SZA beating Taylor Swift to the international prize could definitely be considered an upset. Swift was was the biggest-selling artist of last year, quite apart from her record-shattering Eras tour and the huge cultural conversation around her love life and musical output.
She even triggered an earthquake at one of her concerts.
But SZA’s second album SOS clearly resonated more with the 1,300 Brits voters (Taylor Swift’s output last year was two re-recordings, of her albums Speak Now and 1989).
A hugely articulate and emotional account of the ups and downs of post-millennial relationships, it scooped several Grammys earlier this year – and SZA herself gave a stunning, Grand Guignol performance of the standout single Kill Bill.
As important as Swift is to pop, SZA is to R&B. And for that alone, she’s a deserving winner.
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