Brit snub for Jamelia

Joss Stone is poised to snatch the best British female solo artist prize from Jamelia at tonight's Brit Awards.

Music industry insiders say the 17-year-old soul diva will be the surprise winner in one of the award's most coveted categories, also beating Natasha Bedingfield, PJ Harvey and Amy Winehouse.

Jamelia, however, is expected to lose out in all three of her nominated categories - the others are British urban act and British single. The decision is bound to stir up controversy, because Birmingham R & B star Jamelia - despite having hit double platinum with her album Thank You and sold one million copies of the single Superstar - has never won a Brit.

She has won a clutch of Mobos and Q awards, but it had been hoped she would complete the collection with the best British female solo artist accolade tonight.

One music industry source said: "There are a lot of people who are going to be outraged about this. Joss Stone is an undeniably great artist but the Brits will be missing a trick by not honouring Jamelia. She is the undisputed Queen of British R & B and her success over the past year-and-a-half beats her rivals hands down. It's a bizarre decision."

The Standard can also reveal that singer Gwen Stefani is tipped to beat Kylie Minogue, Kelis, Alicia Keys and Anastasia to take the best international female artist award.

Franz Ferdinand are favourites to be the evening's biggest winners after being shortlisted in five categories. They are hot contenders to lift at least the best album and best band awards.

The Glaswegian band are only the second ever to receive that number of nominations, after Oasis in 1996, and will also be performing live at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, it is rumoured that U2 will lose out in both the international album and international group categories. Green Day are favourites to take the international group award.

The line-up for the 25th Brits show at Earls Court - to be screened on ITV1 tomorrow night - promises live acts including Robbie Williams, Scissor Sisters and Bob Geldof who will be presented with an outstanding contribution award. It will be hosted by Chris Evans and guest presenters include actor Clive Owen and Little Britain's Matt Lucas and David Walliams.

The Streets' Mike Skinner has also overturned his own rule never to attend an awards ceremony, and will play live. He is up for the best male solo artist award.