Gorillaz are up for six awards

But the Stereophonics' nomination has made it a good week for the Cynon Valley band as their album, Just Enough Education to Perform, goes back to number one.

Gorillaz are up for six awards, while Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Dido are all named in four categories.

Another cartoon character, Bob the Builder, has gained his first nomination, while two albums named in the best British album category were also nominated last year.

One notable absence from this year's list of contenders is Irish band U2, who won two awards last year including lifetime achievement award. They were recently named front-runners for this year's Grammy Awards.

Noel Sullivan: Hear'Say are nominated

Flying the flag for Wales, the Sterephonics won Best New Act in the 1998 Brit Awards.

This year they are competing in the much tougher category of best British group along with Travis, Radiohead and Jamiroquai.

The Manics have been big winners at the Brits in the past but they do not have a single nomination this year.

It is the same for the Super Furry animals - 2001 was their most successful year to date but a Top Ten album and a clutch of hit singles have not been enough to get a nod from the music industry moguls.

However, there is some good news for Noel Sullivan from Cardiff.

Despite rumours they could be splitting up, the TV Popstars band Hear'Say are up for the Best Pop Act.