Ed Sheeran leads 2012 BRIT Award nominations
Ed Sheeran The 'Lego House' hitmaker received four nods in recognition of his work over the past year, including Best British Male Solo Act, Best Breakthrough Act and Mastercard British Album of the Year for 'x', while his debut track 'A Team' was nominated in the Best British Single category.
Following closely behind was Adele and Jessie J, who were each nominated in three categories, including Best British Female Solo Artist while their respective tracks 'Price Tag' and 'Someone Like You' will compete in the Best British Single listings.
Meanwhile, Adele's '21' was nominated for Mastercard British Album of the Year, while Jessie J will battle it out in the hope of being crowned British Breakthrough Act.
Elsewhere, Florence and the Machine received two nominations for Best British Female Solo Artist and a nod in the Album of the Year category for 'Ceremonials', the follow up to debut album 'Lungs'.
Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, Florence and the Machine and Noel Gallagher will all perform at this year's BRITs on February 21, while Adele is expected to make her first appearance since suffering a vocal cord haemorrhage in October.
Meanwhile, earlier tonight (12.01.12) Emeli Sande was presented with this year's Critics' Choice Award by former winner Jessie J.
Speaking at the 2012 BRIT Award Nominations announcement at London's Savoy Hotel, she said: "I feel very happy and very excited. When you've been behind the music for so many years and then kind of broken in to get this acknowledgement is fantastic.
"My biggest plan is to finally release the album, that's the big thing because I can't wait for everybody to hear everything."
The 'Read All About It' hitmaker also praised Jessie J, explained she watched "her story" develop when she won the award herself last year.
She said: "I was there last year when you won the award and I remember watching and just being happy for you because I'd watched your story so it's amazing to be here tonight and actually win it. So thank you!"
Jessie responded: "Your music is, and everybody agrees, amazing. And your voice is incredible, you know what you're doing."
2012 BRIT AWARDS FULL LIST OF NOMINATIONS:
British Male solo artist:
Noel Gallagher
James Morrison
James Blake
Professor Green
Ed Sheeran
British Female solo artist:
Adele
Florence and the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling
Mastercard British album of the year:
Adele - '21'
Coldplay - 'Mylo Xyloto'
Ed Sheeran - '+'
Florence and The Machine - 'Ceremonials'
PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'
British Breakthrough act:
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sande
Jessie J
The Vaccines
Best British Group:
Arctic Monkey
Chase and Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian
British Single:
Adele - 'Someone Like You'
Ed Sheeran - 'The A Team'
Example - 'Changed The Way You Kiss me'
Jessie J featuring B.O.B - 'Price Tag'
JLS featuring Dev - 'She Makes Me Wanna'
Military Wives and Gareth Malone - 'Wherever You Are'
Olly Murs and Rizzle Kicks - 'Heart Skips A Beat'
One Direction - 'What Makes You Beautiful'
Pixie Lott - 'All About Tonight'
The Wanted - 'Glad You Came'
International male:
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams
International female:
Bjork
Lady Gaga
Beyonce
Feist
Rihanna
International group:
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay-Z and Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5
International newcomer:
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster the People
Lana Del Ray
Nicki Minaj
