It’s nearly that time again when the British music industry gets together to slap its collective back and dole out some statuettes to its best and brightest acts. But before James Corden raises the curtain on this years Brit Awards next week, here’s my thoughts on who should win. Let me know who you think should win in the comments at the bottom, Full list of Brit Awards nominees here.
British Breakthrough Act
Alt-J won the Mercury prize last year, which marks them out as an obvious choice as the band who made the biggest ‘breakthrough’. On the night, I think this will be between Jessie Ware and Rita Ora – but if it was up to me I’d give the statuette to Jake Bugg, whose debut album took him from nowhere to sold out gigs and US talk shows almost overnight.
British Female Solo Artist
Although it would be nice if they were to give this to Amy Winehouse, I can’t see past Emeli Sande for this one. 2012 was definitely her year, for lots of reasons I don’t really need to go into here! With the other nominees being Bat For Lashes, Jessie Ware and Paloma Faith, I think I’d give this to Emeli Sande as well.
British Group
If One Direction win this then the Brits is well and truly finished as a serious award ceremony. Muse, The xx, Mumford & Sons and Alt-j are also nominated, so surely it’s not possible for One Direction to win! Due to the amount of albums sold, I’d have to pick Mumford & Sons for this.
British Live Act
For me, this category is always pretty easy – it all depends on whether Muse have played a gig in the past year. If they have, then I’d give it to them. Seeing as they did indeed play a live show in the past 12 months, Muse are my winners. No idea who the Brits will give it to though, probably Rolling Stones for the headlines and column inches…
British Male Solo Artist
This looks like a particularly weak category this year for some reason. I’d immediately discount Olly Murs, Plan B and Calvin Harris – for obvious taste reasons – which leaves me with Ben Howard and Richard Hawley. No contest, Richard Hawley wins it for me.
British Single
Lots of nominations in this category, most of them bland Radio 1 ‘hits’ that don’t really warrant being singled out as winners over the rest. If my arm’s twisted I’d give it to Labrinth for ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’, which was quite nice I guess…
International Female
Not sure about this one either really. If it was judged on getting in the papers, then Rihanna would win hands down. It’s not though, so I’d give it Lana Del Rey and quickly move on…
International Group
After trashing The Killers’ latest album, I can’t really give this to them. I’d also discount .fun and The Script because they’re both rubbish – so out of The Black Keys and Alabama Shakes I’d go for… (tosses a coin)… The Black Keys.
International Male
Jack White, easily. Everyday of the week.
Mastercard British Album Of The Year
The big one. You can tell it’s important because it has its own sponsor. Looking at the list of nominees doesn’t make it seem very big though. Alt-J are in there, obviously, as well as the ubiquitous Emeli Sande and Mumford and Sons. The barrel scraping is completed with Paloma Faith and Plan B. Out of a fairly sorry lot, I’d go for Emeli Sande, and then demand answers as to why Jake Bugg, Bat For Lashes, Muse, The xx, Bloc Party, Richard Hawley and The Cribs weren’t nominated….
So there’s my Brit Awards 2013 winners. The actual ceremony takes place on 20 February. Who do you think deserves to win a Brit? Share your predictions below…
