This week, the nominations for the BRIT Awards 2012 were revealed at a swanky party in London by Capital FM’s Greg James. First News went along to find out all the gossip and to see what host James Corden and some of the nominees had to say…

James Corden

Greg James: You’re back hosting the BRIT Awards for a 3rd year running.

James: I’ve learned a lot about the BRIT Awards; I’ve learned that it’s not about me. I’ve hosted it twice; one was rubbish, one was all right and that was the difference: it was ego. The important thing is to try and usher from great performance to great performance. It isn’t really a host’s gig and I think that is the important thing. But I am very much looking forward to it! I think it’s going to be a great night and I think the important thing is to try to improve every year. If we can make it better than last year, we’ll have done a good job.

Greg James: Why is the BRITs so amazing?

James: The truth is, the best thing about hosting the BRITs is that it is the most exciting day in the world until you actually have to host the BRITs. In the afternoon there is a huge dress rehearsal where all the bands come out and perform properly in costume and everything. It’s an empty arena, so basically they’re performing just for you. You think to yourself, if this was an auction prize it would go for a fortune, to sit in an empty 02 to watch Tinie Tempah and Arcade Fire and whoever else. That is the best thing but then, at some point, someone goes: “You’re live in 5, 4, 3…” and you just think: “I’ve got two hours to try not to ruin my career,” and that is all you think about. I had some lovely feedback last year, so I’m just going to try to do my best. 

Greg James: There’s a new BRIT Award this year. You have one there to show us!

James: Here it is (top right). It’s designed by Sir Peter Blake. I think it’s great that we do this, no-one else does this, do they? Last year’s award I thought was brilliant and this year’s is just terrific. What a great thing for an artist to take home, something that is so limited. That is the beauty of it. There will only be, what, 12 of these made? I’ve got Lisa Stansfield’s old BRIT at home. Seriously, I stole it from the BPI. I’m not joking! This is Emeli Sandé’s, she’ll be lucky if she gets it!

Emeli Sandé

Greg James: Massive congratulations. How do you feel?

Emeli: I feel happy and very excited. I think when you’re behind music for so many years and are trying to break in, to get this acknowledgment is fantastic. Thank you so much, I’m really happy.

Greg James: You’ve got the best award for the night as you can go to the awards without stress knowing you have the award!

Emeli: I was there last year when Jessie J won hers and I remember thinking how amazing it would be. I was so happy for Jessie because I’d followed her story before, so it’s amazing to be here tonight and live it for myself.

Greg James: What are your plans for the year after the BRITs?

Emeli: The biggest plan is to finally release the album, so that is out on 13 February, and, after that, it’s lots of shows. The album is the big thing, I can’t wait for people to hear everything that I am about.

Jessie J

Greg James: Does the launch bring back lovely memories for you from last year?

Jessie J: It does. It’s very weird to be here. I remember standing here last year and not knowing what the next 12 months was going to be like. And to come back round and have the year that I have had, I am a very lucky girl. I work hard for my fans, who work even harder than I do. And I’m just very proud to be able to pass on the Critics’ Choice Award to someone that not only do I respect but I appreciate their music, and she is a very talented lady.

Greg James: You’ve had an amazing year. You must be thrilled!

Jessie J: Yes, you know, you live in a bit of a bubble and you work hard and meet your fans, and then you come to events like this and you realise that this is why you do it. You work hard to give music to the world. Being here is like being at a party, being around artists that not only make amazing music but are nice people. I’m very proud to be British and I’m very proud to be here today. 

Greg James: You went to the BRIT school. How important was that for you?

Jessie J: You know what I loved about the BRIT School is that it doesn’t make you think that everything is easy. It shows that you have to look for opportunity and you have to be yourself. It celebrates individuality and that is a very important thing. Any school that supports young, new, up-and-coming musicians is somewhere that I wanted to be. I don’t think I would be on this stage today if I hadn’t been there. I remember singing at lunchtimes with Adele and I don’t think either of us believed that we would be around the world. The BRITs are an amazing thing to be part of and the BRIT school was an amazing part of my life.

Greg James: What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Jessie J: I’m doing the TV show The Voice. Exciting times. With Tom Jones. I can’t wait. I want to sing Sex Bomb to him. I’m going to be touring: I’m going to Australia and I’m doing an Asian tour this year. Hopefully, I want to announce another UK tour and just make more music. I’m starting to write my second album, which is quite daunting, but I can’t wait to see what it sounds like because I don’t know what it is going to sound like. And just to meet more people and more fans. Oh, and I’m going to be shaving my head soon, for charity. I want to raise lots of money to make it worth it!

The BRIT Awards 2012 will be shown live on ITV1 on 21 February.