Duffy And Coldplay Lead Brit Awards Race

Coldplay and Duffy are leading the way with four nominations each at tonight's annual Brit awards which will take place at London's Earls Court this evening.

Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy, (pictured) whose debut album Rockferry was the best selling record of 2008 selling 4.5 million worldwide has been nominated for best album, best single for Mercy, best female solo artist and best breakthrough act.

Coldplay are also hoping to emulate their success at this month's Grammy's, where they brought home the prestigious song of the year accolade for Viva la Vida, as well as two other gongs.

The British group will tonight battle it out with Girls Aloud, Radiohead, Take That and Elbow for best group.

Other artists hoping for success at the awards bash include Sheffield band Elbow, who were victorious at last year’s Nationwide Mercury Prize for their recent offering the Seldom Seen Kid. They are up for best group, best album and best live act.

Adele, Radiohead, The Ting Tings and Girls Aloud have been nominated for two awards each.

Meanwhile, Duffy, Adele, Beth Rowley, Estelle and new-mother M.I.A are battling it out for the best female solo award.

James Morrison, Will Young, The Streets (aka Mike Skinner) are up against music veterans Paul Weller and ex-Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown for the prestigious best male solo artist.

British electronic dance music duo the Pet Shop Boys, who are to receive an award for outstanding contribution, will duet with newcomer Lady GaGa to close the show.

The awards, which take place tonight, will be hosted by Gavin and Stacey stars James Corden and Mathew Horne and Australian pop star Kylie Minogue.

(JM/BMcC)