"The Brits" are the British equivalent of the Grammys and yesterday the nomination of this year awards were announced.
Women are dominating the nomination this year, selected by a vote of over 1,000 industry members.
Florence and the Machine, Pixie Lott, Lily Allen and Lady GaGa all have three nominations each. Other British contenders include boy band JLS, Leona Lewis, Bat for Lashes, Paolo Nuttini and Dizzee Rascal.
Lady Gaga, who is to perform at the ceremony, will be present in this award for the first time. She is nominated for best international female soloist, best breakthrough artist and best international album for "The Fame".
One surprise was the absence among the nominations of Internet sensation Susan Boyle that was one of the best seller singers the past year.
One of Canada's most famous artists — Michael Bublé — also scored a nomination for best international male soloist. He will be competing with with rappers Eminem and Jay-Z as well as Bruce Springsteen and blues singer Seasick Steve.
Nominees in the international categories include Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Jay-Z, and Shakira.
Robbie Williams will receive an award for outstanding contribution to music.
This year is the 30th anniversary celebration of the Brits, and there is a special award for the BRITs Album of 30 Years with 10 nominations. Among these one can find Coldplay, Dido, Dire Straits, Duffy, Keane, Oasis, Phil Collins, Sade, The Verve and Travis.
The ceremony will be held at the Feb. 16 in London.
