Brit Awards 2015 predictions: Who will walk away victorious?

This evening (February 25), the biggest and brightest stars will be getting ready for the Brit Awards 2015.

It's one of the most prominent nights in the British music calendar with the likes of Madonna, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Take That, Ed Sheeran, Paloma Faith, and Kanye West all confirmed to perform.

But which hopefuls are likely to be honoured tonight? Join us as we take our pick of the nominations below.

British Male Solo Artist
Damon Albarn
Ed Sheeran
George Ezra
Paolo Nutini
Sam Smith WINNER

As with most of the categories at this year's Brit Awards, it really feels like any of the acts nominated could walk home with the prize. Paolo, George and Ed have all had an extremely successful 2014, and while Damon Albarn trails behind in terms of sales and appeal, he has bucket-loads of respect in the industry.

However, much like at the Grammys earlier this month, we think its going to be a clean sweep for last year's Brits Critics' Choice winner Sam Smith.

British Female Solo Artist
Ella Henderson
FKA twigs
Jessie Ware
Lily Allen
Paloma Faith WINNER

All five of these female artists are completely different and it's difficult to predict which way the Brits panel will sway. Ella Henderson smashed it internationally with her hit single 'Ghost', but FKA twigs had the critics hypnotised with her full-length debut LP1.

Then there's Jessie Ware, who put in another seriously good effort with Tough Love, and Lily Allen, who is no stranger when it comes to a Brits win. However, after being nominated twice before in this category, we think it'll be Paloma Faith's moment to finally take the prize home.

British Group
alt-J
Clean Bandit
Coldplay
One Direction
Royal Blood WINNER

This could quite possibly be the most eclectic group of nominees in a single category this year. One Direction continue to dominate worldwide, while Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' was one of the biggest anthems of the year. However, we're going to say Royal Blood could have this one in the bag, after receiving unanimous praise for jolting a bit of life back into British rock.

British Breakthrough Act
CHVRCHES
FKA twigs
George Ezra
Royal Blood
Sam Smith WINNER

It's been an incredibly strong year for new British talent with each of these nominees not only making waves here in the UK, but on a global scale. That said, it's undeniable the impact Sam Smith has had on the world stage this past 12 months and so we think he'll bag his second Brit Award of the night with this one - especially considering it's been decided by a public vote.

British Single
Calvin Harris - 'Summer'
Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne - 'Rather Be'
Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones - 'I Got U'
Ed Sheeran - 'Thinking Out Loud'
Ella Henderson - 'Ghost'
George Ezra - 'Budapest'
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - 'Uptown Funk' WINNER
Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne - 'My Love'
Sam Smith - 'Stay with Me'
Sigma - 'Nobody to Love'

Dance music has really shown its clout in this category, but nothing has made people move more than Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk'. It only just made the list after its UK release was brought forward to December, but considering its chart dominance and critical acclaim over the past few weeks, it would be a worthy winner.

British Video
Calvin Harris - 'Summer'
Charli XCX - 'Boom Clap'
Duke Dumont featuring Jax Jones - 'I Got U'
Ed Sheeran - 'Thinking Out Loud'
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars - 'Uptown Funk'
One Direction - 'You and I' WINNER
Rita Ora - 'I Will Never Let You Down'
Route 94 featuring Jess Glynne - 'My Love'
Sam Smith - 'Stay with Me'
Sigma - 'Nobody to Love'

This is another category voted for by the public, so considering their passionate fanbase, we're going to assume One Direction have this one in the bag. However, if any of the other videos were to give them a run for their money, we'd be looking at Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud' and Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk'.

MasterCard British Album of the Year
alt-J - This Is All Yours
Ed Sheeran - x
George Ezra - Wanted on Voyage
Royal Blood - Royal Blood
Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour WINNER

This year's coveted Album of the Year award is an all-male battle, ranging from the delicate coos of Sam Smith to the infectious chaos of Royal Blood. Nevertheless, we think the former will take the gong for his outstanding debut record In The Lonely Hour - Digital Spy's album of 2014, and the only artist album to sell over a million copies in the UK and US last year.

International Male Solo Artist
Beck WINNER
Hozier
Jack White
John Legend
Pharrell Williams

Considering his big win at the Grammys last week, we're looking at Beck to take home this one after the success of his latest album Morning Phase. His closest competition? Most probably the ubiquitous Pharrell Williams.

International Female Solo Artist
Beyoncé
Lana Del Rey
Sia
St Vincent
Taylor Swift WINNER

This is easily the strongest category at this year's show. All five of these female artists deserves the recognition, but if we look at our iTunes play count from the past year, then Taylor Swift is way up there. 1989 was a commercial and critical triumph, and if anything deserves to win Taylor her first ever Brit Award, then it's that record.

International Group
5 Seconds of Summer
The Black Keys
First Aid Kit
Foo Fighters
The War on Drugs WINNER

Just like the British Group category, the International Group nominees are an eclectic bunch. 5SOS have clearly had a very good year, but we think The War on Drugs will be the surprise win here and deservedly clinch this one. If it points people in the direction of their very good album Lost In The Dream, then we'd be very happy indeed.

The Brit Awards 2015 will be hosted by Ant and Dec from London's O2 arena on February 25. The show will be broadcast live on ITV from 8pm.

Who do you think will walk home with Brit Awards tonight? Leave your comments in the box below: