Brit Awards 2013 Preview: Emeli Sande Set For Success, Justin Timberlake On Stage And A Possible Heartbreak Clash

BRITS PREVIEW: Winners, Performers And A Possible Clash
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The music industry will give itself one giant pat on the back on Wednesday night, as the Brit Awards 2013 come to London's 02 Arena.

Hosting the ceremony for his fourth year will be the now Tony Award-winning James Corden (if a bout of tonsillitis doesn't get the better of him).

The actor will no doubt be praying everything runs to schedule this year so he's not left cutting off one of the world's most successful recording artists halfway through their acceptance speech.

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Adele and James Corden at the 2012 Brits

Adele, seen flicking the finger on live television in 2012, is once again up for an award, this time with her James Bond theme 'Skyfall' nominated in the Best British Single category. It's odds on 1/5 to win, followed by 'X Factor' winner James Arthur's 'Impossible' at 8/1 and Olly Murs' number one 'Troublemaker' at 12/1.

As experience has taught, when it comes to the Brits there are some things you just can't plan for, such as the time Jarvis Cocker mooned at Michael Jackson, but below we bring you the things you can expect from music's biggest bash in its 33rd year...

Who’s going to win?

Say the name Emeli Sande and you often hear a groan these days. It's not that she's a bad singer, but we all had our fill of her in 2012 with her numerous appearances at the Olympic ceremonies and constant radio airplay of her hits like 'Read All About It'.

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Emeli Sande at the 2013 Brits nominations where she came out on top

Continuing her awards streak after the success of her debut number one album 'Our Version Of Events', Sande is now odds on favourite to sweep the board at this year's Brits.

The Scottish singer, who won last year's Critics' Choice gong and had the best-selling album of 2012, is being tipped for double success with bookmakers William Hill offering virtually unbackable odds of 1/6 and 1/10 to pick up Best Album and Best Female respectively.

Leading the way in the Best Male category is singer-songwriter Ben Howard. The 'Only Love' singer has odds of 2/7, with Scottish DJ Calvin Harris at 5/2, ahead of Plan B, Olly Murs and Richard Hawley.

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Ben Howard is expected to win Best Male

Other stars expected to win awards on the night include Frank Ocean, who was previously a ghostwriter for artists such as Brandy, Justin Bieber, and John Legend, for International Male.

After releasing his critically acclaimed debut studio album, Channel Orange, in July 2012, the 'Thinkin Bout You' singer is now a big name in his own right.

Meanwhile, Lana Del Rey is expected to scoop International Female, The Black Keys International Band, massive-sellers Mumford & Sons look likely to win British Group over One Direction and Rita Ora is heading for British Breakthrough, according to the bookies' odds.

Who’s going to perform?

Robbie Williams - the man who has won more Brit Awards than anyone else, with a huge 17 gongs on his mantlepiece - will dutifully perform. Perhaps a song from his latest number one album 'Take The Crown' or a classic.

British supergroup Muse, up for both British Group and British Live Act, will rock the stage. Meanwhile, Mumford & Sons will add a dose of folk and One Direction will bring some bright and cheerful pop.

Solo artists set to perform include Ben Howard, Emeli Sande (of course) and 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' singer Taylor Swift.

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Taylor Swift will perform

However, the name on most people's lips is Justin Timberlake. He's making a return to the UK with a rendition of 'Mirrors' from his forthcoming third studio album 'The 20/20 Experience', which he first unveiled following his set at the Grammy Awards.

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Justin Timberlake will make a Brits comeback

Rumours abound that Timberlake's recent collaborator Jay-Z will join him on stage, or perhaps even Beyonce - with whom JT has been working on her new album. However, there's been no sign of either US superstar at this week's Brits rehearsals, so fans may just have to be thankful they've got Timberlake back from film land after six years.

What else should we look out for?

Amy Winehouse could become the first posthumous Brits winner after being given a nod in the Best British Female category. It was the first posthumous nomination in Brits history, made on account of her 2012 release 'Lioness: Hidden Treasures', however the bookies currently have Emeli Sande predicted as the winner of that particular prize.

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Amy Winehouse could become the first posthumous Brits winner

Also on the night, gossip lovers will be on the look out for a bust-up between One Directioner Harry Styles and his recent ex Taylor Swift. Swift recently made a dig at Styles during her Grammys performance by mocking a British accent and now organisers are now apparently keeping the two young stars apart during rehearsals.

Finally, don't forget to look out for your invite to Jay-Z's party. He's reportedly splashing out half a million pounds on a party at Hakkasan afterwards. Suits and ties will be a must. Cigars optional.