Lily Allen leads shock over Brit Awards 2021 snubs as Rina Sawayama, Charli XCX and Arlo Parks are notably absent

Lily Allen has led calls for ‘justice’ after Rina Sawayama was sensationally snubbed from the main Brit Awards 2021 nominations list, despite successfully forcing a U-turn over their eligibility rules. 

This year’s nominations, announced on Wednesday, are dominated by women across the board with Dua Lipa and Little Mix among those in the top categories and with multiple nods. 

However, others are noticeably missing including Sawayama and singer Charli XCX.

Expressing her disappointment over their snubs, Lily tweeted: ‘Justice for @rinasawayama and @charli_xcx #BRITs.’ 

Sawayama, 30, was born in Japan but has lived in the UK for 26 years. The musician was shocked to learn that she wasn’t eligible for a Brit nomination as she doesn’t have a British passport and isn’t a citizen – Japanese citizens are not permitted to have dual citizenship. 

After learning this, Sawayama raised awareness about the discriminatory rule and the BPI – which runs the Brits and Mercury Prize awards – announced there would be a review. 

The board then overhauled their rule and announced in February that their criteria had changed to allow nominations for artists who are either born in the UK, hold a UK passport, or have been a permanent resident in the UK for more than five years. 

Sawayama, who released her debut album Sawayama last year, was then shortlisted for the Brits’ Rising Star Award, which was eventually won by Griff. 

Charli XCX did not receive a Brit nod this year after releasing her fourth studio album How I’m Feeling Now in May 2020. 

Former One Direction star Niall Horan surprised his followers when he appeared to address his own absence from the nominations and tweeted: ‘Snubbed,’ alongside the thumbs up and cry laughing emoji. 

However, he immediately added: ‘I’m jokinggggg.’ 

Niall had a great year music wise with his second solo studio album, Heartbreak Weather, reaching number one in March. 

Arlo Parks is undoubtedly one of the foremost hotly-tipped new artists of the year but did not receive a nod. However, it’s possible she could be eligible for next year’s nominations. 

Other notable snubs include Cardi B, Billie Eilish and Megan Thee Stallion in the international category. 

The Brit Awards 2021 take place on May 11 at London’s O2 Arena. 

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