Ed Sheeran and Adele leading the way at BRITs

Ed Sheeran has more nods than any other act for this year's BRIT Awards.

The social media pop sensation shot to stardom via Twitter and Facebook. Ed sold 200,000 copies of his album + in two weeks without the aid of a record label.

Ed has been honoured by being nominated with awards in four categories, including Best Male, Best Breakthrough Act, Best Album for + and Best Single for The A Team.

Songstress Adele has the second most nominations this year. She has picked up nods in the Best Female Artist category and is up for Best Album for 21 and Best Single for Someone Like You. Adele is thought to be a main contender for these awards, and is expected to win at least one.

Jessie J also has three nods for Best Female Artist, Best Breakthrough Act and Best Single for Price Tag.
Adele and Jessie will compete against Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, Laura Marling and Kate Bush for the Best Female Artist trophy.

Ed's male rivals for the award include James Blake, Noel Gallagher, James Morrison, and Professor Green.
Best Album nominations include Adele's 21, Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto, + by Ed, Let England Shake by PJ Harvey and Ceremonials by Florence + the Machine.

The BRIT Awards will be held on February 21 at London's O2 Arena.

2012 BRIT Awards nominees:

British male solo artist
Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher
Professor Green

British female solo artist
Adele
Florence + the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Manning

British breakthrough act
Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines

British group
Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian

British single
Adele, Someone Like You
Ed Sheeran, The A Team
Example, Changed The Way You Kissed Me
Jessie J ft. B.o.B., Price Tag
JLS ft. Dev, She Makes Me Wanna
Military Wives/Gareth Malone, Wherever You Are
Olly Murs ft. Rizzle, Kicks Heart Skips A Beat
One Direction, What Makes You Beautiful
Pixie Lott, All About Tonight
The Wanted, Glad You Came

Mastercard British album of the year
Adele, 21
Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran, +
Florence + the Machine, Ceremonials
PJ Harvey, Let England Shake

International male solo artist
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams

International female solo artist
Beyoncé Knowles
Björk
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

International group
Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay-Z/Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5

International breakthrough act
Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Foster The People
Lana Del Rey
Nicki Minaj

Outstanding contribution to music award
Blur

Critics' choice
1st: Emeli Sandé
2nd: Maverick Sabre
3rd: Michael Kiwanuka

British producer
Paul Epworth
Flood
Ethan Johns
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