The 26-year-old R'n'B star swept the board at the British music industry's annual celebration, breaking the record for the most Brits won at a ceremony with her haul of six awards, trumping previous joint record-holders Harry Styles, Adele and Blur.
Her success came only three years after she quit her record label, and just days after the ceremony, it was announced that her songs have been streamed five billion times since her debut album was released last year.
No one can believe how far Raye, real name Rachel Agatha Keen, has come-least of all the woman herself.
"I do feel like a new artist. I got to start again," she told the crowd at London's O2 arena as she picked up her award for Best New Artist. "The artist I was three years ago would not believe what she's seeing today. I'm my own boss now; I'm in control." The star was born in South London to mum Sarah, who is of Ghanaian-Swiss heritage, and Yorkshire-born father Paul. She first made her mark aged eight at her local school in Croydon.
"I was Rachel's music teacher in 2011, when I first started teaching at Woodcote High School," Darren Harrow tells HELLO!. "She would have been aged 13 and 14 at the time.
"It was clear she had a raw natural talent, with a determination to succeed. Her vocal abilities, even at that young age, were astounding well beyond those of her peers. She was musically gifted in songwriting and performing "Rachel was friendly and popular in school. She was pleasant to everybody.
Esta historia es de la edición March 18, 2024 de HELLO! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 18, 2024 de HELLO! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
AS SHE SIGNS UP FOR SECOND SERIES OF 'RIVALS' THE TIME OF HER LIFE VICTORIA SMURFIT ON HER DREAM ROLE, HER INSPIRING KIDS AND TRUE LOVE AT 50
Dancing around the studio to the 1980s soundtrack that's providing the background music for this exclusive HELLO! photoshoot, Victoria Smurfit looks to be having the time of her life.
AFTER CELEBRATING THE REOPENING OF NOTRE-DAME STEPPING ON TO THE WORLD STAGE THE PRINCE OF WALES WINS PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP IN PARIS
Proving his mettle as a global figure, the Prince of Wales met US President-elect Donald Trump on a visit to Paris last week.
Young at heart
The Duke of Sussex embraced turning 40 as he and Meghan focused on doing good
'OPPENHEIMER' STAR EMILY BLUNT KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY THE ACTRESS ON WORKING WITH HUSBAND JOHN KRASINSKI AND WHY THEIR KIDS WON'T WATCH HER FILMS
Emily Blunt may be an A-list actress to the rest of the world, but at home with her two young daughters, she's just mum.
MARKING FOUR DECADES OF THE FESTIVE HIT SINGLE LIFE AFTER 'LAST CHRISTMAS' ANDREW RIDGELEY OPENS UP ABOUT GEORGE MICHAEL
With its familiar refrain and heartfelt vocals, Last Christmas by Wham! is as synonymous with the festive season as turkey and mince pies. The song has just turned 40, and to mark the occasion, the band's Andrew Ridgeley is starring in a BBC documentary about the classic tune.
Leading the way
The Prince of Wales has stepped up to the plate amid a year of serious challenges for his family
Pillar of strength
The Queen has been a constant support for her beloved husband throughout a tough year
Welcome return
Royal fans were thrilled to see Kate, elegant as ever, back in the spotlight alongside her family
Her greatest challenge
The Princess of Wales faced her most difficult year with stoicism and consideration for her young family
Bouncing back
Treatment for cancer couldn't keep the King down, as he greeted royal fans from Ascot to Australia
