Stars ready for Brit Awards

LONDON, England -- The world's pop elite will put on the glitz as the music industry prepares for the UK's biggest night of the year on Wednesday, the Brit Awards.

The pop star extravaganza, where music celebrities are known for using foul language, will hear live performances from a range of UK and international artists.

British singer and songwriter, Dido, will perform at the awards at Earls Court, London, along with Australian pop diva Kylie Minogue, cartoon band Gorillaz, and UK Garage pioneers So Solid Crew.

Dido will also look to cap a successful year by winning three nominations, including best female solo artist, best album, and best video.

Her debut album, No Angel, became the UK's biggest selling album last year selling more than 12 million copies worldwide.

Former boy-band-gone-solo star Robbie Williams, a triple winner in 2001, maintains his status with another four nominations, and Minogue, will celebrate her comeback with four nominations.

R&B singer Craig David, who left last year's award ceremony empty-handed despite six nominations, proves that he is really Born To Do It as he returns on Wednesday with three nominations.

Veteran singer Sting, recipient of this year's Outstanding Contribution award, while another evergreen singer Elton John, has been nominated for best male artist.

International artists are also well represented among the nominations including U.S. R&B singer Alicia Keys, rapper Dr Dre, Bjork and reggae star Shaggy.

Show business writers have condemned this year's nominations as a farce after superstars U2, Madonna and Britney Spears have been overlooked.

"It does seem a bit of a mess," said Andre Paine, news editor at the influential music magazine NME.

"They have missed out bands like U2 who did genuinely well this year."

Instead manufactured pop band HearSay, which was created during the British TV show Popstars in 2001 is nominated for this years best pop act.

The awards' guests, renowned their lack of respect of authority -- or each other -- has become famous for abusive language and behaviour.

Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker harangued Michael Jackson during a performance six years' ago while two years later Chumbawambas Danbert Nobacon showed how he felt about UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott by pouring cold water over him.

Zoe Ball will present this year's show with comedian Frank Skinner.