LONDON (AP) – Sam Smith could follow victory at the Grammys with triumph on home soil at Britain’s most prestigious music awards.
The soulful singer has five nominations for Wednesday’s Brit Awards, including best album and best male artist.
The 22-year-old cemented his star status by winning four Grammys earlier this month, including record of the year for “Stay With Me.”
Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Take That and Madonna are all due to perform at the Brits ceremony, which recognizes international stars alongside homegrown talent.
Leading contenders include Ed Sheeran and George Ezra, with four nominations each. British rock duo Royal Blood is up for three awards, and female British nominees include FKA Twigs and Ella Henderson.
International nominees include U.S. band The War On Drugs, Beyonce, Beck and Swedish duo First Aid Kit.
The Brits were once renowned for chaos, enlivened by incidents including a 1992 stunt in which British band the KLF left a dead sheep at the after-show dinner.
The ceremony has been transformed in recent years into a slick if predictable talent showcase – though the presence of the ever-provocative Madonna and unpredictable West could liven up the event at London’s O2 arena.
This year’s curved white Brits statuette was designed by Tracey Emin, the latest in a line of U.K. artists enlisted to remake the trophy annually.
Winners in most categories are decided by a ballot of music-industry members, with some chosen by public vote.