Blunt leads British Grammy Award race

James Blunt leads the British race for Grammy Awards after the nominations were unveiled yesterday.

Blunt is up for five awards, including song of the year for his hit 'You're Beautiful', where he faces competition from Corinne Bailey Rae's 'Put Your Records On'. His other nominations include best new artist - along with triple nominee Bailey Rae - and best male pop vocal performance.

The first Depeche Mode single written by frontman Dave Gahan in the Essex band's 25 year history - 'Suffer Well' - also picked up a nomination for Best Dance Recording.

American acts still dominated proceedings, with Mary J Blige in the running for eight gongs and the Red Hot Chili Peppers trailing close behind with six nominations.