We don’t know about you, but this has possibly been the longest award season in existence. With the pandemic putting a spanner in the works for numerous shows, we’ve been treated to an award show nearly every month and this time we’re at the BRIT Awards. Known for spotlighting some of the best up and coming talent and giving them the recognition they deserve, the BRITs are back and better than ever. Revealing the stars nominated this year, presenter Nick Grimshaw and Brit Rising Star winner Griff took Twitter this afternoon to reveal this year’s nominees ahead of the show on May 11, and the competition is looking fierce.

It comes as no surprise that the reigning king of the UK scene Headie One has been nominated alongside fellow Londoner’s AJ Tracey and Summer 19 cover star J Hus for Male Solo Artist in association with Amazon Music, considering his chart-topping debut album Edna caused quite the storm last year. For the females, Wonderland Spring 21 cover star Celeste, Rollacoaster cover star Arlo Parks, queen of disco Dua Lipa and rising star Lianne La Havas have all been selected for Female Solo Artist.

This past year we’ve had our fair share of UK viral hits thanks to TikTok and BRITs took note as, Young T and Bugsey, S1MBA, KSI, MNEK, Raye, Aitch, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Gracey are all up for British Single in collaboration with Mastercard. Looking out across the pond for International Group, BTS, HAIM and Foo Fighters are all up for the award.

Last year was definitely the year of the female, as the category for International Female Solo Artist is looking like a hard choice with Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift all set to battle it out. For their male counterparts, The Weeknd, Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, Burna Boy and Bruce Springsteen are all up for nomination.

Of course, we saved the biggest and most prestigious award until last – the Mastercard Album of the Year. With Dave taking this award home last year for his masterpiece Psychodrama, Arlo Parks, Celeste, Dua Lipa, J hus and Jessie Ware will have fight for the crown as they’re all up for nominations. With Griff and Dua Lipa set to perform at this year’s award show, we already know we’re in for a treat.

To see the full list of nominations visit BRITs.com