Hundreds of music journalists, experts, and industry people can’t be wrong, right?! Last night the shortlist for the BRITs 2018 Critics Choice Award (given to a British artist predicted for future success) was announced and we like what we see. Three finalists, three wonderful women. Following in the footsteps of i-D cover star Adele, this year sees i-D one to watch Jorja Smith continue to rise and rise, alongside mononymous angel and friend of the magazine Mabel, and big deal US-conquering London rapper/i-D Class of 2017 graduate Stefflon Don.
“It’s an honour to be recognised amongst such incredible emerging talent,” Jorja Smith said, before promising “so much more to come from me in 2018.” Mabel calls being nominated “a dream come true”, while Steff gave “a big shout out to all my fans and dons for their support. 2017 has been lit and I can’t wait for 2018! Mad love to you all.”
While the winner of Critics Choice will be announced on 4 December, we’ll have to wait a couple of months for the main event. Tune in on 21 February when the BRIT Awards will be broadcast live on the telly from London’s O2 Arena, packed with big names, big sets (Katy Perry’s paper town and giant skeleton Trump last year was particularly innovative), and big pre-filmed acceptance speeches from the big international winners. This year’s red block of a trophy was designed by artist Anish Kapoor, who trapped poor Britannia inside the award. Lovely.