BRITs 2016: Nominations

A confusing list makes for an underwhelming list. To kick off the confusion, on what planet, precisely, are Florence + the Machine a Female Solo Artist? Furthermore, I wonder what made anyone think Up or Black Magic were anything like the best singles Britain produced this year.

Of course, Adele leads the list with four nominations alongside James Bay and, interestingly, Years & Years. Mark Ronson is nominated for Best Male Solo despite not being nominated for Best British Album or Best British Single. Whereas despite two nominations including Best British Single, Little Mix miss out on Best British Group. Also a Best Album nomination for Jamie xx but no Best British Single for I Know There's Gonna Be Good Times.

Eagles of Death Metal receive an International Group nomination out of humility in how they handled the aftermath of the Paris attacks during which their concert took the greatest death toll. Alongside them is U2 who are nominated for what is considered their weakest album to date.

Meghan Trainor is nominated for making mediocre music snatching a nomination for the likes of Kacey Musgraves and Selena Gomez whose latest album saw her successfully shake off her superficial Disney Channel shackles.

Astonishing absences from Disclosure and Lianne La Havas who've had huge singles and albums in Caracal and Blood, respectively, in a huge year for both. Even though it was just an extended edition of his 2014 hit album, I'd expect some recognition for Sam Smith and his In The Lonely Hour: Drowning Shadows Edition.

Despite being three years since she left us, and two years since she released any music, Amy Winehouse is nominated for Best Female Solo based on the massive sales her catalogue of music saw following the release of the Oscar-nominated documentary about her life, Amy.

Speaking of which, yet another year without the return of the category for Best Soundtrack or a new one for Best Score. Which just shows how little the BRITs care about the versatile consumption of music. Have a look at the full list, I've mentioned which I think will actually win in bold.

MasterCard British Album of the Year

Adele – 25
Coldplay – A Head Full of Dreams
Florence + the Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
James Bay – Chaos and the Calm
Jamie xx – In Colour

Best British Single

Adele – Hello
Calvin Harris and Disciples – How Deep Is Your Love?
Ed Sheeran and Rudimental – Bloodstream
Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
James Bay – Hold Back The River
Jess Glynne – Hold My Hand
Little Mix – Black Magic
Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato – Up
Philip George – Wish You Were Mine
Years & Years - King

Best British Female Solo Artist

Adele
Amy Winehouse
Jess Glynne
Florence + the Machine
Laura Marling

Best British Male Solo Artist

Aphex Twin
Calvin Harris
James Bay
Jamie xx
Mark Ronson

Best British Group

Blur
Coldplay
Foals
One Direction
Years & Years

Best British Producer

Mark Ronson
Charlie Andrew
Mike Crossey
Tom Dalgety

International Female Solo Artist

Ariana Grande
Björk
Courtney Barnett
Lana Del Rey
Meghan Trainor

International Male Solo Artist

Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Father John Misty
The Weeknd
Justin Bieber

International Group

Alabama Shakes
Eagles of Death Metal
Major Lazer
Tame Impala
U2

Best British Video – public vote

Adele – Hello
Calvin Harris and Disciples – How Deep Is Your Love
Ed Sheeran – Photograph
Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
Jessie J – Flashlight
Little Mix – Black Magic
Naughty Boy feat. Beyoncé and Arrow Benjamin – Runnin' (Lose It All)
One Direction – Drag Me Down
Sam Smith – Writing's On The Wall
Years & Years – King