Legendary rock’n’roll couple Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne preside over the The Brits 2008 when the UK’s biggest and most prestigious music awards returns live to ITV1 on February 20th.

Some of the greatest artists from Britain and around the world will take to the stage on a night that will mark the 28th anniversary of The Brits. Exclusive performances will come from Kylie Minogue, Kaiser Chiefs, Leona Lewis, Rihanna, Mark Ronson and Mika. Sir Paul McCartney will play what is sure to be an electric set for the Earls Court crowd as he celebrates receiving his Outstanding Contribution to Music Award.

Sharon Osbourne said of hosting the biggest and most anticipated music party of the year: “The thing I'm most looking forward to is working with Ozzy again. We’re not nervous. What is there to be nervous about - this is music. We are not hosting the Nobel Peace awards, we just want to make this awards show great fun.”

Sharon also revealed that if she could manage just one of the British bands nominated for an award it would be comeback kings Take That who are up for four Brit awards. “I haven’t managed anyone outside of my own family in years but if I had to it would be Take That. I saw their live show in London at the end of 2007 and it was one of the best live shows I have seen in years. I think they are hard working, very talented and have so much dignity.”

Rock’s first couple remain tight lipped about who they would like to see take home a Brit saying, “everyone who is nominated deserves to win” while naming their all time favourite Brits moment as the time Jarvis Cocker stormed the stage during Michael Jackson’s controversial performance.

The list of 2008 nominees is an exciting combination of new and established talent that reflects an outstanding year in which British music reached around the globe. The British public will once again have their voices heard by casting their votes on which one of ten acts will walk away with the highly prized Best British Single. The winner will be announced live on the night.

The Brits Academy, a committee made up of more than 1,000 experts from across the media and music business, decide which mix of home-grown musical talent and global stars are honoured with a coveted Brit trophy. For the full list of 2008 Brit nominees please see below.

Over on ITV2, Emma Griffiths, Matt Willis and Lauren Laverne will deliver unmissable behind the scenes action, capturing the red carpet fashion, glitz and glamour and gaining all the post show gossip from the most important awards in the music calendar.

Known for its unique collaborations and stunning showcases, The Brits 2008 with MasterCard promises a night of spectacular performances and with the Osbournes at the helm, viewers can expect the unexpected.

The Brits 2008 nominations list:

British Male Solo Artist**
Jamie T
Mark Ronson
Mika
Newton Faulkner
Richard Hawley

British Female Solo Artist**
Bat For Lashes
Kate Nash
KT Tunstall
Leona Lewis
PJ Harvey

British Group**
Arctic Monkeys
Editors
Girls Aloud
Kaiser Chiefs
Take That

Mastercard British Album**
Artic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare
Leona Lewis - Spirit
Mark Ronson – Version
Mika – Life In Cartoon Motion
That That – Beautiful World

British Breakthrough Act
Top five selected by the Brits Academy. Winner chosen by Radio 1 listeners
Bat For Lashes
Kate Nash
Klaxons
Leona Lewis
Mika

British Live Act
Nominees chosen by a panel of experts in association with The Live Music Forum. Winner chosen by Radio 2 listeners.
Arctic Monkeys
Kaiser Chiefs
Klaxons
Muse
Take That

British Single
Nominees voted for by UK Commercial Radio station listeners and The Sun Bizarre column readers. Winner will be chosen live on the night.
Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love
Mika – Grace Kelly
Take That – Shine
Kaiser Chiefs – Ruby
Sugababes – About You Now
Mark Ronson Ft Amy Winehouse – Valerie
Kate Nash – Foundations
The Hoosiers – Worried About Ray
James Blunt – 1973
Mutya Buena – Real Girl

International Male Solo Artist**
Bruce Springsteen
Kanye West
Michael Buble
Rufus Wainwright
Timbaland/Shock Value

International Female Solo Artist**
Alicia Keys
Bjork
Feist
Kylie Minogue
Rihanna

International Group**
Arcade Fire
Eagles
Foo Fighters
Kings of Leon
White Stripes

International Album**
Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
Eagles – Long Road Out Of Eden
Foo Fighters – Echoes Silence Patience & Grace
Kings of Leon – Because Of The Times
Kylie Minogue – X

Critics' Choice Award
Adele

Outstanding Contribution to Music
Sir Paul McCartney

** = Voted for by The Brits Academy

Wednesday 20 February 2008 8:00pm - 10:00pm on ITV1.