You may remember there being some backlash against the BRITs last year when it was revealed that Rina Sawayama – who has lived in the UK for more than two decades – was not eligible for the domestic categories at the ceremony; nor for that matter was she eligible for the Mercury Music Prize.
This was because although she has indefinite leave to remain in the country, she still retains a Japanese passport so she can maintain ties with her immediate family.
Now, the BPI have seemingly got their act together, and – just as voting opens for this year’s delayed BRITs – she can indeed be in the running.
Given that her debut album was the best pop record of 2020, fingers crossed she’s in for the recognition she deserves in the Rising Star category. (She can’t compete for British Female or British Album just yet because the record – ludicrously – didn’t chart. But at least the door is now open for other artists in similar positions, and for her specifically in the future.)
In a post on social media, she said: “I’m over the moon to share the news that, following a number of conversations, the BPI has decided to change the rules.
“Starting this year, artists (like me) will be eligible for nomination even without British citizenship.”
According to the BBC, acts now have to meet one of three criteria: they were born in the UK, they are a UK passport holder (this includes those that hold more than one passport), or they have been permanently resident in the UK for more than five years.
Last year, Rising Star went to Celeste. Previous winners have included Adele, Florence and the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sande and Sam Smith.
The BRIT Awards 2021 will be held on May 11.
Electric Angels 