Big hopes as rapper Tinie gets four Brit nominations

The 22-year-old south Londoner is up for British Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, and both Single and Album of the Year.

His debut album, Disc-Overy, went straight to number one last October and he already has two number one singles to his name.

There is also recognition for veteran rocker Robert Plant, who picks up his first Brits nomination.

The former Led Zeppelin frontman, who has gained critical acclaim for his recent country-tinged albums, is nominated for British Male Solo Artist.

Rapper Plan B and folk-rockers Mumford And Sons all have three nominations, with re-formed "manband" Take That getting two for Best Group and Album of the Year.

The XX also get three nominations including one for their Mercury Prize winning album XX.

Also shortlisted for the prestigious album award, which Brits bosses have made the focus of the show, are Mumford And Sons and Plan B.

X Factor winner Matt Cardle takes on one of the show's judges, Cheryl Cole, in the battle for Best Single, while the show's 2008 winner Alexandra Burke is also nominated for her track All Night Long.

Up and coming singer Jessie J has already been announced as the winner of the Critics' Choice prize this year.

This year's ceremony, at the 02 arena in south London on Tuesday February 15, will be hosted by Gavin And Stacey star James Corden.

The comic actor said: "I have always loved the Brits and I am honoured to have been asked to host such a prestigious event."

Corden co-hosted the awards in 2009 with Kylie Minogue and Gavin And Stacey co-star Mathew Horne.

This year's winners will pick up trophies designed by fashion guru Dame Vivienne Westwood.

HMV's Gennaro Castaldo said: "It's a pretty open list that fizzes with new talent and more than ever underlines the sheer vibrancy and diverse appeal of the British music scene right now – not least R'n'B and Hip Hop – which increasingly occupies pop's middle ground."

Brits front runner Tinie Tempah, who will perform at the awards night along with Rihanna, Take That and Plan B, said if he could win just one of the four awards he has been nominated for, he would choose Best Single. "That was a pretty big song for me and that was kind of the record that kicked everything off."

Ellie Goulding, who has been propelled to stardom since she was awarded the Brits Critics' Choice award 2010, was bowled over to be nominated for two awards this year.