NEWS: BRITS showcase UK music strength

UK acts in spotlight at Brits

The 38th annual edition of the BRIT Awards, from the British Phonographic Industry, showcases the UK's top performing musical acts.

Dua Lipa, whose single ‘New Rules’ was the most-streamed of 2017, has underlined her breakthrough year with five nominations - a record for a solo female artist.

The all-conquering Ed Sheeran also continued his run of success with four nominations. Sheeran's first two singles from his most recent album, "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill", made records in several countries, including the UK, Australia and Germany, by debuting in the top two positions of the charts.

He also became the first artist to have two songs debut in the US top 10 in the same week. Sheeran has sold more than 26 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide.

The bigger categories illustrate the diversity of the UK's leading musical acts with competition between Dua Lipa, Sheeran, J Hus, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and Stormzy for the British Album of the Year award.

The British Male Solo Artist category includes nominations for Sheeran, Stormzy and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man as well as Liam Gallagher and Loyle Carner.

The British Female Solo Artist category features Paloma Faith, Kate Tempest, Jessie Ware, Laura Marling, and Dua Lipa The contenders for British Group include Wolf Alice, Gorillaz, London Grammar, The XX, and Royal Blood.