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

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