Jessie J, Adele + Ed Sheeran Lead 2012 Brit Awards Nominations

While the American music industry prepares for next month’s Grammy Awards, the U.K. equivalent, the Brit Awards, just announced its nominees for the 2012 ceremony, led by Adele, Jessie J, and Ed Sheeran.

Adele has three nods — Album of the Year for ’21,’ Best British Single for ‘Someone Like You’ and British Female Solo Artist. Jessie is up for British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act and Best British Single for ‘Price Tag.’ Twenty-year-old newcomer Ed Sheeran actually bagged the most nominations with four.

The Brits choose their nominees differently than the Grammys. The 10 finalists for British Single of the Year are automatically selected based on sales and airplay. Among the artists looking to challenge Adele, Jessie J and Sheeran in that category are One Direction, for their debut hit ‘What Makes You Beautiful.’

While most of the awards are restricted to British nominees, a few international awards give some love to American pop stars. Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce are among the contenders for Best International Female Solo Artist. Jay-Z and Kanye West are nominated together for Best International Group. Nicki Minaj and Foster the People scored nods for International Breakthrough Act.

The 2012 Brit Awards take place on Feb. 21 in London.

Complete list of 2012 Brit Awards Nominations:

British Male Solo Artist

Ed Sheeran

James Blake

James Morrison

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Professor Green

British Female Solo Artist

Adele

Florence + the Machine

Jessie J

Kate Bush

Laura Marling

British Breakthrough Act

Anna Calvi

Ed Sheeran

Emeli Sandé

Jessie J

The Vaccines

British Group

Arctic Monkeys

Chase & Status

Coldplay

Elbow

Kasabian

British Single

Adele – ‘Someone Like You’

Ed Sheeran – ‘The A Team’

Example – ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me’

Jessie J feat. B.o.B – ‘Price Tag’

JLS feat. Dev – ‘She Makes Me Wanna’

Military Wives & Gareth Malone – ‘Wherever You Are’

Olly Murs feat. Rizzle Kicks – ‘Heart Skips A Beat’

One Direction – ‘What Makes You Beautiful’

Pixie Lott – ‘All About Tonight’

The Wanted – ‘Glad You Came’

Mastercard British Album of the Year

Adele – ’21′

Coldplay – ‘Mylo Xyloto’

Ed Sheeran – ‘+’

Florence & The Machine – ‘Ceremonials’

PJ Harvey – ‘Let England Shake’

International Male Solo Artist

Aloe Blacc

Bon Iver

Bruno Mars

David Guetta

Ryan Adams

International Female Solo Artist

Beyoncé

Bjork

Feist

Lady Gaga

Rihanna

International Group

Fleet Foxes

Foo Fighters

Jay-Z & Kanye West

Lady Antebellum

Maroon 5

International Breakthrough Act

Aloe Blacc

Bon Iver

Foster The People

Lana Del Rey

Nicki Minaj

British Producer

Paul Epworth

Flood

Ethan Johns

Critics’ Choice

1st: Emeli Sande

2nd: Maverick Sabre

3rd: Michael Kiwanuka

Outstanding Contribution to Music Award

Winner: Blur