Celebrating its 30th birthday – The BRIT Awards 2010 with MasterCard will showcase the sheer depth and diversity of British and International music talent from the past year’s big releases. The big night out in the British music calendar will take place at London’s Earls Court Arena on Tuesday 16 February and screened live to millions on ITV1.

Featured in the nominations list is an eclectic and impressive range of artists who have enjoyed success both in the UK and around the world in 2009. Their achievements have been recognised by the 1000 strong BRITs Academy. The nominations in twelve categories were announced at a media packed launch party, hosted by Radio 1’s Fearne Cotton, at London’s indigO2.

Leading the way with three BRIT nominations each are a quartet of pops finest ladies, UK’s Florence & The Machine, Lily Allen, Pixie Lott and that all American phenomenon Lady Gaga. They will be going head to head in a battle of the females. Having been crowned the most successful selling artist of 2009, with her single ‘Poker Face,’ Lady Gaga makes her BRIT Awards nominations debut with a well-deserved three nominations. Short listed for International Female Solo Artist, International Breakthrough Act and International Album for ‘The Fame’, Lady Gaga will look to be one of the most coveted International acts at The BRITs for many years.

Coming out on top with her critically acclaimed second album ‘It’s Not Me, It’s You’ Lily Allen takes three nominations, going up against Florence & The Machine for British Female Solo Artist, MasterCard British Album and British Single of the Year for ‘The Fear’. UK newcomer Pixie Lott has stormed the charts with her debut single ‘Mama Do’ which goes up against La Roux, JLS, Lily Allen and Cheryl Cole amongst others for British Single of the Year. Pixie is also nominated for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act.

The Anglo American battle will be heavily fought between Dizzee Rascal and American heavy-weight Jay-Z who received double nominations. Dizzee Rascal, heralded as bringing Grime back to the forefront of UK music – paving the way for artists such as N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder, goes for a win in the categories for British Male Solo Artist and MasterCard British Album. Standing in Dizzee’s way in the British Male Solo Artist category are Calvin Harris, Mika, Robbie Williams and Scotland’s finest, Paolo Nutini who is a two-time nominee. Paolo is also nominated for his superb ‘Sunny Side Up’ album in the MasterCard British Album category.

To celebrate The BRIT Awards 30th anniversayr, The BRITs 2010 will see two retrospective categories introduced to pay homage to the biggest selling album successes and most memorable live performances of the past 30 years.

The ‘BRITs Memorable Performance of 30 Years’ Award will see a shortlist of stunning live performances from BRITs history showcased on a special ‘BRITs Hits 30’ television special broadcast by ITV1 on Saturday 23 January hosted by Mel B. Once aired, viewers will be able to vote online through the itv.com/brits and gm.tv websites with the winner being announced at the main show on 16 February at Earls Court.