Last night, Radio 1’s Fearne Cotton announced the nominations for the twelve BRIT categories for this years BRIT awards - as decided by the 1000 strong BRITs academy.

As ever, the nominations list is both eclectic and impressive - with artists who have enjoyed success both in the UK and around the world - and it seems that 2010 will be the year of the girl - with some of the UK’s most successful female artists leading the way with three nominations each - Florence & The Machine, Lily Allen and Pixie Lott - alongside transatlantic phenomenon, Lady Gaga.

Not to say that our male talent has gone unnoticed either, with Dizzee Rascal taking on Jay-Z with two nominations each, and going up against Calvin Harris, Mika, Robbie Williams and Paolo Nutini in the British Male Solo Artist category.

Rounding off the female dominated year, divisive singer, La Roux was nominated for two nominations for British Breakthrough Act and British Single of the Year for ‘In For the Kill’.

The excitement at last night’s event was palpable, as we caught up with the likes of Critics Choice nominee Ellie Goulding, who also performed, as well as top nominee Pixie Lott who performed her debut single, Mama Do.

X Factor success story, JLS were also in attendance to hear their nomination for British Breakthrough Act - alongside the pioneers of British grime scene N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder, who performed their Best British Single nominee Number One.

Sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the BRITs 30th anniversary!

Full List of Nominees

British Female Solo Artist
Bat for Lashes
Florence & the Machine
Leona Lewis
Lily Allen
Pixie Lott

British Male Solo Artist
Calvin Harris
Dizzee Rascal
Mika
Paolo Nutini
Robbie Williams

British Breakthrough Act
Florence & the Machine
Friendly Fires
JLS
La Roux
Pixie Lott

British Group
Doves
Friendly Fires
JLS
Kasabian
Muse

MasterCard British Album
Dizzee Rascal - Tongue n’Cheek
Florence & the Machine - Lungs
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You
Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

British Single
Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow
Alexandra Burke Ft Flo Rida - Bad Boys
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Joe McElderry - The Climb
JLS - Beat Again
La Roux - In For The Kill
Lily Allen - The Fear
Pixie Lott - Mama Do
Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart
Tinchy Stryder Ft N-Dubz - Number 1

Critics’ Choice
Ellie Goulding
Delphic
Marina and the Diamonds

BRITs Album of 30 Years
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
Dido - No Angel
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
Duffy - Rockferry
Keane - Hopes & Fears
Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
Sade - Diamond Life
The Verve - Urban Hymns
Travis - The Man Who

The BRITs Hits 30
Coming Soon

International Female Solo Artist
Lady Gaga
Ladyhawke
Norah Jones
Rihanna
Shakira

International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Eminem
Jay-Z
Michael Buble
Seasick Steve

International Album
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Black Eyed Peas - The End
Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Lady Gaga - The Fame

International Breakthrough Act
Animal Collective
Daniel Merriweather
Empire of the Sun
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

Outstanding Contribution Award
Robbie Williams