Soul singer Celeste Waite has been named the winner of the Brits rising star award.
Born in Los Angeles, Celeste moved to Brighton with her mother as an infant. She began writing music and performing in bands as a teenager. Age 16, she was discovered by a manager after she posted her first song online. He encouraged her to take professional writing classes; she started working with writers and producers at Trevor Horn’s Sarm studios.
She cites artists including Billie Holiday, Kanye West, Frank Ocean, Diana Ross, Rosalía and Tyler the Creator as influences, and has supported Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monáe and Neneh Cherry live.
