BBC Music Awards: nominees for British Artist and International Artist Of The Year

The nominees for the first ever BBC Music Awards have been announced, with Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith battling it out for British Artist Of The Year.

Also nominated in the same category are David Bowie, Elbow, Jungle and Royal Blood.

Nominees for the International Artist Of The Year are: Dolly Parton, Gregory Porter, Lorde, Pharrell, Prince and Taylor Swift.

The awards take place on Thursday, December 11. Voting for the Song Of The Year will open via announcements on Nick Grimshaw and Chris Evans’ breakfast shows.

The full event, which takes place at Earls Court, will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 and 2 from 6pm.

Bob Shennan, director of BBC Music, said: "The BBC Music Awards exist to celebrate the past 12 months in music. The shortlists feature an amazing range of hugely talented artists. Each and every one has made a unique mark on the music industry.

"They have experienced phenomenal success and it's wonderful to see new acts featuring alongside some of the biggest names in the business."