Music: Brit Awards 2007 (Part 1)

One of a number of music awards shows believing itself to be the industry standard, the much-maligned Brit Awards are apparently undergoing a resurgence. At least that's what we're being told; to trained ears, it simply means that more money is being poured in to promote a show that, devoid of any particular identity in the post-Britpop era, has really struggled to attract a decent share of viewers in the noughties.

Last year's show was a minor improvement (mainly due to Chris Evans' short-lived comeback) and, with the return to a live setting in 2007, the organisers are clearly aiming to revisit the show's more controversial years. In other words, they'll get Russell Brand to call someone a cunt just after nine and try to break the viewer complaints record. Cynical it may well be, but it's about time we had something to talk about.

This year's list of nominations is about as interesting as can be expected, although the dreaded MOR curse could strike and, if potent enough, has the potential to engulf every category. Here's hoping Lightbody and co. have a quiet one...

In typically investigative fashion I've decided to offer some predictions: who should win in every category and who will win in every category. Hopefully I'll be able to report back in Part 2 with the smug conviction that I'm one step ahead of the British music industry. If I get them all wrong, mind, I'll chew up this article, spit it out and duly commit it to burn for all eternity in Musically Sound's long-forgotten archives. The horror! The horror!

British Male Solo Artist
Winner: James Morrison
Shoulda: Thom Yorke

British Female Solo Artist
Winner: Lily Allen
Shoulda: Nerina Pallot

British Group
Winner: Arctic Monkeys
Shoulda: Arctic Monkeys*

British Album
Winner: Arctic Monkeys
Shoulda: Amy Winehouse

British Single
Winner: Take That
Shoulda: Lily Allen*

British Live Act
Winner: Muse
Shoulda: Guillemots

British Breakthrough
Winner: James Morrison
Shoulda: Lily Allen*

International Male
Winner: Jack Johnson**
Shoulda: Justin

International Female
Winner: Beyonce
Shoulda: Christina

International Group
Winner: Scissor Sisters**
Shoulda: Flaming Lips

International Album
Winner: Gnarls Barkley
Shoulda: Gnarls Barkley*

International Breakthrough
Winner: Gnarls Barkley
Shoulda: Gnarls Barkley*

It must be noted that some of these have been made under duress due to the limited selection. For example, other than Arctic Monkeys the choices for best British group are Kasabian, Snow Patrol, Muse and Razorlight.

A special mention should go to Oasis who will be getting a lifetime achievement award for an album they released thirteen years ago. There's nothing like a bit of superstition is there chaps?

* indicates a reluctant choice
** indicates a win by default (only one to give a shit)