(British Phonographic Industry)
The 2015 BRIT Awards take place in London on Wednesday. Gossip Cop has a live stream below!
The annual event, which dates back to 1977, is largely considered to be the British equivalent of the Grammys, which, of course, took place in the U.S. earlier this month. A number of the same artists are nominated and will take the stage at the O2 Arena, where comedy duo Ant & Dec will co-host the ceremony. The TV personalities previously hosted the show back in 2001.
The nominees for International Male Solo Artist are Beck, Hozier, Jack White, John Legend, and Pharrell. Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Sia, St. Vincent, and Taylor Swift are nominated for International Female Solo Artist. In the International Group category, 5 Seconds of Summer, the Black Keys, First Aid Kit, Foo Fighters, and The War On Drugs are all in competition.
FKA Twigs is up for British Female Solo Artist, along with Lily Allen, Ella Henderson, Jessie Ware, and Paloma Faith. Sheeran and Smith will both compete in the British Male Solo Artist category against Damon Albarn, George Ezra, and Paolo Nutini. One Direction is again nominated for British Group, in addition to British Video for “You And I.”
Winners are largely selected by members of the British Phonographic Industry’s Voting Academy with some exception, such as the public choosing the British Breakthrough Act. Smith is a contender for that award, along with Twigs, Ezra, CHVRCHES, and Royal Blood. Other categories include British Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Global Success.
Taylor Swift will perform “Blank Space,” while Sam Smith is expected to sing “Lay Me Down.” Ed Sheeran, Madonna, and Kanye West are slated to perform, too, while Rihanna has been long-rumored but not confirmed. It all begins at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Stay tuned for the live stream!
