Brits Rising Star award: Celeste, Beabadoobee and Joy Crookes on all-women shortlist
Winner will be announced on 6 December
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Your support makes all the difference.The Brit Awards has announced the three shortlisted artists for the inaugural Rising Star award are Celeste, Beabadoobee and Joy Crookes.
The all-women shortlist spans indie-rock, soul and jazz, following the renaming of the award from Critics' Choice as part of a number of changes for the annual music prize.
Since 2008, the Critics' Choice/Rising Star award has helped to launch a number of successful British artists including Sam Smith, Adele, Jorja Smith and Sam Fender.
LA-born artist Celeste, who was raised between Dagenham and Brighton, has received critical acclaim for her soulful voice. She has supported of Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monae and Neneh Cherry, and also duetted with Paul Weller.
"To be nominated for the Rising Star award is a huge honour, especially to be recognised this early on in my career," she said.
Beadbadoobee was born in the Philippines and raised in London. The 19-year-old has generated a large fanbase with her brand of confessional pop and DIY approach to her music. She said: "It's super cool to be nominated for the Brits Rising Star Award and I'm so grateful. It's so weird to think that writing music in my bedroom could appeal to so many people. Thank you so much to anyone who has voted for me!"
Joy Crookes hails from south London and garnered attention after starring in a video for the YouTube channel Colors, where she performed her song "Mother May I Sleep With Danger". She released two EPs this year, Reminiscence and Perception, and played a number of festival performances.
"I remember watching the Brits as a child, especially seeing my favourites like Lily Allen, Corinne Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse up on the screen," she said. "I've always looked up to these inspiring and strong women so to be able to be recognised in the same way they were is insane – thank you so much to anyone who has supported me to get here!"
The Rising Star shortlist was selected by a panel of music editors, critics, radio and music TV station heads, songwriters, producers and live bookers. The 2020 ceremony will mark the first time a winner will be invited to perform on the night.
The 2020 Rising Star winner will be announced on Friday 6 December.
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