BRITS go pop

19-01-2008 08:15

The announcement of the nominations for this year's BRIT Awards at London's Roundhouse on Monday (14.01.08) confirmed that pop is once again riding high in the UK music scene.Triumphant comeback kings Take That, solo star Mika and 'X Factor' winner Leona Lewis all boast four nominations, and look poised to dominate the ceremony at London's Earls Court on February 20.Back in their 90s heyday Take That managed their fair share of BRITs success, walking off with Best British Single in 1993, 1994 and 1996. But despite their massive popularity they were never more than a sideshow to the main event of the titanic battle between the Britpop and cutting edge dance acts of the mid-90s - the first decade where the judging panel overhauled their policy of overlooking critically acclaimed acts in favour of big-selling mainstream artists. Fast forward to the present and their image looms larger over this year's ceremony than it ever did during their pomp, with the foursome in the running for Best British Group, Best British Live Act, Best British Album for 'Beautiful World' and Best British Single for 'Shine'.It is the recognition for their album and live performances which really catch the eye, and confirm what many suspected - Take That have earned an accolade most would have considered unthinkable at their inception: credibility.Their rivals in the race for Best Live Act, Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Klaxons and Muse, all come equipped with the usual paraphernalia associated with the category - guitars, drums and noise. The presence of Gary Barlow and his piano alongside such acts is a testament to the massive impact he, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald have had since their inspired return. After topping off their 50-date 'Beautiful World Tour' with a performance at London's O2 arena on New Year's Eve (31.11.07) they have certainly earned it, and with 'Beautiful World' having now shifted in excess of two million copies worldwide, they will make for formidable opponents in the album category. Last year, 'Patience' saw them walk off with their fourth Best British Single award. This year the rewards could be even greater, with betting chain Ladbrokes claiming the band's fans have gone "berserk" in their eagerness to put some money on their idols, turning them into 1/2 favourites to take home Best British Album and 5/4 frontrunners for Best British Group.Ladbrokes spokesman David Williams said: "We thought it might be closer in the album category between Take That, Leona Lewis, and Mika, but it's the resurgent boy band who the punters want."