Brit Awards shake up

The Brit Awards 2011 are set for a big shake up.

It's been announced February's awards ceremony, to be held at the O2 Arena, will not include the 'Outstanding Contribution' which was won last year by Robbie Williams.

The climax of the evening will be the presentation of the MasterCard British Album Of The Year Award. Short films about the nominated albums will be played throughout the night.

In another break from tradition the Brits statues handed out to the winners will be restyled each year by "leading British creative individuals". The first makeover will be made by fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

Brits chairman David Joseph commented: "Vivienne stands for all the things we want to inspire in tomorrow's generation of artists."

Plus for the first time ever artists will be on the Voting Academy. The current Academy is made up of music critics, radio producers, music publishers, promoters, retailers and record labels. This year all 2010 winners and nominees will join the panel.

The Nominations for The BRIT Awards 2011 with MasterCard will be announced on Thursday 13th January at IndigO2, inside the O2.

Sir Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac The Spice Girls and Oasis are among the acts to be honoured with the 'Outstanding Contribution' award.