RAYE has defied the odds time and again to make it to the top of the musical pile – and she’s finally reaping the rewards.
The London pop sensation broke down in tears after learning she’d earned her first ever Grammy nominations this week.
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Having cleaned up at the Brits in February with a record-breaking six gong wins, Raye is now up for three awards at America’s most prestigious music ceremony.
She has been put up for Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Clutching a phone on loud speaker while sitting in her stylist’s chair, she began to cry as the realisation of her achievement set in.
Raye captioned the clip on Instagram: “God knows all it took to get here. This is too much i can’t stop crying.”
Her famous supporters were quick to cheer her on.
Demi Lovato commented: “So happy for you!!!!”
Jade Thirlwall wrote: “All the flowers angel.”
Carol Vorderman said: “You’re extraordinary Raye. As an old bird here, it fills my heart to see how your utter dedication and courage is paying off by the bucketload. Good luck at the Grammys missus x.”
Friend and collaborator John Legend wrote: “Congratulations!”
The singer-songwriter, 26, who once described herself as a “little girl from Croydon with a dream”, grew up on a South London council estate.
Just two years ago that pop dream was in tatters after she was released from her major label deal with Polydor and was left playing church gigs to 100 people.
Despite a string of hits and well-received collabs, Raye’s career was effectively put on hold by the label, who wouldn’t commit to releasing her debut album.
But with nothing more than grit, determination and masses of talent, Raye transformed her fortunes and fought to put it out independently.
She’s had the last laugh and is now one of the most sought after artists out there, playing to packed arenas.
Her Brits success saw her win Album of the Year, for debut My 21st Century Blues, and Song of the Year, for Escapism featuring rapper 070 Shake. She also bagged Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Act and Artist of the Year.
Those gongs have cemented her as a force to be reckoned with, and she did it all while honouring those who supported her at the low moments.
She famously called her grandma Agatha Dawson to the stage when accepting the Best Album gong, and said: “I want to thank my grandma for her prayers. My grandma is still awake until 3am praying for me and my beautiful sisters. I love you so much.”
Now her sights are set on global domination as she goes head to head with other female heavyweights like Billie Eilish, Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter at next year’s Grammys.
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