2015 was an incredible year for British music and today’s nominations reflect the many successes and standout moments. Chart figures released at the end of the year reveal that for the 11th year in a row the UK’s biggest selling album came from a British artist.
By the end of 2015 Adele had sold a phenomenal 2.5 million copies of her third studio album 25, breaking countless records and making chart history along the way. Today her incredible success story continues as she receives four BRIT nominations (British Female Solo Artist, British Single, MasterCard British Album of the Year and British Artist Video of the Year). In addition she is one of the favourites for the BRITs Global Success Award (based on international sales success), which means she could walk away with five awards on the night – something no artist has yet to achieve.
Joining Adele with four nominations and flying the flag for new British music is fellow BRITs Critics’ Choice winner Award James Bay (Best British Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Single and MasterCard British Album of the Year) and 2015 Critics’ Choice runner up Years & Years (British Group, British Breakthrough, British Single and British Artist Video of the Year).
Calvin Harris (British Male Solo Artist, British Single and British Artist Video of the Year) and Jess Glynne (British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act and British Single) are both nominated for three awards.
With two nominations going to Coldplay (British Group and MasterCard British Album of the Year), Jamie xx (British Male Solo Artist and MasterCard British Album of the Year), Mark Ronson (British Male Solo Artist and British Producer of the Year), Florence + The Machine (British Female Solo Artist and MasterCard British Album of the Year), One Direction (British Group and British Artist Video of the Year), Ed Sheeran (British Single and British Artist Video of the Year), Ellie Goulding (British Single and British Artist Video of the Year) and Little Mix (British Single and British Artist Video of the Year).
If Coldplay win both their categories they’ll become the most successful artist in BRIT history in both Best Album and British Group – they are currently tied with Arctic Monkeys on three wins each in both categories.
BRITs Chairman Max Lousada said: “The nominations show what a great year it’s been for British talent at all levels, from record-breaking previous BRIT Award winners to newer acts celebrating stellar debuts. Home-grown artists have not only dominated our own charts this year, they’ve won legions of fans the world over by representing British music at its best. We can look forward to a fantastic and hotly-contested Awards show this year.”
Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards said: “It’s exciting to see so many new acts nominated for the 2016 BRITs. Jess Glynne, Years & Years, Wolf Alice and James Bay, among others, enjoyed huge breakthrough years, while there is also a great buzz around Critics’ Choice recipient Jack Garratt. With established artists such as Adele, Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, One Direction and Coldplay, also performing very strongly, we’re encouraged that there is such a wealth of talent coming through to give further impetus to British music’s global success.”
BRITs nominee and past winner, Mark Ronson, has produced an exclusive cover track for MasterCard’s Priceless Surprises campaign. The award-winning artist and producer joins a list of some of the biggest artists in the world who have helped fans to share their love of music with Priceless Surprises. Fans can stay tuned to pricelesssurprises.co.uk to find out more.
Hosted by Ant and Dec, winners will be revealed on 24th February at The O2 Arena and will be exclusively broadcast on ITV at 8PM. The incredible lineup performing on the night is confirmed as Adele, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, James Bay, The Weeknd, Jess Glynne and Little Mix.
The BRIT Awards have also confirmed they are planning a tribute to David Bowie.
Warner Music will release the annual BRIT Awards Album on February 12th. The hit packed album includes the biggest tracks of the year from the biggest artists including Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Coldplay, Jess Glynne and Years & Years. The album also includes some exclusive live tracks from previous BRITs shows and collaborations from the likes of Oasis, Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson, Bastille & Rudimental and the mighty Adele performing the stunning “Someone Like You”.
Google Play Music is the official streaming and download partner for the BRITs 2016. Live performances from the night will be available to stream and download from Google Play just after the awards, with all proceeds being donated to this year’s official charity partners, Nordoff Robbins and The BRIT Trust.
