David Bowie, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran among first ever BBC Music Awards nominees

David Bowie, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are among the nominees in the first ever BBC Music Awards. Credit: PA

The inaugural BBC Music Awards has announced its shortlist of nominees, which includes David Bowie, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.

Bowie and Sheeran are up against Elbow, Jungle, Royal Blood and Sam Smith for the accolade of British Artist of the Year, while Swift will fight it out with Dolly Parton, Gregory Porter, Lorde, Pharrell and Prince for the title of International Artist of the Year.

David Bowie, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift are among the nominees in the first ever BBC Music Awards. Credit: PA

The shortlist was selected from a long list of the most played British and international artists of the year on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, 1Xtra and BBC Radio 6.

Ed Sheeran is up for British Artist of the Year Credit: PA

The awards will take place on Thursday December 11 and will be hosted by Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton on BBC One, Radio 1 and Radio 2.

One Direction, Coldplay, Paloma Faith, Calvin Harris and Sheeran will all be performing at the event at Earls Court in London.

David Bowie has been nominated for British Artist of the Year Credit: PA

Bob Shennan, director of BBC Music, said: "The BBC Music Awards exist to celebrate the past 12 months in music. The shortlists feature an amazing range of hugely talented artists.

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"Each and every one has made a unique mark on the music industry. They have experienced phenomenal success and it's wonderful to see new acts featuring alongside some of the biggest names in the business."

BBC Music is a new arm of the BBC that was officially launched in October with the broadcast of a new version of The Beach Boys' classic God Only Knows.