Gorillaz and Dido lead Brits shortlist
The band which Blur frontman Damon Albarn started as a side project is leading the field for this year's Brit Awards as the shortlists have been unveiled.
Gorillaz, a studio-based project with illustrator Jamie Hewlett, have been nominated for six prizes, only the second time a single act has amassed so many.
Dido receives four nominations in a year in which she came virtually from nowhere to land the best-selling album of 2001 with No Angel.
The singer rose to stardom after rapper Eminem chose her song Thank You as the backing track to his chart-topper Stan and has now sold more than 12 million albums worldwide.
Also shortlisted for four prizes are pop heartthrob Robbie Williams - who has previously won 12 Brits for his solo career and years with Take That - and Kylie Minogue.
Another quirk from this year's nominations allows Atomic Kitten to be nominated for best newcomer for the second year running as the eligibility period overlaps with the 2000 Brit Awards.
The trio face nine other acts including Elbow, Gorillaz, acoustic duo Turin Brakes and Zero 7.
Hear'Say, whose future will be decided with crisis talks this week after band member Kym Marsh's rumoured departure, picked up two nominations - for best pop act and best single.
The nominations were announced at a party in London's Abbey Road studios where The Beatles honed many of their finest moments.
The event takes place on February 20 - and televised the following night on ITV1 - at Earl's Court in London, culminating with lifetime achievement award for Sting.
