Brit pop on new high

Hear'Say: 2001 "Popstars" winners to instant chart-toppers

LONDON, England (CNN) -- The UK's music industry is revelling in its own success after seeing worldwide sales soar to a new high.

As the stars gather for the annual Brit Awards in London on Wednesday, executives and artists have plenty to be pleased about.

The popularity of hit TV shows like "Pop Idol" and "Popstars", which propelled unknown wannabes into celebrity status, have given added impetus to the UK industry.

The shows captured the imagination of music lovers around the world and have made millions for agents, promoters and performers.

Media giant Fox is now negotiating with the UK owners of "Pop Idol", FremantleMedia and 19 TV, for the rights to screen the show in the U.S., Liz Warner from FremantleMedia told CNN.

Meanwhile British artists like Dido and Robbie Williams saw their singles and albums snapped up around the world over the past year, pushing sales for the UK music industry up by more than five percent to $1.76 billion, according to the British Phonographic Institute.

Solo artist Dido capped a phenomenal year with three nominations for the Brits, including best female solo artist, best album, and best video.

Her debut album, "No Angel", was a smash in the U.S. and has become the UK's biggest selling album of 2001. Worldwide 12 million copies were sold.

Robbie Williams, who scooped three awards last year, is nominated for four awards this year -- best male solo artist, best single, and two for best video.

But the Brits do not have a monopoly. Australian Kylie Minogue also cemented a strong comeback with four nominations, including best pop act, best international album, best international female solo artist and best video for "Kids" -- performed in duet with Robbie Williams.

Kylie was set to perform live on stage during the awards at Earl's Court, along with Shaggy and Ali G, while veteran Sting was to accept the outstanding contribution award.

The Brit Awards has grown in stature since its birth as the Britannia Awards in 1977, when it was held to mark the 100th anniversary of recorded sound.

In 1985 former topless model Sam Fox and veteran musician Mick Fleetwood presented the first show to be known as the Brits, but the event was largely greeted with derision by fans and critics after the pair fluffed their lines and confused artists names and acts.

It proved to be the turning point. Since then the awards have gained in popularity and notoriety.

In 1996 Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker rushed the stage to protest against Michael Jackson while he was performing and two years later Chumbawamba's Danbert Nobacon showed how he felt about UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott by pouring cold water over him.

"The public interest in the Brit Awards this year is greater than previous years," a Brits spokesperson said.

"TV shows like 'Pop Idol' and 'Popstars' have rejuvenated the interest in British pop music and everybody wants to follow what happens.

"Like 'Pop Idols', the Brit awards are partly interactive because four out of 14 categories are voted for by the viewers. This attracts many younger viewers," she added.

Hear'Say, the band manufactured during the "Popstars" TV show last year, is nominated for best pop act at this year's Brit Awards, presented by DJ Zoe Ball and comedian Frank Skinner.