With a record-breaking seven nominations to her name in a single year, Raye has already made Brits history. Tomorrow at the O2 Arena in London, she could make it once again if she sweeps the board. But regardless of the awards she takes home – including potentially album and artist of the year – this recognition from the British music industry represents a huge vindication for 26-year-old London-born Rachel Keen.
Three years ago, Raye was signed to Polydor and flush with Top 40 success as a guest vocalist on songs by the likes of Joel Corry and David Guetta. But behind the scenes, she was battling to release her debut album despite having been signed to the label since she was a teenager. In June 2021, she posted a tearful plea to social media and tweets alleging that she had done everything the label had asked, yet was still “awaiting confirmation that I am good enough” to release a full-length record. A month later, Polydor released Raye from her contract and she went it alone as an independent artist.
