Charli XCX leads BRIT Awards nominations, Beatles' last song recognized

Singer Charli XCX, whose album "Brat" inspired a cultural phenomenon last summer, led the nominations for the BRIT Awards on Thursday. The Beatles were also recognized with their first nod at Britain's pop music honors since 1977.

Charli XCX received five nominations overall, including for artist of the year, dance act and pop act, while her single "Guess", featuring Billie Eilish, is up for song of the year.

"Brat," which inspired fans to film themselves dancing to its tracks and whose lime green cover look was adopted by U.S. presidential hopeful Kamala Harris' campaign on social media after the pop star referenced her in a post, will compete for the coveted album of the year prize.

Its competitors for that award include singer Dua Lipa's "Radical Optimism," jazz quintet Ezra Collective for "Dance, No One’s Watching," and indie rock band The Last Dinner Party's "Prelude to Ecstasy." All three acts have four nominations each.

The Cure's "Songs Of A Lost World" completes the best album list. They were last nominated for a BRIT Award in 1993.

The band, also in the running for group of the year and best alternative/rock act, topped the UK charts with the album, their first in 16 years.

The Beatles, last nominated at the inaugural 1977 BRIT Awards, were recognized in the Song of the Year category with "Now And Then."

FILE PHOTO: Former Beatles Ringo Starr (L) and Paul McCartney attend the world premiere of 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years' in London, Britain September 15, 2016. REUTERS/Neil Hall/File Photo

Billed as the last Beatles song, the chart-topping single features the voice of late member John Lennon and was developed using artificial intelligence. It also features parts recorded by surviving members Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and the late George Harrison.

The awards, which will be held in London on March 1, feature gender-neutral categories with 10 nominees for artists and international artists of the year. Organizers doubled the number following an outcry over an all-male list of best artist contenders at the 2023 awards.

Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish are among the famous names nominated for International Artist of the Year.

One winner has already been revealed for BRIT Rising Star, which this year goes to "Stargazing" singer Myles Smith. He has three other nominations.