Awards: “Escapism.” singer Raye wins at Brit Awards

British singer Raye lived up to her role as favorite at this year’s Brit Awards, setting a record with awards in five categories. At the awards ceremony on Saturday evening in London, she received the trophies for Best Album (“My 21st Century Blues”), Best Song (“Escapism.”), Best Female Artist, Best New Artist and Best R’n’ B artist. In the run-up to the 44th awards ceremony, she had already been named songwriter of the year – the first woman in the history of the awards. Raye entered the race with seven nominations – more than any other solo artist before her. With five awards, she set the record for most Brits won in an awards year, drawing level with Blur, Harry Styles and Adele.

The Brit Award for Best International Band went to the US indie band boygenius, consisting of singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. SZA was unable to accept her award for Best International Artist in person and thanked her via video message, as did Miley Cyrus, who was delighted to receive her award for Best International Song.

There was no prize for the only German nominee: Together with Oliver Tree, DJ Robin Schulz was nominated for Best International Song with “Miss You”.

Dua Lipa opened the awards ceremony at the Millennium Dome in London with her hit “Training Season” including impressive New Circus-style acrobatics and risky stunts. Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding performed their hit “Miracle” together for the first time at the Brits. Raye, Jungle, Becky Hill with Chase & Status, Rema and Tate McRae also performed during the awards show. Australian pop queen Kylie Minogue was honored as a “Global Icon” and played a medley of her greatest hits at the end of the evening.