The BRIT Awards 2011
For music fans and those in the business, the BRIT Awards is the big night of the music calendar and, as always, this year's ceremony promises to be a star-studded, performance-packed evening.
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This year, the awards take place at London's O2 Arena and the great and the good of the music business will be gathering on February 15 hoping to take a home one of the coveted statues. Here are the details of who's up for a prize, who will be performing and how you can join the party.
Who's nominated?
The man who has made it big this year is Tinie Tempah - the talented rapper has hit the big time over the last 12 months, performing a storming set at the Glastonbury Festival and getting the recognition he deserves with nominations for Best British Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, Best British Single for Pass Out and the MasterCard British Album of the Year for Disc-Overy.
But he faces stiff competition for the Best Album prize, from Plan B, Take That, Mumford & Sons and The xx.
Meanwhile in the Best British Female Solo Artist category, Ellie Goulding, Laura Marling, Paloma Faith and Rumer will be battling X Factor judge Cheryl Cole for the top spot.
Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen has been shortlisted for Best International Male Solo Artist... a momentous occasion for The Boss, who hasn't won a BRIT Award for 25 years.
Take That have been nominated for best group, along with Biffy Clyro, Gorillaz, Mumford & Sons and The xx.
Who's performing?
The 2011 awards promise an international line-up - British favourites Take That, Tinie Tempah, Plan B and Adele are all confirmed for live performances and US stars Cee Lo Green, Arcade Fire and singing superstar Rihanna will be adding a little extra glamour to proceedings.
Showcasing her own flamboyant creative eye, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood has redesigned the famous BRITs statue, each of which will be unique to 2011.
As for the host, Gavin and Stacey funnyman James Corden will be overseeing proceedings.
Join the party
If you weren't lucky enough to buy a ticket to the event, fear not... the big music bash of the year will be broadcast live on ITV1 and, as always, a CD featuring all this year's nominees will be in shops and online so you can judge for yourself whether the right musicians won on the night!
Who do you think will win big at this year's BRIT Awards? Let us know below...
