Voting closes:
Group of the Year
About the award:
Some of the music industry’s most prominent artists come in the form of groups. The Beatles, Boyzone, Westlife, and of course, One Direction are all names that spring to mind when someone mentions a group, and for many, they are a girl’s first look into the life of fandom. 2024 has again delivered on this front, bringing new artists to the fore whilst enabling some of our old faves to continue entertaining the masses.
The Nominees:
Jonas Brothers
In 2024, the Jonas Brothers have kept a busy schedule with both musical and other entertainment ventures. They’ve been on an expansive global tour, aptly named, The Tour, performing across North America, Europe, and other locations with nearly 100 shows planned. This tour has been a mix of their greatest hits, blending nostalgia with new fan-favourite songs.
Fans have been treated to a setlist that’s a journey through the band’s career, with hits like S.O.S. and Burnin’ Up, as well as recent tracks like Wings and Summer Baby from their album, The Album.
Coldplay
Formed in late 1997, Coldplay are a band that have stood the test of time, time and time again. One of the world’s most popular acts, their records have sold more than 100 million copies of their seven number one albums, featuring classic hits including Fix You, Yellow, Clocks, Viva La Lida and Paradise.
In 2022, the band released their ninth album, Music of The Spheres, and embarked on their worldwide tour by the same name – one which is still touring in 2024. The group have made strides to ensure that the shows are the most sustainable they can be, adapting all tour operations to minimise emissions and partnering with BMW to deliver the first-ever mobile, rechargeable show battery. 2024 has also seen the release of their latest album, Moon Music.
Only The Poets
In 2024, Only The Poets, the British alt-pop band, have been riding a wave of new releases and a highly anticipated tour across Europe and the UK. Early in the year, they released their single “One More Night,” a nostalgic anthem with frontman Tommy Longhurst reflecting on the fleeting magic of summer nights. Known for their rich, indie-pop sound and catchy hooks, the single has been well-received and seems destined for festival playlists.
Their 2024 tour, titled after the single, kicked off in February in Paris and took them through numerous European cities, including stops in Milan, Berlin, London and Oslo. Due to popular demand, they even added extra shows in places like Cologne.
Bleachers
Bleachers, led by producer and musician Jack Antonoff, have made a significant return to music in 2024 with their self-titled album, Bleachers, released on 8 March. The album blends nostalgia and modern pop influences, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Florence Welch and Lana Del Rey.
Supporting the album release, Bleachers embarked on a comprehensive tour, From the Studio to the Stage, across the United States and the UK, with highlights including shows at notorious venues like the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater. In 2024, Bleachers are reaffirming their place in the music scene, blending the depth of Antonoff’s lyrical storytelling with a timeless sound that continues to draw in new fans.
Fontaines D.C.
Fontaines D.C. have had a huge year with the release of their latest album, Romance, and a busy touring schedule. Released in August, Romance has been praised for its exploration of darker, intense themes, with influences ranging from the dystopian aesthetics of anime like Akira to the electronic sounds of artists like Shygirl and The Prodigy.
The band’s live schedule has been packed with major festival appearances and a European tour in the autumn, including stops in cities like Munich, Berlin, and Glasgow, where they’ve consistently sold out venues. This tour has also seen them return to prominent festivals such as Glastonbury, and Reading and Leeds, with additional performances at international festivals like Japan’s Fuji Rock and Belgium’s Pukkelpop.
The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party hit 2024 with a bang. They kicked off the year with the release of Prelude to Ecstasy, their much-anticipated debut album, which delves into themes of femininity, emotional resilience, and societal pressure, all wrapped in a rich, genre-bending musical style.
The band then embarked on an extensive North American and European tour, playing to sold-out venues and performing at major festivals like Coachella. However, the intense tour schedule took its toll; in late 2024, they had to cancel several shows due to burnout, prompting an open dialogue with fans about the pressures of constant touring. This transparency has only strengthened their connection with fans, who appreciate both the band’s candour and the discussion they started around mental health in the industry.