BEEB PULLS IN STAR POWER FOR MUSIC AWARDS

The most happening names in U.K. music are lined up to perform at the BBC Music Awards on 12/10. It’s the second edition of the annual event, which launched last year as the Beeb’s very own BRIT Awards rival. Universal and Sony each have three artists on the bill, while Warner boasts one, with more to be announced in due course.

From Universal’s U.K. camp are Ellie Goulding (Polydor), Hozier (Island) and Mumford & Sons (Island). Sony’s Little Mix (SYCO), OMI (Ultra/Columbia) are also set to perform alongside One Direction (SYCO) for the second year running, and Warner star Jess Glynne (Atlantic), who appeared last year with Ed Sheeran and Clean Bandit.

Five awards will be given on the night for British Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year as decided by the BBC Music panel, Song of the Year voted for by members of the public and a special award for a BBC Introducing artist. Live Performance of the Year has been newly added this year, which will be given to the band or artist who has delivered the stand out BBC Music live moment of 2015 (also voted for by the panel).

Last year’s winners were Columbia star Pharrell Williams (Best International Artist and Song Of The Year for “Happy”), Atlantic’s main man Ed Sheeran (British Artist of the Year) and Island guitar band Catfish and the Bottlemen (Best New Act).

This year’s ceremony takes place at The Genting Arena in Birmingham. Radio personalities Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will host the live event from 4-6pm, which will be broadcast the same evening on BBC One, Radio 1, Radio 2 and bbc.co.uk/music.

While the BBC pulls its weight in star power, the BRITS are still unrivaLled in terms of ratings. 5.8 million viewers tuned in to ITV to watch the long-running ceremony in February, compared with the 3.9m TV audience the BBC Music Awards pulled in December last year.