'There's a 20 second delay and I'm sh*tting myself' That was Peter Jamieson's reaction last night to ABLE2 when we asked him if The Brits 2007 are going to be COMPLETELY live this year on ITV1. We all have distance disturbing memories of Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood making arses of themselves years ago, so who has the job of presenting this years awards on Valentines Day?
The answer to this taxing question is right in front of us, being interviewed by Ferne Cotton on a podium at Hammersmith Palais. Russell Brand has a quick word with Ferne regarding his main presenting role next month before dashing off to fill his Big Brother Big Mouth programme. Brand may have left the building, but tonight's invited guests from the BPI school -( they being the young, frantic crowd at the front and the assortment of media monguls, record executives and hangers on towards the back enjoying the free booze from the bars) have live performances to enjoy from The Feeling, James Morrison & The Fratelli's Then there's of course the nominations. The whole reason behind tonight's launch party being aired on ITV2, although this time with an hour delay. Which is probably a good thing as we have spotted Jarvis Cocker in the VIP crowd. The BPI (the organasition behind The Brits) have eventually forgiven him from his stage invasion with Michael Jackson back in 1996.
Live acts at the awards themselves which Jarvis can disrupt this year include Corrinne Bailey Rae, Take That, Oasis, Scissor Sisters, The Killers, Amy Winehouse, Snow Patrol and opening act Red Hot Chili Peppers - who we can exclusively announce are heading the Carling Weekend in August.
All the press were given a press folder from which they can copy stuff this morning in their reports. There's a few pages where Paul Gambaccini reviews this years nominated albums, spill on the Brit school remarking their success having Amy Winehouse, Katie Melua and The Kooks as former pupils and a couple of pages congratulating UK artists album sales. The BPI also packed in a hefty advertisement for the album & DVD release details related to this years awards. It's 5th February on Universal Records should you be interested!
With the awards now less than a month away the excitement is already building, the nominated artists crossing their fingers and Jamieson buying a new pair of underpants!
We suppose it's time to give you a list of nominations...
British female solo artist: Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, Jamelia, Lily Allen, Nerina Pallot.
British album: Amy Winehouse - Back to Black, Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, Lily Allen - Alright Still, Muse - Black Holes & Revelations, Snow Patrol - Eyes Open.
British group: Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Muse, Razorlight, Snow Patrol.
British breakthrough act: Corinne Bailey Rae, The Fratellis, James Morrison, The Kooks, Lily Allen. (Winner chosen by BBC Radio 1 listeners)
International breakthrough act: Gnarls Barkley, Orson, The Raconteurs, Ray Lamontagne, Wolfmother. (Winner chosen by MTV viewers)
British live act: George Michael, Guillemots, Kasabian, Muse, Robbie Williams. (Winner chosen by BBC Radio 2 listeners)
British single: Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On, The Feeling - Fill My Little World, James Morrison - You Give Me Something, The Kooks - She Moves In Her Own Way, Leona Lewis - A Moment Like This, Lily Allen - Smile, Razorlight - America, Sandi Thom - I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker, Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars, Take That - Patience, Will Young - All Time Love. (Five nominees from this shortlist will be chosen by listeners to two commercial radio chart shows. A live public vote will decide the winner on the night)
International male solo artist: Beck, Bob Dylan, Damien Rice, Jack Johnson, Justin Timberlake.
International female solo artist: Beyoncé, Cat Power, Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado, Pink.
International group: The Flaming Lips, Gnarls Barkley, The Killers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Scissor Sisters.
International album: Bob Dylan - Modern Times, Gnarls Barkley - St Elsewhere, Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds, The Killers - Sam's Town, Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah.
Outstanding contribution to music: Oasis