Brit Award Nominations Due

The annual Brit Award ceremony is nearly upon us, with the nominations for the 2009 event set to be unveiled in London tonight (January 20th).

Possibly the most important award ceremony in British music, this year's Brits promises to be a grand and glitzy affair with live performances expected from Duffy, Kings Of Leon and U2 - who will perform their new single for the very first time in public.

Attracting a TV audience of millions, the award ceremony will be hosted by Kylie Minogue this year - a former recipient of the 'Outstanding Contribution' award. This year, that award goes to synth pop heroes the Pet Shop Boys.

Amongst the acts tipped to bag a host of nominations are Coldplay, reformed boy band Take That and southern indie giants Kings Of Leon. One award winner is already known - newcomers Florence and the Machine have been named Critics' Choice for 2009.

The Brit Award ceremony itself takes place on February 18th in London.