For rising star Rachel Chinouriri, the magic of being recognized at the Brit Awards became even more surreal when Adele—one of the most iconic alumnae of the BRIT School—sent her a bouquet of roses to celebrate her two nominations.
The 26-year-old singer-songwriter, nominated for Artist of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2025 ceremony, took to social media to share her stunned reaction. “Help, how do I recover from this?” she posted on Twitter (now X), adding, “I’m shaking … violently.”
Adele’s handwritten note accompanied the pink roses: “Congratulations on your Brit nominations, Rachel. I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to come to a show! Lot’s of love, Adele.” Chinouriri’s response was pure joy and disbelief, reflecting on how her journey had come full circle. “As a BRIT School student, I watched Adele on that stage, and she said, ‘I used to be like you.’ It’s unbelievable to now receive her support.”
The recognition caps off an extraordinary year for Chinouriri, whose debut album, What a Devastating Turn of Events, garnered critical acclaim. Hailed for its blend of emotional storytelling and indie-pop charm, the album solidified her status as one of 2024’s breakout artists. Tracks like “It Is What It Is” and “Never Need Me,” the latter featuring a music video with Florence Pugh, showcased her ability to connect deeply with her audience.
This isn’t the first time Adele has championed Chinouriri. Last year, during her Las Vegas residency, Adele praised her as a “brilliant indie artist” and expressed excitement about attending one of her shows in Los Angeles.
The journey to stardom hasn’t always been smooth for Chinouriri, who had to step back from touring with Remi Wolf due to financial challenges. Still, her resilience shines through. She recently completed a headlining European tour and is set to support Sabrina Carpenter on the Short N’ Sweet UK and European tour this spring, further cementing her rise in the music industry.
With the 2025 Brit Awards on the horizon, Chinouriri’s name is now etched among the stars, alongside leading nominee Charli XCX and legendary acts like The Beatles. The ceremony, set for March 1 at The O2 in London, promises to celebrate both the giants of music and the powerful new voices shaping the future.
For Chinouriri, the roses from Adele symbolize more than just congratulations—they’re a reminder of the artistry and connection.
