The Song of the Year Award: Chase & Status, Stormzy ‘Backbone’

The song ‘Backbone’ is a collaboration between British rapper Stormzy and the acclaimed drum and bass duo Chase & Status. Released on August 8, 2024, it quickly became a massive hit, reaching the No. 1 spot on the UK charts. Stormzy is known for his influential role in UK grime, while Chase & Status, are celebrated for their contributions to drum and bass and UK dance music. Last year’s award went to PinkPantheress with ‘Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2’.

The Play Next Award: Brooke Combe

This category highlights groups and artists who have achieved success in 2024 and are expected to become bigger in the upcoming years, last year won by The Last Dinner Party. The nominees included Elmiene, Master Peace and Nia Smith. The winner, Brooke Combe, is a rising Scottish singer-songwriter  influenced by Motown, soul, and R&B who gained recognition through viral covers on social media, including ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, which became an anthem for Scotland’s football team in 2021. Her soulful voice and retro influences have drawn comparisons to artists like Marvin Gaye and Baby Huey.

The Live Act Award: Confidence Man

This award recognises performers (and their performances) who have left their mark in 2024. The nominees included Dua Lipa and Sugababes.

The Group Award: Ezra Collective

Ezra Collective is a London-based jazz quintet known for blending traditional jazz with Afrobeat, reggae, hip-hop, and funk, creating a dynamic and genre-defying sound. Ezra Collective has received widespread acclaim for revitalising and broadening jazz’s appeal, particularly in the UK. Their debut album, ‘You Can’t Steal My Joy’ (2019), introduced their vibrant style and featured collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner. Their 2022 album, ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, won the 2023 Mercury Prize, making them the first jazz act to achieve this milestone. The nominees also included Fontaines D.C and English Teacher.

The Album Award: Fontaines D.C. – ‘Romance’

The album ‘Romance’ by Fontaines D.C., released on August 23, 2024, marks the band’s fourth studio album and a significant departure from their earlier, post-punk-dominated sound.  The nominees included Charli XCX with the album ‘Brat’ and The Last Dinner Party’s ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’.

The Trailblazer Award: JADE

The Rolling Stone Trailblazer recognises individuals or groups who have significantly influenced their field by pushing boundaries and pioneering new paths. This award highlights not only artistic excellence but also the ability to inspire others and bring about meaningful change.

JADE is a British singer and songwriter best known for her tenure with the girl group Little Mix, which rose to fame after winning The X Factor in 2011. Following Little Mix’s success and hiatus, JADE launched her solo career with her debut single, ‘Angel of My Dreams’, released in July 2024. Her follow-up single, ‘Fantasy’, took a disco turn, influenced by artists like Donna Summer and Diana Ross.

The Breakthrough Award: English Teacher

The Breakthrough Award recognizes achievements such as standout performances at major festivals, achieving chart-topping releases, or gaining widespread acclaim within a relatively short time.

English Teacher is a British indie rock band that blends elements of punk, post-punk, and art rock. The band gained recognition with their debut single ‘R&B’ in 2021 and has been lauded for their creative and experimental approach to music​. Their debut album, ‘This Could Be Texas‘ won the 2024 Mercury Prize. English Teacher continues to gain attention as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging acts, celebrated for their ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Icon Award: New Order

New Order is a renowned British band formed in 1980 by the remaining members of Joy Division after the tragic death of their lead singer, Ian Curtis. They emerged from the post-punk scene and evolved into pioneers of alternative dance music by blending rock with electronic styles, heavily influencing genres like synth-pop and dance-rock.

.@neworder are presented with this year’s Icon Award, supported by @westhollywood, for a fantastic 40-year career in which they have consistently broken new ground.#RSUKawards pic.twitter.com/jknuZ1J7uW

— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) November 28, 2024

The Record Label of the Year: Island Records

Island Records is a legendary music label founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica. After relocating to London in the early 1960s, Island Records played a pivotal role in the rise of reggae through artists like Bob Marley. The label also diversified, supporting rock, pop, and alternative artists, including U2, Grace Jones, and Amy Winehouse.

Festival of the Year: Brixton’s Wide Awake

The festival held annually in Brixton, London, is a relatively new addition to the festival scene. The event focuses on alternative, electronic, and underground artists, celebrating innovation and inclusivity in music. Wide Awake emphasizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly practices and supporting local community initiatives. Its diverse programming spans music, talks, and arts, making it a standout cultural event in the UK.

It’s our great pleasure to announce the winner of The Global Icon Award, supported by Visit West Hollywood: Nile Rodgers. https://t.co/WLxzdVusA7

— Rolling Stone UK (@RollingStoneUK) November 22, 2024

The announcement of Rodgers as the well-deserved recipient of the award came soon after Rolling Stone UK revealed this year’s shortlisted nominees for other major categories including: The Breakthrough Award, The Artist Award, The Album Award and the Song of the Year Award.

The Global Icon Award is selected with support from Visit West Hollywood, which awarded the same title to heavy metal icon, Ozzy Osbourne last year.

This year’s recipient of the Global Icon Award, Nile Rodgers has an impressive and legendary career spanning over five decades. As co-founder of the prominent disco band, Chic, known from their timeless tracks from the 1970s, ‘Le Freak’, ‘Good Times’ and ‘Everybody Dance’, Rodgers has had a pivotal presence in the creation of the industry’s most influential tracks.

Rodgers has experimented beyond the genres of disco, funk and soul within his expansive discography. He has become well-immersed in R&B, rock, pop, dance and electronic dance during his time in the industry.

The now-72-year-old songwriter and producer couldn’t have been more deserving of the Global Icon Award having sold more than 500 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide. These very impressive figures have established Rodgers as one of the industry’s greats. He has had a substantial influence in the industry, while being a figurehead of funk, he has also served significant contributions as producer to pop culture’s most memorable hits.

One of Madonna’s most popular tracks, which has sold more than 22 million copies worldwide, ‘Like A Virgin’ was produced by Rodgers in 1984, who at first, was against producing the song over dislike of its hook, came to like the track after admitting the song had got stuck in his head during the time of its recording.

Along with ‘Like A Virgin’, Rodgers has produced: David Bowie’s 1983 hit ‘Let’s Dance’ part of Bowie’s album of the same name which sold 10.7 million copies worldwide; Diana Ross’ most listened to tracks ‘I’m Coming Out’ and ‘Upside Down’; Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ and Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ from 2013, which features vocal contributions from Pharrell Williams. The track of which spent four weeks on the UK’s Official Singles Chart, which became the second best-selling single of 2013 and Rodger’s first-ever UK million seller.

Rodgers has been an innovative pioneer to the music industry for over 50 years, following popular trends whilst honing his craft as an influential figure in funk and soul. The now-awarded Global Icon doesn’t seem any closer to putting away his Fender Stratocaster, as the icon is currently touring as part of his ‘Nile Rodgers & Chic’ ensemble performing across the UK, South America and Europe during the rest of 2024 and 2025.

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