HISTORIC BRITS WIN FOR FLO

Island-signed R&B trio FLO is the first group to win the BRITs Rising Star award.

Consisting of 20-year-olds Renée, Jorja and Stella, FLO topped competition that included labelmate Nia Archives and RCA act Cat Burns.

“We are so shocked and grateful,” they said in three-part harmony. “We’ve just made history and couldn’t have done it without our wonderful fans and supportive families. It’s truly a dream come true. We feel so empowered creating the music we love, and we hope others feel that, too.”

FLO released its debut single, “Cardboard Box,” in March, gaining fans in the likes of Brandy, JoJo, SZA and Missy Elliott. First EP The Lead landed in July and has since amassed over 70m global streams. Read more about the group in our recent U.K. special issue.

Past winners of the BRITs Rising Star award include Adele, Sam Smith, Sam Fender, Griff and Ellie Goulding.

The BRIT Awards will take place in London on 2/11 at The O2.