says Venezuela to protect mining firms as diplomatic ties restored
-
Trump honors Messi and MLS Cup champion Miami teammates
-
Dismal Spurs can still avoid relegation vows Tudor
-
Berger sets early pace at Arnold Palmer with 'unbelievable' 63
-
Morocco part company with coach Regragui as World Cup looms
-
Lens beat Lyon on penalties to reach French Cup semis
-
El Salvador's Bukele holding dozens of political prisoners: rights group
-
With Iran war, US goes it alone like never before
-
Spurs slip deeper into relegation trouble after loss to Palace
-
European, US stocks back in sell-off mode as oil prices surge
-
Pete Hegseth: Trump's Iran war attack dog
-
Celtics' Tatum could make injury return on Friday
-
'Enemy at home': Iranian authorities tighten grip as war rages
-
Bethell set for 'hell of a career', says England captain Brook
-
France coach Galthie slams Scotland for 'smallest changing room in the world'
-
Medvedev arrives in Indian Wells after being stranded in Dubai
-
Trump fires homeland security chief Kristi Noem
-
Mideast war risks pulling more in as conflict boils over
-
Wales' James Botham 'sledged' by grandfather Ian Botham after Six Nations error
-
India hero Samson eyes 'one more' big knock in T20 World Cup final
-
Britney Spears detained on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
-
Grooming makes Crufts debut as UK dog show widens offer
-
Townsend insists Scots' focus solely on France not Six Nations title race
-
UK sends more fighter jets to Gulf: PM
-
EU to ban plant-based 'bacon' but veggie 'burgers' survive chop
-
Leagues Cup to hold matches in Mexico for first time
-
India reach T20 World Cup final after England fail in epic chase
-
Conservative Anglicans press opposition to Church's first woman leader
-
Iran players sing anthem and salute at Women's Asian Cup
-
India beat England in high-scoring T20 World Cup semi-final
-
Mideast war traps 20,000 seafarers, 15,000 cruise passengers in Gulf
-
Italy bring back Brex to face England
-
French policeman to be tried over 2023 killing of teen
-
Oil prices rise, stocks slide as Middle East war stirs supply concerns
-
More flights take off despite continued fighting in Middle East
-
Ukraine, Russia free 200 POWs each
-
Middle East war halts work at WHO's Dubai emergency hub
-
Paramount's Ellison vows CNN editorial independence
-
US says attacks on alleged drug boats have spooked traffickers
-
Dempsey returns as Scotland shuffle pack for Six Nations clash against France
-
India pile up 253-7 against England in T20 World Cup semi-final
-
Wary Europeans pledge 'defensive' military aid in Mideast war
-
Seven countries to boycott Paralympics ceremony over Russia: organisers
-
UK's Crufts dog show opens with growing global appeal
-
PSG prepare for Chelsea clash with Monaco rematch
-
Google opens AI centre as Berlin defends US tech reliance
-
Second Iranian ship nears Sri Lanka after submarine attack
-
Portugal mourns acclaimed writer Antonio Lobo Antunes
-
Union loses fight against Tesla at German factory
'Brat' icon Charli XCX picks up Brit award for best songwriter
British pop sensation and "brat summer" icon Charli XCX Wednesday won the Brit award for best songwriter of the year, putting her in pole position to scoop up the most honours in a weekend ceremony.
The 32-year-old also has five nominations going into Saturday's awards -- the highest of any artist -- including the nod for the coveted artist of the year prize.
"Charli's songwriting is distinctive, bold and relentlessly innovative," said Damian Christian, chair of the 2025 Brit committee.
And he added her highly successful album "Brat" had "taken her craft to new heights".
"Brat", Charli's sixth album launched in June, transformed her into one of the top music stars in 2024, with its lime-green cover and celebration of a relaxed, partying lifestyle.
It re-defined the word "brat" with Charli describing a "brat girl" as someone "who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes, who feels herself, but then also maybe has a breakdown, but kind of parties through it".
The word even became associated with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris when fans began applying the coloured "brat" filter to the nominee's images.
Charli XCX, real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison, voiced approval with a sign-off -- "kamala IS brat" -- swiftly embraced by the Harris campaign.
In November, just days before Harris's presidency bid ended in defeat, Collins dictionary designated "brat" as its Word of the Year.
In past years, star singer-songwriters Ed Sheeran and Raye were also crowned with the best songwriter award ahead of the main competition.
Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, The Cure are all up for awards along with Charli XCX on Saturday.
The 45th annual Brit Awards at London's O2 Arena will recognise the top musical talent of 2024, and also feature live performances from indie singer Sam Fender and US rapper Teddy Swims.
The coveted Best Album Of The Year Award will be fought out by Charli XCX, veteran goth band The Cure, seven-time Brit winner Dua Lipa, jazz group Ezra Collective and indie-rockers The Last Dinner Party.
US singer Sabrina Carpenter, who is up for the International Artist Of The Year Award, will be presented with the Brits Global Success award on the night, in recognition of her mammoth global sales in 2024.
The Brit Awards have recognised the cream of British pop music since they were first held in 1977, and have often been peppered with scandal and farce.
A.Ruegg--VB
