Brit Award Nominations 2009 Explored

Coldplay, Duffy, Fleet Foxes and Adele Recognised in Shortlist

Feb 3, 2009

With the Brit Awards 2009 looming in shiny musical award splendour, Suite 101 takes a look at the glittering nominations list featuring some of the best music of 2008.

The Brit awards are always a slightly predictable affair, with 2009 proving to be no exception as all of the major selling records of the year find their way onto the shortlists. All the nominations are pretty safe bets, with one or two in each category standing out as strong contenders. However, while it’s a shame the ceremony seems to honour sales more than artistic endeavour, that doesn’t mean that 2009’s awards offer no potential for pleasant surprises or major upsets.

This year’s Brit awards will be co-hosted by Kylie Minogue and comedy duo James Corden and Matthew Horne. Kings of Leon, U2, Girls Aloud and Duffy will give live performances, while the Pet Shop Boys will accept an award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

With just a fortnight to go until the great names of the UK’s music industry turn out at London’s Earls Court for a performance packed, glittering night, Suite101 takes a look at the nominations for the Brit Awards 2009.

Best British Male

Possible the most dreary of this year’s categories with the same old names getting bounced around yet again, 2009’s shortlist for Best British Male features Ian Brown, Paul Weller, The Streets, Will Young and James Morrison.

Suite101 doesn’t doubt indie legend Ian Brown’s claim to the award, but in much the same way as Formula One got ridiculously boring when Michael Schumacher won every grand prix, so too does the Brit Awards desperately need to identify new artists worthy of honour. Paul Weller falls foul of the same trap, and the others just seem to make up the numbers in a category that is probably relieved no longer to house the feminine caterwauling of James Blunt and co.

Best British Female

Duffy goes head to head against M.I.A., Adele, Beth Rowley and Estelle. While M.I.A. has had great success with ‘Paper Planes’ in 2008, not to mention being hot on the heels of massive exposure following her brilliant contribution to the soundtrack of Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, it’s hard to imagine the award going to any other but the diminutive Welsh songstress and spectacular talent behind the biggest selling album of 2008, Rockferry.

Best British Group

Oh dear. Girls Aloud proposed as Best British Group? If it goes their way this one could certainly provide a few laughs. Or equally horrifying would be seeing the insanely trite Take That take the coveted award. Much more likely is that this one will go to major soft rockers Coldplay, following their stellar 2008 which saw the worldwide chart-topping release of Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, its follow-up EP, Prospekt’s March, and their massive international tour.

However critics’ favourites Radiohead will provide stiff competition, off the back of the retail release of the widely acclaimed In Rainbows and Mercury and Grammy Awards nominations which will also no doubt have a significant influence on the 1000-strong voting academy.

Best British Live Act

The first of two of the evening’s awards to be decided by public vote, this category could easily become a popularity contest.

Since Coldplay have probably the most efficient publicity machine of the five nominees, along with their ability to pull pretty innovative special effects at their live shows, it’s only sensible to put money on Chris Martin and co. However it is interesting to see veteran heavy metallers Iron Maiden making an appearance, alongside Scouting For Girls, The Verve and Elbow.

Best British Single

The second award to be chosen by public vote, this category is likely to mirror record sales. Betting odds are currently suggesting the Duffy’s ‘Mercy’ and Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ are frontrunners for the accolade, in what is shaping up to be the theme for this year’s awards - a clear showdown between the Welsh diva and the British supergroup. The full shortlist is as follows:

The Brit Awards 2009 ceremony takes place at Earls Court on February 18th, and will be televised on ITV1.

Read more about the UK’s top music awards

Find out more about this year’s Brit nominations in Brit Award Nominations 2009 Discussed, including Suite 101’s thoughts on the nominees for Best British Album, Best British Breakthrough Act, Best International Album, Best International Male / Female and Best International Group.

The copyright of the article Brit Award Nominations 2009 Explored in Indie Pop Music is owned by Lisa Sutlieff. Permission to republish Brit Award Nominations 2009 Explored in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.