The Brit awards has announced the nominations for its 2019 critics’ choice prize. Leicester R&B singer Mahalia, Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi and Newcastle troubadour Sam Fender are up for the prize, which is widely regarded as a self-fulfilling prophecy for industry success.
Mahalia Burkmar, 20, signed to Atlantic at age 13. She has sung with Rudimental, supported Ed Sheeran and had a part in Noel Clarke’s 2016 film Brotherhood. In 2016, she released her debut album, Diary of Me; a follow-up is expected in 2019. Her songwriting dwells on relationships and breakups.
Capaldi, 22, first sparked public attention in March 2017 for his first single, Bruises. Its success on Spotify resulted in his signing to Virgin. His lovelorn songwriting saw him tipped on the BBC Sound of 2018 list. He was named alongside indie band Pale Waves on the BBC Radio 1 Brit list this summer, signifying a commitment of support from the station.
Fender, 24, was also named on the BBC’s Sound of 2018 long list. He signed to Polydor in June 2018. He writes about themes including government surveillance and his despair for his generation and its “poundshop Kardashians”, as he put it on a recent single.
Whoever is declared victorious on 7 December, will follow in the footsteps of previous winners including Adele, Sam Smith and Rag’n’Bone Man.
The prize, now in its 11th year, is decided by an invited panel of music editors, critics and heads of music at major radio and music TV stations. The award is open to British artists who haven’t had a Top 40 album success as of 31 October 2018.
The 2019 Brit awards will be broadcast live on ITV on 20 February from London’s O2 Arena.
