We’re rapidly approaching the time of year when Glastonbury festival typically reveals its line-up, with Emily Eavis confirming that 2024’s acts will be revealed at some point this week.
And ahead of the festival organiser finally revealing who’s headed to Worthy Farm, rumours are swirling around a “big slot” for South London singer-songwriter Raye following her record-breaking sweep at the Brit Awards.
“Emily [Eavis] is a huge fan of Raye,” a source told The Sun. “She loves her story of grafting for years and taking on the music industry and record labels and winning.
“It was a no-brainer to have her back at the farm but after her six BRITs last month Emily now wants to give her as big a slot as possible.”
Raye has played the Pyramid Stage once before; at last year’s Glastonbury, 60,000 punters turned out to watch her debut performance at the festival on the Saturday afternoon.
“My name’s Raye and I didn’t think anyone would turn up, so hello!” she told the huge audience. The set, along with additional behind the scenes footage, was later revisited on the documentary Louis Theroux Interviews… Raye.
The landmark festival slot came after the release of Raye’s acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues, which the singer released independently in February 2023. She had left her major label Polydor, after speaking out about her experiences of feeling creatively trapped in her record deal, and frustrated by not being allowed to release her own music. The album would go on to be nominated for the Mercury Prize.
At this year’s Brit Awards, Raye also took home six trophies, with gongs for British Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of the Year, British Album of the Year, Best R&B Act, and Songwriter of the Year.
Speculation around a potential big slot for Raye is not the only Glastonbury rumour doing the rounds right now.
Though Madonna was reportedly in talks with the festival, a source told The Mail on Sunday that Glastonbury were ultimately unable to agree on a fee with the pop icon, and seemed to suggest Dua Lipa would also be headlining.
“To be honest it's been a real blow not being able to nail down a deal with Madonna,” the source said. “Emily was so keen to have her play the legend slot. After she saw Madonna's tour in London in October she raved about her on Instagram, something she rarely does without Glastonbury in mind.
“But everyone knows that after last year, and the criticism over the gender balance, we've got to have big name females heading the line-up. Dua Lipa is a real catch. Now we need another.”
The source continued: “There is still some hope it can be resurrected but it's pretty unlikely. There are money issues at the root of this, it's a real shame.”
In the meantime, watch this space.
