Bowie, Ellie Goulding, John Grant Get Brit Award Nominations

The nominations for this year's Brit Awards, the UK's version of the Grammys, are in and this year it's out with old and in with the new--except for Bowie. The "Space Oddity" took home the award for British male solo artist in 1984 and now, 3 decades down the line, he's up for it again. He's up against a group of artists who weren't even alive when he took home the Brit back in '84. John Newman, Jake Bugg, Mercury prizewinner James Blake, and Tom Odell--winner of the Brit's critic choice award last year--round out the category. Bowie's new album The Next Day is also up for the MasterCard British Album of the Year.

The most out of left field nomination this year is certainly John Grant. The 45-year-old, HIV-positive artist is up against Bruno Mars, Drake, Eminem, and Justin Timberlake for International Male Solo Artist. Grant's sophomore album, Pale Green Ghosts, has been lauded by critics worldwide.

As for International Female Solo Artist, it's a rather eclectic mix. Janelle Monae, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lorde, and Pink are all up for the award.

Bastille and Disclosure, despite having only released their debut albums this year, are up for 4 of the most prestigious awards: British Group, British Single, British Breakthrough Act, and MasterCard British Album of the Year.

The Arctic Monkeys, who are opening the show with a live performance, are up for British Group and British Album. Their latest LP, AM, has been both a critical and commercial success. Should they win both awards, it will be the first time in history that a band has won both categories on three separate occasions. This will put them ahead of Coldplay and Manic Street Preachers.

Ellie Goulding--who's competing against Jessie J, Birdy, Laura Marling, and Laura Mvula for Best British Female Solo Artist--will perform live. Bruno Mars, Rudimental, Katy Perry, and Arctic Monkeys round out the live act roster.