BRITISH soul singer Sam Smith heads the nominations for this year’s Brit Awards scheduled for Feb. 25 after being shortlisted for five awards, narrowly ahead of Ed Sheeran and George Ezra who are up for four apiece.

    Smith, 22, is in the running for prizes such as best male, best album and best newcomer at the prize bash to be staged next month — a year after he collected the Critics’ Choice title.

    Rock duo Royal Blood will compete for a trio of awards while singer Jess Glynne also finds her name on the shortlists three times as a guest vocalist on singles by Route 94 and Clean Bandit.

    Smith, who has become one of most played acts in the world over the past year, goes up against Sheeran, Ezra and Paolo Nutini for best male as well as Damon Albarn who collects his first Brit nom in his own right after years of acclaim for his output with acts such as Blur and Gorillaz.

    Smith’s release “In the Lonely Hour” lines up for the best album award against Sheeran’s “x,” Alt-J’s “This Is All Yours,” Ezra’s “Wanted on Voyage” and Royal Blood’s self-titled debut.

    Smith also competes for best newcomer and his single “Stay With Me” compete for best single and best video.

    Taylor Swift has been shortlisted for best international female along with Beyonce, Lana Del Rey, Sia and St Vincent.(SD-Agencies)